O’Reilly Automotive, a leading name in the auto parts industry, began its journey in Springfield, Missouri, in November 1957. However, the foundation of this automotive giant stretches back much further, rooted in a family’s ambition and deep-seated connection to the automotive world. This is the story of O’Reilly Auto Parts, a company synonymous with reliable service and accessible, low car parts for everyone from professional mechanics to everyday drivers.
The O’Reilly family’s American dream began with Michael Byrne O’Reilly, who emigrated from Ireland in 1849 during the Potato Famine. He established himself in St. Louis, pursuing education and earning a law degree, eventually becoming a title examiner. His son, Charles Francis O’Reilly, followed a different path, entering the burgeoning automotive industry. In 1914, Charles became a traveling salesman for Fred Campbell Auto Supply in St. Louis. His territory included Springfield, Missouri, which he reached by train, selling auto parts across the region. By 1924, Charles recognized Springfield’s potential and requested a transfer, sensing an area ripe for growth in the auto parts market. His foresight proved accurate, and by 1932, he was managing Link Motor Supply in Springfield, where his son, Charles H. (Chub) O’Reilly, also joined him. Together, they transformed Link into the dominant auto parts supplier in the area, showcasing their expertise and commitment to low car parts prices and customer satisfaction.
In 1957, a turning point arrived. Link Motor Supply planned a reorganization that would have seen Charles F. O’Reilly retire and C.H. O’Reilly move to Kansas City. Disagreeing with these plans, the father and son team decided to forge their own path. This pivotal decision led to the birth of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. On December 2, 1957, they opened their doors at 403 Sherman in Springfield with a single store and 13 dedicated employees. Their first full year, 1958, saw impressive sales of $700,000, a testament to the team’s hard work and the demand for reliable, low car parts. The early success was fueled by the dedication of the initial employees, many of whom were also company stockholders, fostering a strong sense of ownership and shared success.
By 1961, O’Reilly Automotive’s volume had surged to $1.3 million, including the output of their newly formed division, O’Reilly Automotive Distributors, designed to serve independent automotive jobbers. The company’s growth continued steadily through the years. By March 1975, annual sales reached $7 million, prompting the construction of a larger 52,000-square-foot warehouse facility at 233 S. Patterson to support the expanding O’Reilly/Ozark warehouse operations. At this point, O’Reilly’s footprint included nine stores, all strategically located in southwest Missouri, demonstrating their strong regional presence and focus on providing low car parts to their local communities.
The company’s long-term vision and stability were further cemented with a public offering of stock in April 1993. This move provided the capital for significant expansion, both through new store openings and strategic mergers and acquisitions. Today, O’Reilly Auto Parts boasts a vast network of stores spanning 48 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, making them a truly national provider of auto parts and accessories. Their extensive reach ensures that customers across the country have access to the “O Reilly Auto Parts Show Low Car Parts” – a wide selection at competitive prices, backed by expert knowledge and customer service.
Throughout its remarkable journey, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. has remained committed to a core philosophy of growth and progress, both for the company and its valued team members. This enduring principle continues to guide the company today, ensuring they remain a trusted source for auto parts and a pillar of the automotive industry, consistently offering a wide range of products and reinforcing their commitment to providing accessible and low car parts to meet the needs of every customer.
