Ownership changes hands at Oil Exchange
By Lynsi Perry
On Tuesday, April 1, the Albany Oil Exchange closed a chapter for one local business man, Matt Birkla, but began another for five others. Jami Childress, James Schkade, Justin Anderson, Dustin Parsons, and Seth Shortes from Breckenridge all teamed up to keep this business local once more.
All new owners already run their own businesses, some more than one, or have leadership roles in the company they work for, so none of them are green with business sense. Schkade said this was something he wanted to do with his daughter, Jami Childress, and also said it is great for the community. Most of the new owners have known each other throughout the years.
When asked how they got the idea to go in together, Anderson said it was through lifelong friendships and partnerships that they decided to purchase the 24 year-old business together. Anderson explained that the partners are excited to own this business and provide great service to the community. “We all love Albany and the people that live here, and it’s important to us to help keep our town prosperous and thriving,” said Anderson.
Parsons gave the history behind The Oil Exchange, reporting that the first Oil Exchange was opened by Lesley Jones in 2001 located on North Main Street where Centerwell Home Health is now operating. Jones built the current Oil Exchange building in 2002, after tearing down the Burger Hut. In 2006, Matt Birkla bought the business from Jones and has been running it up until a few weeks ago.
Childress said that Birkla did a great job running the business all these years. “We all want to thank him for the way he operated the Oil Exchange. Several vendors and customers have commented on Birkla’s business practices which makes it easy to step into our new roles,” added Childress.
Birkla said he has enjoyed serving the Albany community and it is a bittersweet transition. “We really appreciate all the business and support over the years,” said Birkla.
After a short retirement from the slick service business, Birkla will start a local pool service, where he will surely dazzle clients once again. It will be called Anchors Aweigh as a nod to his Navy days. FYI his number is 325-370-0575, for readers with pool cleaning needs.
Birkla said he looks forward to being just a customer at the Oil Exchange. His brother Mark Birkla and Mike Scott will still be working and serving the community in their same capacity under the new ownership.
Anderson explained that all the same employees under Birkla will remain, plus one new employee has been added. “We hope to continue to offer the same great service as Birkla did and hopefully everyone accepts us as the new owners and appreciates the things we do to enhance the business for Albany,” said Anderson.
The new owners of The Oil Exchange plan to give the building a face-lift, as well as concreting the drive and adding a neon sign tribute to the business. They also plan to create an inside waiting area with drinks and a TV. Car detailing along with other ideas and surprises for customers are to come in the near future. “We are just excited to own this business and dress it up making it look nice for our community,” concluded Anderson.
The Albany Oil Exchange, located at 332 Hill Street, will continue to specialize in high-quality motor oils, fluids, and filters for all major makes and models of vehicles. They also work on cars and light trucks as well as sell and install all major tire brands.
The business hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 325-762-3959 or go by and support the new owners. You might even see them getting their hands dirty.
