Mighty Auto Parts, a leading franchisor and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts listed in Franchise Business Review’s “Top 50,” is marking 60 years of exceptional service in the automotive industry. The company has been offering original equipment (OE) manufacturer-quality parts, as well as training, technology, systems, and sales support since its founder, Dallas “Dick” Wallace, started selling parts directly in 1963, using his VW as a mobile office.
Today, Mighty Auto Parts assists auto repair professionals, comprising new and used car dealers, independent repair shops, tire centers, national quick-service chains, and fleets profitably manage and grow an exceedingly complex business, where both technical and operational skills must constantly evolve.
In addition to a wide range of OE underhood and undercar replacement parts, Mighty provides technical training and systems support to help auto service businesses excel in every area of fixed operations. Mighty collaborates with its 100 locally owned franchisees to deliver inventory management based on local vehicles-in-operation data and trends as well as customized marketing programs that foster customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Josh D’Agostino, President and CEO of Mighty Auto Parts, stated, “It is a great honor to be a part of an organization with such a rich history. Our franchises have been instrumental in Mighty’s success for 60 years, and they will continue to inspire our innovation, diversification, and competitive spirit in the future.”
Mighty continues to build its growth strategy on its original MTY (Manufacturer-To-You) name and business model, with rigorous franchisee screening, approval, and training process to a company-wide culture of personal service. The company exclusively partners with service providers, instead of competing in retail consumer-direct channels.
When Mighty started 60 years ago, its product line focused on tire repair and ignition products, and its customers were small service stations in the Washington, D.C. and Maryland area. Today, Mighty partners with more than 15,000 automotive service providers across the U.S., supplying the parts and systems needed to keep America’s 292.2 million registered cars and trucks (Source: AutoCare.org data) moving. From Mighty’s weekly stocking service to introducing tools and information for helping customers understand repair requirements of new technologies, such as Advanced Drivers Assistance (ADAS), Mighty’s business model continues to be grounded in local, face-to-face service.
The U.S. automotive aftermarket is a $514 billion industry, with the largest vehicle population of any country in the world and longer automotive life spans. It is also becoming more complex with each new model year. Service providers face constant change, from advanced vehicle technology in today’s “smart cars” to on-the-go consumers with less time than ever, and Mighty helps address these challenges with a continuously expanding portfolio of resources, including 24/7 tech resources through MIC Online, MightyAutoParts.com, and Mighty’s social channels, digital tools and content, and tech training. Today’s average 12.1-year lifecycle of a vehicle means maintenance is more critical than ever, and Mighty Auto Parts is prepared to provide the necessary training and education to both current and future technicians to ensure they stay up to date on the latest advancements in safety features and new generation replacement parts.
A Look Back: Mighty Auto Parts Milestones
1963. Dallas “Dick” Wallace loads up his VW Beetle with tire repair products and goes on the road in Washington, D.C., selling to service stations. His face-to-face approach and direct distribution model, called MTY (Manufacturer-To-You), is a hit with customers.
1970. Mighty Auto Parts awards its first franchise.
1993. Mighty opens its first strategic franchise.
2005. The first new car dealership, George Waikem Ford, Inc. of Ohio, acquired a Mighty franchise to offer customers additional replacement part choices.
2006. The Wall Street Journal designates Mighty as a “Top 25 Franchise.”
2009. Mighty is acquired by the Gonher Group, a global manufacturer and OE supplier of quality automotive products.
2011. Mighty Oil and Air Filters were chosen as #1 in National Oil & Lube News’ Operators Survey.
2012. Mighty expands globally with a 10-year master distributorship agreement from Petromin Corporation (KSA), the leading oil company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
2013. Mighty celebrates five decades of success.
2018. Franchise Business Review designates Mighty as a “Top 50 Franchise.”
2019. Mighty continues global expansion in Latin America and introduces a Fleet Vehicle Program.
2022. Mighty hits its 9th record-breaking year since 2013
2023. Mighty’s 112 employees, 100 franchisees and 15,000+ automotive service partners celebrate sixty years of service excellence.
About Mighty Auto Parts
Headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA, Mighty supports 100 franchised distributors in 44 U.S. states and five international markets. The Mighty System features local service, inventory management expertise, and training in conjunction with extensive offerings of OE quality under-hood and under-car parts, chemical products, lubricants, shop supplies, and PPE products. The Mighty business model, now in its 60th year, has seen significant growth by aligning with tire groups, quick lube chains, and car dealerships groups seeking a vertical integration strategy. Mighty was founded in 1963.
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