O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. has a rich history in the auto parts industry, beginning its journey in Springfield, Missouri, in November 1957. However, the O’Reilly family’s involvement in the automotive business and their pursuit of opportunity stretches back much further.
The story begins with Michael Byrne O’Reilly, who immigrated to America from Ireland in 1849, escaping the hardships of the potato famine. He settled in St. Louis and diligently worked to earn a law degree, establishing himself as a title examiner. His son, Charles Francis O’Reilly, continued the family’s ambition, joining Fred Campbell Auto Supply in St. Louis as a traveling salesman in 1914. By 1924, Charles had become well-acquainted with the Springfield region through his sales travels by train. Recognizing the area’s potential for growth, he requested a transfer and by 1932, he was managing Link Motor Supply in Springfield. His son, Charles H. (Chub) O’Reilly, also joined Link, and together they provided strong leadership, making Link Motor Supply a leading auto parts provider in the area.
A turning point arrived in 1957 when Link Motor Supply planned a reorganization that included the retirement of Charles F. O’Reilly and the relocation of C. H. O’Reilly to Kansas City. Disagreeing with these plans, they decided to venture out and establish their own company: O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. On December 2, 1957, they opened their first store at 403 Sherman in Springfield with 13 dedicated employees. In their first full year, 1958, sales reached an impressive $700,000. This early success was fueled by the hard work and dedication of the initial team, many of whom were also company stockholders, setting a strong foundation for future growth.
By 1961, O’Reilly Automotive’s volume had expanded to $1.3 million, including the newly formed O’Reilly Automotive Distributors division, serving independent automotive jobbers. In March 1975, annual sales reached $7 million, leading to the construction of a larger 52,000-square-foot facility at 233 S. Patterson for the O’Reilly/Ozark warehouse. By this time, the company operated nine stores across southwest Missouri, solidifying their regional presence.
The company’s long-term vision and stability were further strengthened in April 1993 with a public offering of company stock. This pivotal moment propelled significant expansion through new store openings and strategic mergers and acquisitions. Today, O’Reilly Auto Parts operates in 48 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, serving countless customers nationwide, and potentially customers looking for O Reilly Auto Parts Hastings Car Parts or car parts in any other location.
Throughout its history, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. has been driven by a philosophy of continuous growth and progress, both for the company and its valued team members. This commitment to development and opportunity remains the guiding principle of O’Reilly Auto Parts today, ensuring they continue to be a reliable source for all your automotive part needs, wherever you are, including if you are searching for o reilly auto parts hastings car parts.
