VIP Tires and Service
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive parts and service |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Founder | Thomas O. Auger |
| Headquarters | Auburn, Maine , United States |
Area served | Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont |
Key people | John P. Quirk (President and CEO) |
| Products | Automotive parts and services |
| Website | www |
Overview
VIP Tires and Service, formerly operating under the name VIP Parts, Tires and Service, underwent a significant change when its automotive parts division was acquired by O'Reilly Auto Parts in December 2012. Prior to this acquisition, VIP held the distinction of being the largest independently operated automotive aftermarket firm in New England and ranked as the 14th largest across the United States.
Established in 1958 by Thomas O. Auger from Lewiston, Maine, VIP Tires and Service is headquartered in Auburn, Maine, which was the state's fifth-largest city as of 2018. In September 2001, ownership transferred to Quirk Tires and Service. The Quirk company traces its origins back to 1926, when Edward S. Quirk founded it in Watertown, Massachusetts, making it one of the nation's longest-standing tire dealerships. Presently, John P. Quirk, Edward’s grandson, leads VIP as President and CEO.
By October 2021, VIP operated a network of 65 retail locations spanning Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
Achievements and Recognition
In 2008, VIP Tires & Service was honored with the Polk Inventory Efficiency Award in the retailer/distributor category, acknowledging their implementation of advanced inventory management technologies. This award, granted by R.L. Polk & Co., celebrates aftermarket companies that demonstrate significant improvements in inventory efficiency through innovative processes.
In 2018, John Quirk, owner and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, received the title of "Independent Tire Dealer of the Year" from Modern Tire Dealer Magazine, recognizing his leadership within the industry.
Community Engagement
Between 1981 and 2007, VIP Tires and Service sponsored an annual one-day event at the Oxford Plains Speedway located in Oxford, Maine. This event grew to become the largest single-day car show in northern New England, combining a car exhibition with drag racing competitions. It attracted enthusiasts showcasing a wide variety of vehicles including classic muscle cars, Corvettes, custom tuner vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles.
References
- Aichlmayr, Lisa (July 21, 2003). "VIP accelerates into fast automotive services". 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 prepares to open Billerica location". Lowell Sun. Lowell, Massachusetts. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
The former Purity Supreme headquarters building is now occupied once more as the new tenant plans a grand opening tomorrow ...
External links
- New England
- Economy of the Northeastern United States
- American companies established in 1926
- Retail companies established in 1926
- Automotive part retailers of the United States
- Automotive repair shops of the United States
- Companies based in Lewiston, Maine
- Companies based in Maine
- 1926 establishments in Maine