One of Federated’s first members, Parts Wholesalers, Inc., is celebrating its 60th anniversary in November. While the Spokane, WA-based Parts Wholesalers, Inc. was incorporated in 1950, it can trace its roots back 100 years to its start as the first cab company in Spokane in 1909.
“From our humble beginnings in 1909 with three taxi cabs, to incorporating in 1950 as Parts Wholesalers, Inc., to today having over 100 employees in two states, we want to thank everyone of our employees through the years who have helped make Parts Wholesalers, Inc. the success it is today,” said Tim Trudnowski, president of Parts Wholesalers, Inc. “I especially want to thank all of our current employees who are committed to continuing our tradition of being the premier wholesale and retail distributor of auto parts and accessories in the greater Spokane area.”
The origins of the company date back to 1909 when two brothers, Guy and Dee Riegel, started the Seven Seven Taxicab Company with three Ford Motor cabs. By 1911, the brothers had secured the franchise to become the first company to sell Detroiter Automobiles in Spokane. As the company expanded in 1913, they also stocked repair parts and offered service to Detroiter car owners. In 1914, Dodge Brothers, makers of high quality car parts, announced they were going to make their own Dodge Brothers Motor Car and in 1915, the Riegel Brothers started their long association with Dodge and later Chrysler as the regional distributor for 32 dealers. Over the next 35 years, Riegel Brothers sold and serviced every Dodge product available.
In 1950, the company was incorporated as Parts Wholesalers, Inc. The next 25 years brought more growth and the product offering expanded to include other makes and models of parts and accessories. Parts were also now being sold through independent jobber stores in the Inland Northwest, thus creating Automotive Jobbers Supply. The company also changed ownership during this time with the passing of Dee Riegel.
In 1985, Parts Wholesalers, Inc. started its longtime affiliation with Federated Auto Parts. This association has helped Parts Wholesalers, Inc., survive and prosper when others have not. In 1986, the company purchased its first stand-alone company store, the original Motion Auto Supply, in the Spokane valley. This store location was eventually closed in 1989 but the name continues to be used for company-owned stores. All store locations sell both wholesale and retail parts and accessories and all carry the Motion Auto Supply name.
Today, Parts Wholesalers, Inc. is a 100 percent employee owned company, consisting of eight store locations that operate as Automotive Jobbers Supply and Motion Auto Supply. They also supply parts to over 50 independently owned jobber stores in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana.
“We want to congratulate Tim and everyone at Parts Wholesalers, Inc. on 60 years of providing great service and support to their customers in the greater Spokane area,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “Also, as one of the first-ever Federated members, we want to thank Parts Wholesalers, Inc. for its commitment to Federated. For over 25 years, we have had a tremendous partnership and we hope that continues for another 25 great years and beyond.”
About Federated
Federated Auto Parts, headquartered in Staunton, VA, is one of the largest auto parts distribution and marketing organizations in North America. Federated is dedicated to supporting its customers with quality name brand parts, programs designed to grow their businesses, and experienced counterpeople who are knowledgeable in today’s evolving automotive technology. For more information, visit www.FederatedAutoParts.com.