Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP), a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories and maintenance items, officially kicked-off of the company’s 75th anniversary of providing legendary customer service this morning at a ceremony in Roanoke, Virginia. The company was founded in Roanoke and has been headquartered there for the past 75 years.
For 75 years, Advance Auto Parts has helped a nation of “Do It Yourselfers” fix their vehicles and drive safer, more reliable vehicles by providing parts, accessories, education and advice, while guiding itself on the principles of honesty and integrity set forth by Advance’s founder, Arthur Taubman. Advance is celebrating and recognizing its Team Members, customers, and the communities that the company is privileged to serve as being the keys to Advance’s past, present, and future success.
“In the past 75 years, vehicles and the technology that drive them have continually changed, and over this great company’s next 75 years, that trend will undoubtedly continue. One thing that never changes, whether it’s 1932, 2007, or 2082, is Advance’s commitment to helping each new generation of drivers understand, maintain and repair their cars,” said Mike Coppola, Chairman, President and CEO.
“In addition, Advance’s commitment to Team Members is rivaled only by its commitment to the communities in which the company’s more than 3,000 stores operate and by the dedication Team Members have to their customers,” continued Coppola. “Whether it’s on a national level where the company’s support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has raised more than $11 million for that organization since 1994, or locally where Team Members are actively involved in various community-based charitable organizations, Advance and its Team Members are tireless in their efforts to give back to the communities in which they live and work.”
Advance will be celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout the year with both Team Members and customers across its operations in 40 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In addition, Advance will feature special sales promotions to highlight this milestone.
Advance Auto Parts was founded by Arthur Taubman in 1932, with two stores in Roanoke, Virginia and one in Lynchburg. In the company’s beginnings, it served as a general merchandiser, selling many items to customers including automotive parts and accessories. In the 1970s, under the leadership of Nick Taubman, son of Arthur Taubman, the company transitioned to an automotive aftermarket specialty retailer. Throughout his almost fifty years of service at Advance, Garnett Smith helped to pave the way for Advance Auto Parts to become the company it is today.Smith retired from his position as CEO of Advance in 2000, but his impact remains with the company. Former CEO Larry Castellani, led Advance through the first years as a public company. Through his leadership, the company’s public image and reputation on Wall Street grew. Castellani also put Advance on the path for rapid organic store growth in existing markets
About Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is the second-largest retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, based on store count and sales. As of December 30, 2006, the Company operated 3,082 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.
Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, services, as well as on-line purchase of parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.
