Grismer Tire & Auto Service has appointed Chris Blanchette as Chief Executive Officer and Mark Hedstrom as Chief Financial Officer. The Dayton, Ohio-based operator of tire and automotive service centers, a portfolio company of CenterOak Partners LLC, announced the leadership appointments on September 24, 2026.
New CEO has experience across the aftermarket
Blanchette brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in multi-site consumer services, with deep expertise in operations, strategy and business development. He joins Grismer from Service Minds, a residential electrical, plumbing and HVAC services company, where he was Chief Executive Officer. Before that, he served as Chief Operating Officer of QAS, an operator of Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations, and held senior operational roles at Advance Auto Parts, Bridgestone Retail Operations and Best Buy.
CFO joins from specialty distribution
Hedstrom brings more than 30 years of finance experience. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of W.S. Connelly & Co., a multi-regional specialty distributor, and previously held the CFO role at several private equity-backed consumer and distribution businesses.
“Chris Blanchette brings highly relevant leadership experience in the automotive aftermarket,” said Eric Holter, Managing Director at CenterOak. “He has led complex, multi-location organizations and understands how to translate operational discipline into sustainable growth. Together, Chris and Mark add important depth to Grismer’s leadership team as the Company pursues expansion in existing and new markets.”
“Grismer’s 90-year history and the trust it has earned with customers set the Company apart,” said Blanchette. “I am excited to join a business with such a strong legacy and see significant opportunity to grow the Company while preserving the qualities that have made it successful.”
About Grismer and CenterOak
Grismer is a leading independent operator of tire and automotive service centers. The company offers mechanical and electrical repair, preventative and scheduled maintenance, and tire replacement services across a broad range of vehicle types, including electric and hybrid vehicles. Over its more than 90-year operating history, it has built a strong reputation for high-quality service, trusted customer relationships and competitive pricing.
CenterOak Partners is a Dallas, Texas-based private equity firm managing $2.5 billion of equity capital commitments, with a focus on control-oriented investments in middle market companies. The firm invests in Business Services, Industrial Services and Consumer Services, and says it has a history of creating significant value through organizational development, operational improvements and transformational growth.
