Pit Tech to President: Sam Greco’s formula for leadership at Take 5 Oil Change
Saverio “Sam” Greco shares how commitment and leading by example carried him from teenage pit tech to district manager — and helped him mentor new technicians along the way.
When Saverio “Sam” Greco talks about his career, one theme comes up again and again: consistency.
“Consistency is the key to continued progression,” he said. “If you’re consistent in what you do, it’s a lot easier to move forward and to have everybody else follow you.”
That steady approach has carried Sam from his first days as a teenage oil-change technician to his current role as District Manager for Take 5 Oil Change’s Jacksonville North market. And though he’s encountered his share of challenges, Sam has managed to not only build a career, but a life for his family and a solid start for the countless team members he’s helped on their own journeys.
Finding passion in the pit
Sam grew up in Chicago and found his calling young, starting as a Jiffy Lube pit tech when he was only 18.
“I started wanting to learn about cars and how they work,” he said. “Once I got into the field, I realized that yes, this is absolutely what I’m interested in.”
When Sam moved to Florida two years later, he stayed in the quick-lube business, working his way up to a management position. In 2008, he joined Havoline Xpress Lube (later acquired by Take 5), again starting as a pit tech and climbing the ranks.
Sam’s path wasn’t always linear. Around 2017, he left the company briefly for financial reasons. But his own commitment to consistency — and the dedication of his leaders — kept him connected to Take 5: He was told, “We’re going to prosper.”
When he was invited back a short time later in a training role, the decision was easy.
“Take 5 genuinely cares about their employees and their customers,” Sam explained. “They’re dedicated not only to the company’s growth but to the growth of each person. They were really consistent in making sure I learned what I needed, so that is something I now practice, too.”
Training it forward
Training quickly became a new passion for Sam. As an Area Field Trainer and then a Certified Training Manager, he traveled across Florida and beyond to prepare new shops and employees for success. From Tallahassee to Texas to Tennessee — sometimes with groups of up to 30 at once — he helped people get where they wanted to be.
“I loved sharing the knowledge I gained,” he said. “My biggest priority is always, what can I provide for this person to be as successful — or more successful — than I am?”
Sam’s approach produced impressive results. Under his guidance, Jacksonville’s Shop 371 won the regional “One Crew Challenge.” But even more important to Sam, dozens of the technicians and managers he trained have moved into leadership roles of their own.
“I love to do this,” he said. “So I kept striving, doing what I enjoy: training people and getting them to the next level.”
Leading at home
In April 2024, Sam was promoted to District Manager in Jacksonville, the city where he’s built his whole career. He now oversees eight stores and will soon be looking after 13. But he still spends much of his time on the shop floor.
“The first thing I do is say hi to everybody,” he said. “I introduce myself to new hires and work side-by-side with them. I want them to know we’re in this together.”
For Sam, his role is clear: to lead and inspire people into the next step, not control or force them. With five new Jacksonville-area stores slated to open — and a commitment to promoting from within — Sam is living that truth.
“We have people who have worked with us for years. Now we have opportunities for them to flourish and show their skills. I love being part of their journey.”