Quick Service, Big Impact: Parlor City Oil Shop Recognized by Chamber as the September Member of the Month.
The Wells County Chamber of Commerce staff and Ambassadors are pleased to recognize Parlor City Oil Shop as the September Member of the Month. Parlor City Oil Shop, owned by Eric Bucher, is located at 1309 South Main Street in Bluffton and has quickly become a reliable and trusted service provider in the community.
Since opening in 2020, the business has offered quick, full-service oil changes—often completed in as little as 10 minutes—without the need for appointments. In addition, the shop provides a variety of mechanical services, including brakes, starters, alternators, and other routine maintenance needs, making it a convenient choice for customers.
Eric shared that his decision to open Parlor City Oil Shop came after years of working long hours that kept him away from his family. “I was working 12-hour days, six or seven days a week, and hardly saw my daughter. I hated it,” he explained. “When I learned the oil change business was for sale, I figured it made sense. I’ve always done my own oil changes, so why not make a career out of it?” That leap of faith not only gave Eric more time with his family but also allowed him to build a business that serves the community in an important way.
Since those early days, Parlor City Oil Shop has continued to grow steadily. Eric hired his first full-time employee, Seth Alstoft, over a year ago and credits him for helping keep the business running smoothly. “I can fully trust him to handle things, and that’s been huge for our growth,” Eric said. With Seth’s help, Eric has been able to reduce his own hours, giving him more flexibility to focus on family while still maintaining excellent service for his customers.
In 2023, Eric expanded services even further by becoming an official U-Haul rental location, making Parlor City Oil Shop a one-stop destination for vehicle maintenance and moving needs. That same year, he also partnered with local businessman Scott Burke to open a car lot, relocating the dealership from South Indiana Street to the Main Street property. “It made sense to move everything together,” Eric explained. “If I’m gone, Scott can cover, and if he’s gone, I can step in. It’s worked out really well.” This partnership, along with the addition of U-Haul rentals, has added another layer of growth and opportunity to the business.
Parlor City Oil Shop will also be featured during the Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Meet and Greet on October 6, where Eric will share more of his business journey alongside Home Court Home Care. This event will give the community a chance to hear firsthand the story behind Parlor City Oil Shop’s success and continued growth.
Parlor City Oil Shop can be reached at 260-353-1610 or by email at parlorcityoil@gmail.com. More information can also be found on their Facebook page at Parlor City Oil Shop. In the recognition photo, owner Eric Bucher is pictured holding the Member of the Month sign.
Also pictured left to right:
Piercen Harnish, Shelton Financial Group, Chamber Ambassador and Board Member
Erin Prible, Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Keith Muhlenkamp, First Merchants Bank, Chamber Ambassador and Board Member
Sam Alstoft, Parlor City Oil
Nick Huffman, Huffman Group Real Estate, Chamber Ambassador
Chris Tompson, Fairway Flooring
Kira Lee, Three Rivers Federal Credit Union, Chamber Ambassador
Erica Lehman, Lehman Appraisals, LLC, Chamber Ambassador
Adela Thompson, Flagstar Bank
Rory Antrim, First Bank of Berne, Chamber Ambassador
Danielle Thompson, Flagstar Bank, Chamber Ambassador
Kevin Pritchard, Ruoff Mortgage, Chamber Ambassador