In 1984, along with his father and two brothers, they opened the first drive through oil change facility in New England and named it Prompto for Prompt Oil Service. They continued to expand the chain to 24 locations with the 25th location opening in Scarborough in February of this year. Prompto is the master of the ten-minute oil change and the market leader in Northern New England. The business was a family affair that is now managed by his brothers. Charlie (Constantine) Kapothanasis, his father, died recently and they say the company will continue to be run the way Charlie would want it to be, along with an extended family of over 200 employees. The culture that Tasso helped establish elicits family values first and the company will continue to flourish with this format.
Tasso had a pivotal role both at K Bros, the distribution arm of Prompto as well as the Prompto 10-Minute Oil Change facilities. Tasso was in charge of all purchasing and distribution as well as the daily management of the Prompto Operations. Unlike most companies, the managers had direct access to one of the owners of the company on a daily basis. The managers loved and trusted Tasso, thinking of him not just as their boss, but as their friend and leader. Tasso represented the heart and soul of Prompto to its’ many employees. Tasso touched many people’s hearts, was loved by all and will be missed as a leader; and missed as a friend.
Tasso is survived by his wife Valentina; their children Anastasia and Evangelo, his brothers, Christo and his wife, Kim, Paul and his wife, Irene; his nieces and nephews, Christie, Costas, James, Gregory, Alexander and Nicolette. He was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Effie.
His funeral will be Saturday the 12th at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland at 10:00am. Flowers can be sent to Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home and donations in his memory can be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or Greek School.
You may offer your condolences and share your memories at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com
