Western Carolinas First... It All Started 30 Years Ago For Just $10!

It took several attempts before we got Vance to join David Popp of Shell (on left) and Bob McConnell (on his right) of Taylor Enterprises as they offered each other congratulations.

Western Carolinas First... It All Started 30 Years Ago For Just $10!

You might call it insight. You could even call it a gamble. Some may have thought it was crazy. Whatever you might have called it in the fall of 1982, 30 years later you might now call it genius. 

The idea of becoming the first fast oil change in all of Western Carolina seemed a good probability to brothers Vance and Gene Sisk. They committed themselves to a business called Fast Way Oil Change. Everybody went to service stations back then. The Sisk brothers had a rough time in the beginning. They were lucky to service four cars a day. However, their determination and persistence finally paid off. 

Vance Sick will tell you that the only way they could stay in business was selling firewood. Back then everybody was using firewood. By providing firewood to the community, Vance and Gene kept Fast Way Oil Change in business for the first 10 years. Then their concept finally “caught on”! People realized that it was not only fast but also a good deal. The primary thing that brought customers to Fast Way was the repeated great customer service the Sisk brothers offered. Vance says that: “The people of the community have been wonderful and for that we are most grateful. If it hadn’t  been for them, we wouldn’t still be here. So, today, 30 years later, we’re saying thanks to them. This special $10 oil change is for them.” The lines of vehicles at 293 South Broadway in Forest City on Friday attest to the overwhelming acceptance of the Sisk Brothers gift. 

The idea for the $10 oil change was a throwback to 1982. That is the price Fast Way charged back then. Times and pricing of products has changed, but what is amazing is the final cost factors for the Friday, August 31, 2012, Fast Way Oil Change “thank you” celebration. That is the day that 312 vehicles got an oil change for only $10! The Sisk brothers wanted to give back to the community and did it in a grand way. In spite of the tremendous cost, Vance Sisk on behalf of both his brother, Gene and himself, said: “It was just great!” Testimony to this was that all day long from opening to closing, three lines of vehicles reached all the way out to the street. 

With this attitude and continuing emphasis on customer service, one can only wish continued success for the Sisk brothers. Just as they did in 1982 when they pioneered a new concept, today they set an example of what it means to belong to a great community, to always remember, and to give back and share their success. 

We can only join in with their hundreds of customers and say “thanks for the thank you celebration!” We’re proud of you being a part of Rutherford County.