Mighty Auto Parts celebrates 50th year

July 2, 2013

Franchised auto parts distributor Mighty Auto Parts is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013.

The Norcross, Ga.-based firm currently has 114 locally owned franchisees that "help more than 12,000 auto repair professionals, including new and used car dealers, independent repair shops, tire centers and national quick-service chains, profitably manage and grow an exceedingly complex business, where both technical and operational skills must constantly evolve,” the company stated.

“We started with the simple idea of personalized, direct parts distribution to our nation’s auto service providers 50 years ago, and that philosophy of putting people first hasn’t changed,” said Ken Voelker, CEO and president of Mighty Auto Parts.

“In fact, it’s our focus on the human factor that allows Mighty to consistently anticipate and meet the needs of our customers no matter how rapidly our industry changes.”

The company was founded in 1963 when Dallas “Dick” Wallace loaded up his Volkswagen Beetle with tire repair products and hit the road in Washington, D.C., selling to service stations. His face-to-face approach and direct distribution model, called MTY (Manufacturer To You), set the foundation for the company.

Mighty said it has seen its greatest growth since 2001, when it first hit $100 million in sales

Mighty Auto Parts, along with MTD, is a sponsor of the 2013 Tire Industry Association Automotive Tire Service Instructor Tour.