Straightaway Tire & Auto Hits 65 Locations, Set for 2025 Growth
O2 Investment Partners is excited to announce that Straightaway Tire & Auto, a leading independent automotive repair and service platform, has achieved a major milestone by reaching 65 locations as of the close of 2024. This significant accomplishment represents not only the company’s growth but also its commitment to providing high-quality, community-centered automotive services. In line with its ongoing expansion efforts, the company also welcomed Cameron Chernikow as Chief Customer Officer to oversee strategic marketing and ensure operational alignment across its growing network.
Throughout 2024, Straightaway focused on strategic acquisitions to expand its footprint, adding 17 new locations to its portfolio. These new locations, combined with its established presence in key regions, now bring the company’s total to 65 locations across the U.S. The company’s network spans several states, including Colorado (21 locations), New England (17 locations), Minnesota (20 locations), and Florida (7 locations). This deliberate strategy of expanding within existing markets demonstrates Straightaway’s dedication to strengthening its presence in local communities while continuing to provide exceptional service and care.
As the company continues its upward trajectory, John Teddy, CEO of Straightaway Tire & Auto, expressed pride in the milestone, saying, “At Straightaway Tire & Auto, reaching 65 locations is not just a number; it is a reflection of our relentless dedication to independent, community-focused automotive care. While we are proud of our growth, our true mission is to strengthen local automotive repair brands that offer excellent customer service, upholding the highest standards of quality, trust, and integrity.”
The company’s philosophy is clear: Straightaway is committed to ensuring its local businesses maintain their personal touch and focus on customer satisfaction, even as they grow and expand. Straightaway views each of its locations not as a mere branch of a large corporation but as a vital part of a community-driven service network. This community-first approach has helped the company build strong relationships with customers, associates, and partners across its regions of operation.
In a key move to enhance its customer-focused initiatives, Straightaway also appointed Cameron Chernikow as Chief Customer Officer. Chernikow brings over 20 years of expertise in merchandising, marketing, and commercial operations, most recently serving as Vice President of Merchandising at American Tire Distributors. Her impressive background in experiential marketing and brand building, particularly in local and field strategies, positions her as a perfect fit for Straightaway as it scales. In her new role, Chernikow will focus on creating a seamless and personalized customer journey across all touchpoints. Using data-driven insights, she will drive growth by developing localized, scalable marketing solutions that enhance customer acquisition, engagement, and retention.
“I am thrilled to join Straightaway during such an exciting period of growth,” said Chernikow. “With my experience in operations, merchandising, and marketing, I look forward to helping Straightaway build even stronger connections with its communities. I am committed to delivering a meaningful customer experience by leveraging data-driven strategies and innovative marketing techniques, ensuring that each customer feels valued and supported.”
Chernikow’s appointment underscores Straightaway’s commitment to bringing top talent to its leadership team as the company navigates a period of rapid growth. With her strong track record in driving brand growth and enhancing customer loyalty, Chernikow is well-positioned to guide Straightaway through its next phase of expansion. She will oversee key strategic marketing efforts, ensuring that each location within the Straightaway network can offer a consistent, high-quality experience while remaining connected to its community roots.
In addition to the new leadership, Andrew Faubel, Partner at O2 Investment Partners, emphasized the strategic importance of Straightaway’s milestone. “Reaching 65 locations not only strengthens Straightaway’s position in its existing markets but also demonstrates the platform’s capability to support local M&A activity. We are focused on densifying our current footprint while also looking to identify growth-minded brands to partner with in new markets.”
Faubel continued, “We are also excited to welcome Cameron Chernikow to the leadership team. Her expertise will further accelerate the company’s growth and enhance its ability to deliver results. We are confident that her leadership will play a critical role in supporting Straightaway’s continued expansion and in driving the company’s customer-first approach forward.”
Looking ahead, Straightaway plans to continue its focus on enhancing local brands and expanding its service offerings. The company’s approach is rooted in the belief that local businesses can thrive within a larger network while retaining their individuality and personal connection to customers. By focusing on organic growth through acquisitions and strategic partnerships, Straightaway has built a solid foundation for future expansion in both established and new markets.
Straightaway’s success is also attributed to its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, as evidenced by its sustained growth in multiple regions. The company’s ability to adapt to the changing needs of the automotive Tire repair and service industry, while maintaining a focus on the customer experience, has made it a trusted name in the Tire industry. With a focus on Tire integrity and Tire service excellence, Straightaway has built a loyal customer base that values the reliability and consistency of its services.
In the coming year, Straightaway will continue to build on its strong foundation of service excellence. With the new website, strategic leadership appointments, and a robust growth strategy, the company is well-positioned to expand its footprint and further enhance its digital presence. Straightaway’s commitment to growth and innovation also extends to its employees and associates. By maintaining a people-first approach, the Tire company ensures that its employees are well-equipped to deliver outstanding service to customers. With a focus on operational efficiency and employee engagement, Straightaway creates an environment where its teams can thrive and succeed. This commitment to employee development further strengthens the company’s ability to provide exceptional automotive care to its communities.
The company’s growth and success are a direct reflection of its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the automotive industry, including changing customer expectations and the rise of digital technology. Straightaway has proven that it is possible to combine the best aspects of a local, community-driven business with the operational efficiencies and reach of a larger, networked platform. By remaining focused on quality, service, and innovation, Straightaway is poised for continued success in the years ahead.
As the company moves forward into 2025, it remains committed to its core values of quality, trust, and community service. With an expanding network, an experienced leadership team, and a renewed focus on customer experience, Straightaway Tire & Auto is set to remain a leader in the independent automotive repair and service industry.
