The previous week included some big news from the industry's big companies.

Take 5 Oil Change announced layoffs for more than half of its workforce at company-owned stores. 

Valvoline said last week that its franchised and company-owned VIOCs remain open, but those at the company are taking measures to brace against any new measures that might be needed.

Finally, we had columnist Lenny Saucier write about his work volunteering at a local high school. He shares his work here.

Be sure to check out this page on the NOLN website, which is the place for the latest updates and information around coronavirus and the response for businesses.

With the coronavirus pandemic underway, many shop owners are wondering how to keep business afloat. While some of us have the luxury of working from home (like all of us at NOLN), shop owners don't have that choice. So, how can shop owners get through this difficult time and keep business going?

Shop owner Bill Floyd of Lucas Oil Center talks with our staff writer, Abby Patterson, on how shops can stay proactive and promote the business, staff, and customers through this time.

For all of the latest coronavirus news, stay up to date with the latest in NOLN's coverage.

Welcome to the news weekly episode of The NOLN Podcast that's all about business during the coronavirus. 

The staff here is all about keeping shop owners informed, so the roundup this week includes ways to keep your customers' vehicles sanitized,  as well as a resource roundup for business owners.

Finally, get the latest in this article about essential and nonessential designations, actions by the AOCA and how one operators decided to close down for now.

This week had a variety of stories in the mix. 

NOLN took a look at U-Haul's no-nicotine hiring policy, a college program that studies hybrid powertrains and research that shines a light on all that particulate matter coming off of tire and brake wear.

That, plus a look at NOLN's coronavirus coverage, are all here.

Join associate editor Tess Collins as she talked with Rock Star Marketing founder Jennifer Filzen about the newest trends in marketing and how to get engaged and confident in your shop's digital brand.

You can also find Filzen's expertise in the magazine: "Hitting the Marketing Mark"

March 10, 2020—This week was largely about network growth, with news about Strickland Brothers' first franchised shop, a new Chicago-area VIOC and big plans for Victory Lane to reach the century mark.

In addition, a Mississippi shop suffered severe damage in a storm last week.

Here is the link to take the 2020 NOLN Operator Survey.

Here is information to participate in the 2020 NOLN awards for Best Looking Lube, Operator of the Year and Technician of the Year.

NOLN is launching a weekly news roundup to bring you highlights from the stories of noln.net. 

If you have any shop news or announcements, drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll give a shout-out on the podcast.

Also mentioned in this episode is the 2020 NOLN Operator Survey. Here's the link:

Justin Strickland, founder of Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change, shares his experience in launching and now franchising his independent quick lube network. It's been a lot of work, but Strickland has been up to the task and he had some great insight on how it has all come together.

You will be able to read more about Strickland and his operation (in addition to two other awesome operators) in the March issue of NOLN. Until then, enjoy this How I Did It edition of the podcast.

A couple items of business: Please rate and subscribe to our podcast on your platform of choice!

Additionally, the 2020 NOLN Operator Survey is near and dear to many industry hearts. We will have it open for submissions on March 1, and you'll likely see emails or ads from us promoting it. Please participate in the survey to help everyone understand the numbers behind the industry. Thank you!

On this edition of Top Trends, Joe Robinson, trainer, speaker, and work-life balance coach, gives listeners tips on the best ways to manage the stress in your life.

Welcome to the second episode of The NOLN Podcast! In this How I Did It edition, we're focusing on the works of columnists Lenny Saucier and Adam Tatum. 

Both were great interviews and shared some great thoughts on the industry. You can expect more of the same from their written work. Here are their January columns:

"What Business Are You In?" by Lenny Saucier

"Getting Process Buy-in and Building Good Habits with Contests" by Adam Tatum