Johnny Crane is the manager of Crane Fast Lube on Highway 31 in Gardendale.

His father, Jerry Crane, used to own Crane Marine, a Gardendale car dealership and several service stations within the city. He built Crane Fast Lube next to one of his service stations about 14 years ago and handed the reigns over to his son.

“He built this place so I’d have something to do… so we’d have something to do together,” said Crane.

Crane’s father also owned several cars and boats, and passed on a lifelong interest of cars and other motorized vehicles to his son. He worked at Lassiter Mountain Speedway near Brookside before he ran Crane Fast Lube.

“I’m thankful to have a job. We stay pretty busy, and I feel blessed,” he said.

Although he is the manager, Crane uses his skills to do the dirty work, too, especially if he’s short-handed.

“I’ve got a good group of core people. Most of them have been with me a long time,” he said. “But, sometimes people have to take days off or get sick. I do oil changes, mechanic work, even clean the bathrooms if I have to. Whatever needs to be done to keep everyone busy.”

In addition to liking who he works with, he also said he’s got a good group of repeat customers, and also likes to meet new people.

“I like fixing things, too,” said Crane. “It always feels like a job well done.”

He said his job can become challenging when he’s faced with new automobile technology, which he is constantly having to learn.

Crane Fast Lube is located at 2428 Decatur Hwy. in Gardendale. To contact them, call 631-0000.