# Mike Rippey

> Mike Rippey is the co-founder and former CEO of 1-800 Radiator & A/C, where he helped develop a technology-supported franchise network. After his automotive franchising career, he became a Sola Salons franchisee in California’s East Bay. A September 2025 interview described six locations and his focus on supporting independent beauty professionals.

- **Role:** Sola Salons franchisee in California’s East Bay (last verified September 2025)
- **Organizations:** 1-800 Radiator & A/C, Radiator Express Warehouse, Sola Salons
- **Education:** History major; graduated, exact degree designation unverified, University of Notre Dame
- **Known for:** Helped develop 1-800-Radiator’s franchise distribution model., Led a business whose reported revenue rose from $60 million in 2004 to $116 million in 2007., Operated six Sola Salons locations in the East Bay as of September 2025.

## Career timeline

- **1994** — Purchased a small radiator distributor, according to a 2010 retrospective; earlier reporting gives a different acquisition chronology.
- **2004** — 1-800-Radiator began expanding through franchising.
- **2007** — Company revenue reached $116 million, as reported in a 2008 interview.
- **2008** — As CEO, oversaw expansion that included JMAC Radiator and Air and Automotive Cooling Products.
- **2015** — Driven Brands announced an agreement to acquire 1-800-Radiator & A/C; Mike and Joe Rippey were to remain as advisors.
- **2025** — Discussed operating six East Bay Sola Salons locations, including a new Ygnacio Plaza location in Walnut Creek.

## Achievements

- Helped develop 1-800-Radiator’s franchise distribution model.
- Led a business whose reported revenue rose from $60 million in 2004 to $116 million in 2007.
- Operated six Sola Salons locations in the East Bay as of September 2025.

## Latest updates

- **2025-09** — Described six East Bay Sola Salons locations and a focus on helping existing beauty professionals grow their businesses before further expansion.

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/mike-rippey
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23