Chris Blanchette

Chris Blanchette has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries. Chris started their career at Tires Plus Total Car Care in 1998, where they served as Sales/Shop Lead, responsible for shop supervision and driving business results. Chris then joined Best Buy, where they held various roles, including Country Lead (Deputy Director) for International Retail Operations in China, Program/Product Manager, Training Manager, Regional Leadership, and Retail Leadership. At Best Buy, they developed the services capability in China, improved sales processes and training programs, and contributed to the acquisition of a consumer electronics retailer. Following their time at Best Buy, Chris worked at Geek Squad as a Retail Operations Deputy Director. Chris then joined Bridgestone as Director of Operations, responsible for chain-wide support of fulfillment/shop operations and serving as the innovation chair for Bridgestone Retail. Chris later joined Advance Auto Parts as Vice President of Strategic Store Operations before moving on to Quality Automotive Services, Inc. Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchisee as Chief Operating Officer. Chris also served on the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the TechForce Foundation. Currently, they are the Chief Executive Officer of Service Minds and the Principal of Piedmont Automotive Consulting, LLC.

Chris Blanchette attended Augsburg University from 2008 to 2010, where they earned an MBA in General and International Business. Prior to that, from 2001 to 2005, they studied at the University of Minnesota, obtaining a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing, Communications, and Education.