Olivia Davis, manager of Fast Lube & Oil in Brookings, was honored as employee of the month by National Oil & Lube News. (The Pilot/Leah Weissman).

By Leah Weissman

Pilot staff writer

Most people don't cry when they are awarded employee of the month. But Olivia Davis, manager of Fast Lube & Oil in Brookings, has a good reason.

Fast Lube & Oil owners Tom and Carol Roades nominated Davis as employee of the month to National Oil & Lube News (NOLN) – a nationally syndicated magazine that is considered to be the oil change industry's oldest and largest trade publication.

Out of the thousands of employees who were nominated for employee of the month to NOLN, Davis was chosen by a panel of judges as employee of the month for June.

"I never thought I'd win," Davis said. "There are about 3,000 shops who receive this magazine, and they all nominate employees, too. It's a really tough competition.

"I cried the day the magazine called and told me I won," she added. "I'm still in shock."

The Roadeses nominated Davis because of her tenacity, work ethic and dedication to serving her customers.

"She can answer most any question on most vehicles, even before the local dealerships are even aware of new oil requirements," the Roades couple wrote in their nomination letter to NOLN. "Our customers depend on her to be the expert regarding the service on their vehicles. If she's in doubt, she will find out and answer all she can. She leaves some guys standing with open mouths in surprise of her knowledge. ..."

Davis started working at Fast Lube & Oil 11 years ago, washing windows and changing tires. One year later she was promoted to assistant manager, and five years later became store manager.

According to both the owners, Davis started out with no previous experience in the oil change industry. It was her eagerness to learn new things and her friendly personality that made them hire her.

"She couldn't just sit still, she wanted to learn all she could," the Roadeses wrote to NOLN. "When short-handed, she jumped right in to learn hoods and all she could about running the business. She keeps updated on everything – reading all she can about the business and the fluids requirements for the new vehicles. We have a lot of loyal customers and repeat services because of her."

Davis is in charge of fleet accounts, charges, monthly statements, hiring, training, ordering, inventory and customer service.

"I love my job and I love my customers," Davis said.