Oil Can Henry's
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive repair |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Marshall Stevens |
| Fate | Acquired by Ashland Inc. in 2015; rebranded as Valvoline Instant Oil Change |
| Headquarters | Tualatin, Oregon , United States |
Area served | Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota |
| Products | Oil change and automotive maintenance services |
Oil Can Henry's operated as a chain of oil-change service centers headquartered in Tualatin, Oregon, United States. Before its acquisition by Ashland Inc. in 2015, the business functioned as a franchisor with outlets spanning Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Arizona, Colorado, and Minnesota. Following the purchase, these locations were rebranded under the Valvoline Instant Oil Change name.
The stores were designed without waiting areas; instead, customers could observe their vehicle’s service through monitors linked to cameras positioned around the car. Patrons also received complimentary newspapers, either local editions or USA Today. Staff members were easily identifiable by their unique attire, which included a bow tie and a newsboy cap. The company's slogan was "The One You Can Trust".
History
Established in 1978 by Marshall Stevens, a real estate developer from Tigard, Oregon, Oil Can Henry's changed ownership in 1988 when the Shepanek family and partners acquired it for $340,000; Stevens maintained partial franchise holdings. Renamed OCH International, the firm began franchising operations in 1989 and achieved $15 million in revenue by 1996.
By 1997, Oil Can Henry's was ranked as the 18th largest oil change company nationwide and entered into a strategic alliance with Valvoline. This partnership provided loan guarantees, financial support for new franchisees, and discounted oil supplies. As of April 2007, the company had grown to 67 locations, including ten that were company-operated. Stevens divested most of his outlets in 1991 due to financial challenges.
In late 2014, the company and its franchisees collectively donated $71,000 to the National Military Family Association and contributed an additional $91,000 in November 2015.
On December 11, 2015, Ashland Inc., which owns the Valvoline brand, completed its acquisition of OCH International.
Operations
Oil Can Henry's maintained a presence across six western states: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Arizona, and Colorado—with a concentration of stores primarily in Oregon and Washington. Beyond oil changes, the company offered various automotive maintenance services.
The original Tigard location was known as "Gearhart's Lubricatorium" and featured distinctive Steampunk-inspired gear-driven oil dispensers that embodied the brand’s fictional founder persona, "Henry Gearhart."
See also
External links
- Oil Can Henry's (official website)