Century-old auto-parts company in Cape honored

A regional company that started as one local store in 1909 was honored for its longevity and growth Tuesday.

Auto Tire & Parts NAPA received the Triumph Award at a luncheon at Ray's Plaza Conference Center in Cape Girardeau. The award recipient is chosen by The Tri-State Advertising and Marketing Professionals and Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Management and Marketing.

"I like the recognition for all the employees and the customers," Auto Tire & Parts president Greg Stroup said of the award. "I think it's a tribute to the tradition that the employees have built over the years, and it's ... a nice way to honor our customers."

Auto Tire & Parts opened in 1909, selling parts and tires for automobiles; the original location also housed a machine shop. It was founded by Cape Girardeau businessman Barrett Cotner, who also owned the first commercial airport in Cape Girardeau County.

A couple of decades later, it discontinued tire sales and was sold during the late 1940s to Pat Tlapek.

In 2002, Auto Tire & Parts partnered with NAPA to get access to national programs and warranties, as well as online ordering.

Today, at 109 years old, has 47 stores in four states and employs 350 people.

Barrett Cotner's son, Dr. Dan Cotner, said his father would be "amazed" at what Auto Tire & Parts has become.

"My father never had ambitions like that, I know," Cotner said. But, he said, he would be "very proud" at the company's expansion.

Cotner said the biggest change the company has seen is its partnership with NAPA.

"That gave them a buying power that they didn't have," he said.

Tri-State Advertising and Marketing Professionals board member and past president Richard Proffer said businesses are selected based on a company's success in using marketing to grow their business.

"We've always got a list," Proffer said. "And we go through and say, 'Which one is the best example now?'"

"There are so many deserving companies," said Dr. Judy Wiles, chairwoman of the Department of Management and Marketing said. Wiles also is interim director of the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

What stood out to Wiles about Auto Tire & Parts was "the compelling story that they have of success. Also the growth: They went from a fairly small operation, and then they grew exponentially. ... Also, their relationship marketing is very strong and how they focus on long-term success."

She said the company focuses on treating its employees and customers well and getting involved in the community.

"In marketing, so many times people think about advertising," Wiles said. "So that's what stood out in my mind, was the relationship marketing."

Stroup said the company's keys to success have been its long-term, dedicated employees and customers and its strong financial results. He attributes those results to the company's long-term focus, consistent decisions made in the best interest of its employees and customers and its maintenance of growth and flexibility.

Looking ahead, Stroup said the company will continue to expand in the four states it operates.

"We enjoy the area, and we enjoy the people and the values of this area," he said.

kwebster@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3646

Pertinent address:

3257 William St, Cape Girardeau, MO

212 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO