On September 1, 1997 Dan's Auto Parts officially opened its doors, 25 years later Dan and Lynn Friede are still happily serving the community. When the store first opened the headline read, "The door is open, the paint is dry, the shelves are stocked, the computer is up and running. Dan is behind the counter, and the phone is on the hook".
A lot has changed over the years, phones are no longer on the hook and technology has moved us in a whole new direction, but the mission Dan had 25 years ago remains true to this day. Dan had worked as a parts man for DePriest Trucking and GMC from 1979-91 and even started his own business, 'Dan's Obsolete GM Parts' in 1984. Eventually his inventory and clientele outgrew its location at the old Valley Lumber building.
Dan soon made the decision to buy the building on Main Street in downtown Chinook. Dan saw a need, "People work on vehicles on the weekend, and it can be frustrating when no one is open." After doing a little research Dan settled on NAPA to provide him with a quality line of products. Representatives were soon on hand setting up displays and stocking the shelves. Eventually he moved all of his own inventory up to the new location and started to get settled in.
25 years later Dan's Auto Parts still carries the NAPA line of products and their mission to faithful serve the needs of the community remain the same. Dan and Lynn are excited to continue serving and meeting the needs of its loyal customers. It has been their goal to help each customer that walks through the door and through the years they have developed a great connection with many of their customers. That connection helps them better understand each of the needs their customers and makes filling that need more efficient having that familiarity.
If there is ever a situation that is way out in left field that hasn't ever been seen before, rest assured that Dan and Lynn will do their due diligence and research every angle until that need is met. Dan and Lynn truly appreciate all of their loyal customers and the connections they have built with them. It's those connections that make it easy for them to look forward to the future, because their customers are the best.