By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
NAPA Gib's Auto Supply is celebrating its 60-year legacy as a multi-generational family-run business in Hays, continuing to serve the next generation of loyal customers.
The automotive parts store, 621 E. 13th St., celebrated its 60th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 8.
Owner Tony Schippers said the industry has evolved since he and his brothers began their careers in La Crosse, following in their father’s footsteps.
"It's a faster-paced business than 60 years ago," he said. "We'd go down to La Crosse and help him during seasonal times, did odd and ends there."
Tony and his family have deep roots in the local automotive market, mainly through their long-time connection with NAPA Auto Parts.
After his military service, Tony's father, Gilbert Francis "Gib" Schippers, worked as a parts manager at a car dealership in Russell. In 1964, Gilbert partnered with NAPA to establish Gib's Auto Supply in Hays.
Tony and his brothers took on various tasks from an early age, gradually gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Gerald Schippers, Tony's brother, is among several family members who have worked at the auto store between Hays and LaCrosse.
"As soon as [Gerald] was old enough to come down and dust shelves, clean toilets, deliver whatever it might be, he was doing it," Tony said. "My middle brother followed, and then I followed him."
The family also ran a second NAPA store in LaCrosse from 1972 to 2019, which served as a training ground for the brothers before they moved on to the Hays location.
Gib's Auto Supply continues to have a solid connection to LaCrosse as Gerald manages outside sales and other areas in the store.
"We have a 30-mile radius. We go to Victoria, Ellis, Plainville, LaCrosse. That's our markets that we reach out to," Tony said.
Tony's son, Colby Schippers, is the third generation at Gib's Auto Supply. Now serving as the operations manager, Colby began his journey by taking on entry-level tasks, just as his father did.
Gib's Auto Supply provides automotive parts for cars and trucks, including batteries, brakes, filters, headlights, wipers, and various tools and equipment.
Tony said what sets the store apart from others in the area is the close relationships the family-owned business has built with its customers.
"It's our personal service and longevity," he said. "We're servicing customers that are second-generation customers too."
"We've had great employees through the years, excellent health that allows us to do things most businesses would have to pull in somebody else," Gerald said.
Over the past 60 years, the family navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and oil-related issues but has continued to serve Hays.
"It's nice to see that you've started something and have been able to grow and expand it. Not only have customers but what we would call them friends now," Tony said.
"You sometimes wonder if you went down the right path, but after reflection, it's been rewarding," Gerald said.
NAPA Gib's Auto Supply is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
You can visit the store's website here and follow them on Facebook.