Gray’s Tire & Service Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary since first opening its doors in Wetumpka, Alabama in March of 1998. Today the growing tire dealership has four locations — in Auburn, Montgomery, and two in Wetumpka — with a fifth store “in the works.”
The company says its done its best to “meet the needs of customers by offering the best in car repair and tire services with dependability, friendliness, honesty and integrity.”
David Gray, Gray Tire’s founder, owner and operator, is grateful for the past two decades of support by the community.
“We are grateful to our customers and our community for their support over the last 20 years, and we strive to satisfy our customers’ needs, and hope to exceed their expectations, and be a good corporate citizen,” he said in a release.
Gray has always had a passion for the automotive business and has been intrigued with all things mechanical including cars and motorcycles since a very young age. Growing up, he would spend most Saturdays working odd jobs and help clean and prepare cars for sale at his grandfather’s used-car dealership. While at the used-car car lot, he often pestered Amos Broadway, the chief mechanic, with questions. Eventually Broadway left to open his own shop in Montgomery, which Gray would purchase years later when Broadway retired.
During his high school years, Gray worked at a local automotive shop. He started out sweeping floors before working his way up to become a technician and manager. At the age of 22, Gray followed his passion and started his own business. He found a vacant tire store in Wetumpka, which became the very first location of Gray’s Tire & Service Center.
Before its opening in March 1998, Gray’s family and friends worked together as a team and spent countless hours cleaning, painting and repairing the store. During this time, he was fortunate to have many supporters for his new endeavor most importantly, his wife Julie, who persevered through all of the challenges of the new business with grace and patience and continues to be supportive and helpful today. He also attributes much of his business success to his dedicated team of over 35 employees. Since Gray was 18 years old, ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician Robert O. Griggs has been a friend and mentor to him, sharing his knowledge and expertise while helping the young entrepreneur and technician hone his skills and remains a tremendous asset to the company.
(Editor’s Note: Our congratulations to the entire team at Gray’s Tire & Service on this milestone anniversary! And if your shop has good news to share, email me at [email protected] or [email protected].)
