Weber Auto Parts: A Family Legacy Built on Parts, Trust, and Community

In some small towns, an auto parts store is more than a retail outlet. It’s a place to gather and can even be a lifeline for the local community. Bill and Brad Weber have spent nearly three decades building Weber Auto Parts while proving that small-town service still matters in an increasingly fast-paced world.

From Card Files to Mouse Clicks

The Weber family’s journey began in 1995 when the brothers decided to open their first NAPA store in Osage, Iowa. In the early days everything ran on manual systems of handwritten invoices, a card file inventory tracking system. It took time to flip through cards to mark items as they were ordered, then rewriting information onto order pads.

Today that same work happens with a few clicks. Invoices are no longer printed and everything moves through email. What once took a considerable time is down to just a few minutes. But the brothers haven’t given up on the old ways. They still keep a small catalog rack on hand for reference. Digital systems can struggle to identify parts for older farm equipment so flipping pages on a physical catalog can be the fastest solution in those cases.

Expanding to Serve

In 2010 the Webers saw an opportunity to expand their business. A little over 20 miles away in Leroy, Minnesota they bought their second location and have grown it steadily ever since. The Leroy location is able to handle specialized services like mixing paint and manufacturing hydraulic hoses. Farmers don’t have time to drive all over when they need something like a hydraulic hose, so having a parts store nearby is essential.

More Than a Parts Store

What sets Weber Auto Parts apart isn’t just inventory or quick turnaround time, it’s the years of service that have built personal connections in the community. Bill and Brad know their customers, what vehicles the drive and the equipment they work on. They often know about their families too, from their kids’ school activities to upcoming trips.

The stores also act as a community hub. There’s a bulletin board that has auction flyers and help-wanted ads to help spread the word. Customers even stop by for coffee while they wait for parts. The Webers are active supporters of the county fair, as well as various fundraiser efforts benefitting school sports and community members facing health challenges.

Family Ties and Dedication to Service 

Running a family business for three decades hasn’t always been easy, but the Webers have found a rhythm that works. Everyone sticks to their own daily routines without stepping on each other’s toes. Bill and Brad’s father instilled his business guidance: success comes down to having the right parts and delivering reliable service. That commitment to service has led to some memorable moments. One night Bill responded to a 2 a.m. call for a stranded charter bus with fuel system problems. He met the driver outside the store so new fuel filters could be installed on the spot and the bus could continue its way.

A Cornerstone of the Community

The Weber brothers hope that customers remember them for both quality parts and dependable service. As Bill and Brad see it, their business isn’t just about auto parts but also people, pride, and showing up when it matters most. That makes Weber Auto Parts a trusted cornerstone of their communities.