Quirk Tires and Service

VIP Tires and Service

Company type	Private
Industry	Automotive aftermarket
Founded	1958
Founder	Thomas O. Auger
Headquarters	Auburn, Maine , United States
Key people	John P. Quirk (President and CEO)
Products	Automotive parts and services

Overview

VIP Tires and Service, formerly identified as VIP Parts, Tires and Service, underwent a significant change following the acquisition of its automotive parts division by O'Reilly Auto Parts in December 2012. Before this transaction, VIP held the distinction of being the largest independently operated automotive aftermarket enterprise in New England and ranked 14th nationwide.

Established in 1958 by Thomas O. Auger from Lewiston, Maine, VIP Tires and Service operates out of Auburn, Maine, which was the state's fifth-largest city as of 2018. In September 2001, ownership transferred to Quirk Tires and Service, a company founded in 1926 by Edward S. Quirk in Watertown, Massachusetts, recognized as one of the nation’s longest-standing tire dealerships. Today, leadership is under John P. Quirk, Edward's grandson, who fulfills the roles of President and CEO.

By October 2021, VIP maintained a network of 65 locations across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

Achievements and Recognition

In 2008, VIP Tires & Service earned the Polk Inventory Efficiency Award within the retailer/distributor category for its implementation of advanced inventory management technology. This accolade, granted by R.L. Polk & Co., honors aftermarket businesses demonstrating superior process enhancements in inventory efficiency.

The company's CEO and owner, John Quirk, was honored in 2018 as "Independent Tire Dealer of the Year" by Modern Tire Dealer Magazine, reflecting his leadership and contributions to the industry.

Community Engagement

From 1981 through 2007, VIP Tires and Service sponsored an annual one-day event at the Oxford Plains Speedway located in Oxford, Maine. This event stood as northern New England’s largest single-day car exhibition, combining a car show with drag racing activities. It attracted enthusiasts of various vehicles including classic muscle cars, Chevrolet Corvettes, customized tuner cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

References

• Aichlmayr, Lisa (July 21, 2003). "VIP accelerates toward rapid auto maintenance". Tire Business. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
• "Ricky Craven Charities Night hosted by MAINEiacs". OurSportsCentral. October 7, 2004. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
• O'Brien, Dan (April 14, 2005). "VIP Parts, Tires and Service to inaugurate Billerica location". Lowell Sun. Lowell, Massachusetts. Retrieved August 15, 2011. The facility formerly housing Purity Supreme headquarters has found a new occupant preparing for an official opening tomorrow ...

External links

• VIP Tires and Service