Straightaway Tire & Auto Reaches Milestone 65th Location; Poised for Accelerated Growth in 2025
January 2025
Charlotte, NC
O2 Investment Partners (www.o2investment.com) is pleased to announce that Straightaway Tire & Auto, a leading independent automotive repair and service platform, concluded 2024 with achievement of a significant milestone: its 65th location. Additionally, the company launched a new platform website (www.gostraightaway.com) to share the Straightaway story and enhance its digital presence. Furthermore, Cameron Chernikow was appointed as Chief Customer Officer to oversee strategic marketing efforts and support operational alignment across its expanding portfolio.
Throughout 2024, Straightaway strategically acquired 17 additional locations to strengthen its presence across existing markets, resulting in 21 locations in Colorado, 17 in New England, 20 in Minnesota, and 7 in Florida. The expansion reflects Straightaway’s focus on strengthening its network of locations within the local markets it serves. It also underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining the quality of local automotive care, supporting the communities, customers, and associates involved.
“At Straightaway Tire & Auto, reaching 65 locations isn’t just a milestone, it’s a testament to our dedication to independent, community-focused automotive care,” said John Teddy, CEO at Straightaway Tire and Auto. “Our mission goes beyond expanding our footprint; it’s about strengthening local automotive repair brands that deliver exceptional customer experience and uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity.”
Straightaway also announced the appointment of Cameron Chernikow as Chief Customer Officer. Chernikow brings over 20 years of experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Merchandising at American Tire Distributors. Chernikow has a strong background in experiential marketing, where she has specialized in launching brands through innovative local and field strategies. In her new role, Chernikow will lead efforts to create a seamless customer journey across all touchpoints, leveraging category management and data-driven insights to drive growth, enhance profitability, and deliver localized, scalable marketing solutions that boost customer acquisition, engagement, and retention.
“I am thrilled to join Straightaway during this exciting time of growth,” Chernikow said. “With a unique blend of experience in commercial operations, merchandising, and marketing, I am committed to supporting our brands by enhancing their local presence and fostering strong community connections. By harnessing scalable strategies and data-driven insights, we will create a meaningful customer experience that drives growth, fosters brand loyalty, and delivers value to our investors and communities.”
Andrew Faubel at O2 commented, “Reaching 65 locations further strengthens our existing markets and affirms the platform’s ability to support local M&A. While we continue to densify our current footprint, we are also looking for growth-minded brands to partner with in new markets.” He added, “We are delighted to welcome Cameron Chernikow to the leadership team. Her addition bolsters and expands the platform’s growth-accelerating capabilities for local brands.”
About Straightaway Tire & Auto:
Straightaway Tire & Auto is a leading independent, full-service aftermarket automotive repair and service platform with 65 locations across Colorado, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. Straightaway focuses on building strong local brands by partnering with established automotive repair businesses to provide resources and operational expertise that drive growth and long-term success. The company is committed to identifying opportunities to strengthen the markets where it operates and, being good stewards of the communities it serves. Straightaway is actively expanding its footprint in new and existing markets through strategic acquisitions, and welcomes inquiries from shop owners interested in exploring a sale or partnership.
About O2 Investment Partners:
O2 Investment Partners is a Midwestern-based private equity firm that seeks to invest in lower middle-market niche services, technology, and select industrial companies. The firm invests in businesses with earnings growth potential and a clear path to creating shareholder value. O2 invests to partner with management to build and grow the business and take it to its next stage of development. This requires a clear vision and strategic plan to create shareholder value, close partnership, and alignment of interest with management.
Additional information is available at www.o2investment.com; www.gostraightaway.com