Bob Ladas, President and CEO of 105 (and growing) Valvoline Instant Oil Franchise Stores began his career in the quick lube business in 2002 by founding Metrolube Enterprises, Inc. The Company was founded specifically to develop and operate Valvoline Instant Oil Change facilities under franchise agreements with Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc. The first store, built in 2002 from the ground up is in Hudson, MA. In 2005, a second store was constructed in Marlborough, MA. In 2009 the Company acquired 11 stores, expanding into the southern and central Florida markets.
In 2012, the Company expanded once again by acquiring 39 additional locations in Florida. Quoted from a Press Release by Valvoline (Lexington KY) in December 2012 - "This is one of the largest acquisitions we've had at Valvoline Instant Oil Change. We’re excited to expand in the Florida market with such an outstanding franchisee. Bob Ladas has demonstrated a strong commitment to his customers and it shows in the way he runs his service centers."
In recent years, the Company has added numerous locations throughout the states of MA, FL, AR, OK, AL, MS, MO and looks to grow to 130 stores within the next 18 months.
Metrolube Companies is the third largest franchisee for Valvoline Instant Oil Change and in solely owned by Bob Ladas. Recently featured in the National Oil and Lube News, Bob credits his success with being a “hands-on operator” while aligning himself with a proven system and partner (Valvoline) that is customer centric with a long history of product satisfaction.
Metrolube has been recognized as Valvoline's OPERATOR OF THE YEAR 2021, 2017, and 2012, winner of the TALENT MANAGEMENT AND GROWTH AWARD 2021, and winner of the MACLEOD LEGACY AWARD which recognizes a franchisee who consistently serves/gives back to make the VIOC system better year after year and the National “OIL OLYMPICS” Challenge in 2018 and 2017.