Carriage House Plans: Oreillys Auto Parts

Oreillys Auto Parts

O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. officially started in the auto parts business in Springfield, Missouri, in November 1957. The company's history began with Charles Francis O'Reilly, a traveling salesman for Fred Campbell Auto Supply in St. Louis, Missouri. By 1924 Charles had become familiar with the Springfield area, having traveled by train to sell auto parts throughout the territory. He recognized the region as an area of growth and opportunity, and asked to be transferred there. By 1932 he had become manager of Link Motor Supply in Springfield. One of his sons, Charles H. "Chub" O'Reilly, had also joined the company. Together they provided the leadership and management that made Link the predominant auto parts store in the area.