Drake Tire & Auto team names left to right are Jim Fuhrman, Chris Webster, Darrian Schultze, Brad Olson, and owner Mark Vaughn; not pictured is Grant Meisenheimer
GODFREY, IL – With a focus on keeping customers going for nearly 90 years now, Drake Tire & Auto Service LLC has been chosen as the RiverBend Growth Association Small Business of the Month award recipient for September 2024.
The Drake family launched the Alton business back in 1935. Over the years, ownership had changed a few times before the current owners Mark and Jennifer Vaughn purchased it in 2022. Located at 1214 E. Broadway, the tire and automotive service firm had been branded most recently under a different regional name.
“Our first move was to bring back the Drake name, and with that change, a lot of previous customers returned,” says co-owner Mark Vaughn, who is also a local CPA. “We have received positive remarks from everyone; the Drake name has been a fixture in Alton when it comes to complete tire and auto repair needs.”
“Staffing has stayed the same,” he adds, noting that there are six employees. Drake’s general manager is Jim Fuhrman and Chris Webster is the service advisor. “Today’s market makes the trained auto mechanic a person in high demand. We have kept our staff at the same level but are constantly looking for skilled mechanics.
In fact, “one of the biggest challenges recently has been finding trained mechanics,” Vaughn says further. “When an employee finds a new opportunity elsewhere, it has taken longer to find a replacement than it used to.”
Drake sends staff to annual training on a variety of topics, paid for by the company. Testing for added certifications for the staff is also covered by the firm.
Vaughn further shares that Drake has upgraded its technology under their ownership, including a more comprehensive wheel balancer and a new handheld diagnostic scanner. “These changes allow us to keep pace with the changes in the industry,” he says.
Drake Tire & Auto Service is an AAA-approved repair shop that partners with NAPA and O’Reilly to provide the highest quality auto repair parts. “We offer a wide variety of tires from leading brands such as Continental, General, and Toyo, but can provide other brands if the customer prefers,” says Vaughn. “We provide timely auto repairs at a reasonable cost.
“We stand behind our work,” he adds. “Our parts all have warranties from NAPA, O’Reilly, or our various tire brands. When we install a part that does not properly work, we do what is needed to get the problem corrected and get the customer going and back on the road again.”
Drake also supports a variety of charitable events and community services each year. “We are an annual sponsor of the McKay NAPA Auto Parts golf tournament that raises money for Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charity particularly special to my family,” says Vaughn. “We also sponsor various events at Mississippi Valley Christian School and Marquette Catholic High School.”
“I have been able to meet a lot of great people from Alton,” Vaughn also adds as he reflects on his family’s ownership of Drake.
For more information about Drake Tire & Auto Service, call (618) 465-8897 or visit online at https://www.draketireandauto.com/. You can also find them on Facebook, @draketireandauto.
The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities known as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, visit www.growthassociation.com or call (618) 467-2280.
RBGA’s Small Business of the Month Committee recognizes a different member business each month for its outstanding efforts and leadership in the community. Committee members include Brenda Eardley, Vicki Hake, Vickie Hopkins, Amy Roady, Martha Schultz, and Alexis Weller.
To learn more about membership in the RiverBend Growth Association and the Small Business of the Month recognition, visit the RBGA website or call their Godfrey office.
