O’Reilly Auto Parts’ journey began in Springfield, Missouri, in November 1957, marking the official start of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. in the auto parts industry. However, the O’Reilly family’s deep roots in the automotive business and their ambition for growth stretch back much further.
The story commences with Michael Byrne O’Reilly, who emigrated from Ireland to America in 1849, seeking refuge from the devastating potato famine. He settled in St. Louis and diligently pursued education, earning a law degree and establishing himself as a title examiner. His son, Charles Francis O’Reilly, continued the family’s pursuit of advancement. In 1914, after attending college in St. Louis, Charles embarked on his career as a traveling salesman for Fred Campbell Auto Supply, based in St. Louis. By 1924, Charles’s sales territory had familiarized him with Springfield, Missouri, reached by train as he sold auto parts across the region. Recognizing Springfield and its surrounding area as ripe with potential and opportunity, he requested a transfer. By 1932, his dedication and expertise led to his appointment as manager of Link Motor Supply in Springfield. His son, Charles H. (Chub) O’Reilly, also joined Link, and together, they provided the strong leadership and effective management that elevated Link to become the leading auto parts supplier in the Springfield region.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1957 when Link Motor Supply announced a reorganization plan. This plan included the retirement of Charles F. O’Reilly, then 72, and the relocation of C. H. O’Reilly to Kansas City. Disagreeing with these changes and confident in their vision, Charles F. and Charles H. O’Reilly made the bold decision to establish their own company: O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. On December 2, 1957, O’Reilly Auto Parts opened its doors at 403 Sherman in Springfield, with a team of 13 employees. In their first full year of operation, 1958, sales reached an impressive $700,000. This early success was fueled by the dedication and skill of the initial employees, many of whom were also company stockholders, driving growth and prosperity from the outset.
By 1961, O’Reilly Automotive’s sales volume had surged to $1.3 million. This growth included the establishment of O’Reilly Automotive Distributors, a division created to serve independent automotive jobbers in the surrounding areas. In March 1975, the company’s annual sales reached $7 million, prompting the construction of a substantial 52,000-square-foot warehouse facility at 233 S. Patterson for the expanding O’Reilly/Ozark warehouse operations. By this time, O’Reilly Auto Parts had expanded to nine retail locations, all strategically situated throughout southwest Missouri, solidifying their regional presence and commitment to Springfield car parts and beyond.
The long-term stability and future trajectory of O’Reilly Automotive were further strengthened in April 1993 with the public offering of company stock. This pivotal step provided capital for significant expansion. Since then, O’Reilly has experienced remarkable growth, driven by both the opening of numerous new stores and strategic mergers and acquisitions. Today, O’Reilly Auto Parts operates across 48 states, extending its reach to Alaska and Hawaii, a testament to its enduring business model and customer trust built from its Springfield foundation.
Throughout its history, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., has maintained a core philosophy centered on growth and progress, both for the company itself and for every team member. This founding principle continues to guide the company’s operations and vision, ensuring O’Reilly Auto Parts remains a leader in the automotive aftermarket, rooted in the values established in Springfield, Missouri.
