Warren Motor Supply celebrated 50 years of business on Wednesday, September 13. The business is owned by Jody Jester and Roger Hayden, who bought the business from former owner Bobby Hargrave. People from the community gathered to celebrate the long-running business. Union Bank grilled burgers and hot dogs for those that came to the store.
On August 26, 1973, James Lassiter bought the business from a company called Five Fifty-Five.
“The reason he bought it was because there were three part stores in Warren that decided they would stop delivery service,” said Hargrave. “So, he found out this one was for sale and went to Little Rock and bought it strictly for having delivery service. He said he could pay someone to deliver because he ran the shop and it’s grown from there.”
Hargrave emphasized the importance of the customers and those in the community that have kept Warren Motor Supply in business.
“The greatest asset we ever had has been our customers. You can have all the inventory you want and a fine building, but without customers you don’t have anything.”
Hargrave commented he doesn’t have customers, he has friends.
Hargrave said his father-in-law was a good businessman and understood that. He said the current owners, Jester and Hayden, have the same thoughtline of taking care of the customers and meeting needs.
“When you’re independent, sometimes you have to go the extra mile,” said Hargrave.
Hargrave has been at Warren Motor Supply for 50 years.
Jester and Hayden both know the importance of taking care of their customers and treating them with respect.
Ruston Grider has been an employee at Warren Motor Supply for 23 years. Dana Handly, another employee, has worked in the parts industry before at Napa Auto Parts and O’Reilly Auto Parts.
“If I make it to December,” said Hargrave. “I will have 54 years in the parts business.”
Warren Motor Supply continues to thrive with its customer service and dedication to the community.
