EZ Lube Repaving Road to Success With Addition of CEO and President Guy Marsala

COSTA MESA, CA--(Marketwire - Aug 8, 2011) - EZ Lube, a wholly owned quick lube retailer based in Costa Mesa, California, has brought new CEO and President Guy Marsala on board to redouble its focus on customer service and revitalize the company after financial challenges in 2009. His extensive experience in company turnarounds is expected to pave the way for important changes and an improved market position for the Southern California chain.

"We know what customers expect: a low price and quality service done quickly," says Marsala. "At EZ Lube, we are dedicating ourselves to delivering these principles consistently. Our vision is to make car care 'EZ' for our customers by delivering unmatched value and professional service done quickly and with a smile."

Marsala has already launched several major strategic initiatives since joining the company in April 2010, tuning up the hiring criteria, creating more robust customer-focused training programs and building increased levels of accountability in operations and customer service. The changes -- aimed at getting customers in and out fast; providing service with a friendly, cheerful attitude; offering quality work done right every time; and delivering exceptional value to customers, every car, every time -- are under way at EZ Lube's 74 company-owned stores throughout Southern California.

"EZ Lube has amplified its efforts to make sure Southern California car lovers understand that they'll find quality, affordability and convenience that will help them get the most from their beloved cars," continues Marsala. "We have improved personnel protocols and a variety of targeted value programs to make sure customers know that we're a brand-new EZ Lube."

Marsala's impressive track record of success bodes well for EZ Lube's own transformation, and he says the new leadership team at EZ Lube signifies a new day and a new way for the fast oil change experts. Marsala achieved a ten-fold market capitalization increase at Navarre Corporation, a publicly traded music and software entertainment distributor; and the reversal of 15 years of declining sales and restoration of consistent double-digit sales and profit growth at Jostens, a Minneapolis-based scholastic products company. He is a customer-centric leader who played a lead role in the integration of Corporate Express and BT Office Products, an acquisition that was lauded by BusinessWeek, and generated a return on investment for shareholders of 110% in the first year after the two companies merged. His emphasis on building service excellence led to the company being named "Supplier of the Year" by complex, demanding customers such as General Motors and W.W. Grainger. His leadership has also made an impact at PepsiCo, Aramark and American Hospital Supply Corporation. He holds an MBA from the University of Dallas and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Marsala is in the driver's seat of a hand-selected new leadership team, including CFO Mark Archer who came on board in December 2009 with a wealth of retail and private equity experience; and VP of Sales and Operations Roger Dunlap, who's driving operational excellence while increasing store sales and maintaining a positive brand image. Warren Martin, VP of Marketing, adds significant brand-building experience to the executive team, having grown iconic brands like Kraft Singles, Laughing Cow Cheese and Taco Bell. Everything on the to-do list for John Allen, VP of Compliance, is aimed at ensuring EZ Lube meets and exceeds environmental standards and complies fully with all applicable laws and regulations; and Matt Kimble, VP of Human Resources, is driving core improvements in the firm's personnel, from top to bottom. As a team, they're leading the local chain down the road to renewed growth, profitability, and brand awareness.

EZ Lube's stores are wholly owned, not franchised, which gives the company a consistency of pricing and service that goes unmatched in the quick lube sector. Those strengths, combined with a commitment to customer service and convenience, give the company a decided edge over the competition.

About EZ Lube: Founded in Orange County in 1988, EZ Lube is Southern California's only wholly owned and locally based quick lube retailer. The company is dedicated to making car care 'EZ' for customers by delivering unmatched value and professional service done quickly and with a smile. Its 74 company-owned locations stretch from Bakersfield to San Diego, servicing more than 1 million vehicles annually and helping Southern Californians get better gas mileage, reduce emissions and extend the life of their vehicles with regular oil changes and preventive services, including fluid and filter replacements, A/C service, fuel system cleaning and other preventive maintenance services. Because the stores are wholly owned and not franchised, EZ Lube is able to offer a consistency of service and pricing unparalleled in the industry -- backed by an A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The high levels of satisfaction rely on excellent customer service and the fact that EZ Lube insists on using only quality brands like Castrol, Mobil 1, and Lucas, alongside value-priced options for the budget-conscious consumer. For more information, visit www.ezlube.com.