Grismer Tire & Auto Service Appointed New Leaders
The Dayton-based auto service chain has named a new chief executive and chief financial officer.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
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Grismer Tire & Auto Service has appointed Chris Blanchette as its new CEO and Mark Hedstrom as its new CFO. These leadership changes arrive as the Dayton-based company looks to accelerate its growth across existing and new markets.
Why it matters
The appointments come following a majority recapitalization of the firm by CenterOak Partners LLC. This move is designed to leverage new executive leadership to expand the company's footprint after 90 years in business.
The firm operates 28 locations and is backed by CenterOak Partners, an investment firm managing $2.5 billion in equity capital commitments. The new leadership team brings a combined 50 years of professional experience to the organization.
The players
Chris Blanchette
He is the new CEO of Grismer Tire & Auto Service who previously held the same role at Service Minds.
Mark Hedstrom
He is the new CFO of Grismer Tire & Auto Service and brings extensive financial experience from his time at W.S. Connelly & Co.
CenterOak Partners LLC
This private equity firm is based in Dallas and manages $2.5 billion in equity capital commitments.
Adam Grismer
He founded the automotive service company in 1932.
The details
Chris Blanchette joins the team after previously serving as CEO of Service Minds, while Mark Hedstrom moves into his role with experience as the former CFO of W.S. Connelly & Co. The company was originally founded by Adam Grismer in 1932.
Timeline
Adam Grismer founded the company in 1932.
CenterOak Partners completed a majority recapitalization of the company in March 2026.
Grismer announced the appointment of the new CEO and CFO on September 24, 2026.
Market Landscape
The leadership overhaul follows the 2026 recapitalization of Grismer Tire Co. by CenterOak Partners. This transition positions the firm to compete more aggressively in the consolidated automotive maintenance sector.
Customers in Dayton and surrounding markets can expect the company to focus on service expansion following these leadership appointments. The change aims to support long-term growth and operational improvements for the brand.
The takeaway
The addition of seasoned executives suggests a transition from a long-standing family-founded model toward an institutional growth strategy. Maintaining service quality will remain the critical benchmark for the new leadership team as they pursue expansion.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership shifts in the People section.
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