Our Story

Our Beginnings

While on their honeymoon in 1928, Everett and Julia Ridge experienced car problems while passing through Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  Because of the inability to get the parts needed for repairs, they never made it to their original destination.  However, Everett saw an opportunity and returned later that same year and established The Ridge Company in a small building with wood and block shelves, holding very little inventory.

Service

With little inventory, Everett focused on service.  He would make calls on the local garages throughout the day, and then order the parts from Chicago manufacturers for delivery the next day.  As the business prospered the inventory grew, but People and Service was what always separated Ridge from the competition then as it continues to do so today.

Growth & Transition

By 1950, The Ridge Company had grown to include 33 stores spread across the Midwest selling auto parts and providing automotive machine shop services.  By the early 50’s, Everett had begun selling his stores to many of his store managers.  In 1953, Howard Goodhew, Ridge’s operation manager, purchased six Ridge Auto Parts stores in the Michiana area, including the headquarters which was now located in South Bend, IN.

Howard's Legacy

Howard began working for Mr. Ridge at the age of 16 delivering parts on his bicycle and continued with the only interruption of his career at Ridge coming at the call of Uncle Sam to serve his country in WWII.  During Howard’s leadership, the company grew to 11 stores.  Today his sons, Jim and Mark serve as President and Vice President overseeing 16 Ridge NAPA Auto Parts stores, 2 automotive machine shops and a DuPont Performance Coatings division serving the various markets in which we have stores.

Ridge Joins Forces with NAPA

In 2002, Ridge became affiliated with NAPA Auto Parts and has quickly grown to become one of the country’s largest volume NAPA affiliates, earning recognition in NAPA’s prestigious 5 Star of Excellence program.

Ridge's People Power

But the true key to Ridge’s success has always been its People.  We pride ourselves in having knowledgeable, friendly People providing outstanding service and quality parts with industry leading programs.  People, Service, Quality Parts and Programs has been the hallmark of our company throughout its rich history and remains our focus for the future.

Thank You - Our Valued Customer

To our many customers, THANKS! To those who are not yet customers, WELCOME! We truly look forward to the opportunity to show you why you should choose to do business with Ridge NAPA auto Parts. See you soon!