VIP Tires and Service

VIP Tires and Service
IndustryAutomotive aftermarket company
Founded1958 (1958)
HeadquartersAuburn, Maine
Key people
John P. Quirk (Executive Chairman); Tim Winkeler (President and CEO)
ParentQuirk Tires and Service
Websitewww.vipauto.com

VIP Tires and Service, previously known as VIP Parts, Tires and Service, is an automotive service provider and tire dealer headquartered in Auburn, Maine. Staffing its stores with certified automotive professionals, VIP offers auto repair and maintenance, among other services.[1][2]

As of 2026, VIP has nearly 80 stores throughout New England, including Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut.[3] It is northern New England's largest privately held auto service provider and tire dealer, employing over 800 workers.[4]

History

Founded in 1958 by Thomas O. Auger of Lewiston, Maine, VIP Tires and Service is based in Auburn, Maine. In 2001, VIP was purchased by Quirk Tires and Service. Quirk Tires was founded by Edward S. Quirk in 1926 in Watertown, Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest tire dealers in the United States. VIP was headed by John P. Quirk, Edward's grandson, who served as president and CEO of the company.[5] In 2018, Quirk was named "Independent Tire Dealer of the Year" by Modern Tire Dealer.[6] As of 2026, he is VIP's executive chairman.[7]

From 1981 to 2007, VIP sponsored a one-day event held at the Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, Maine.[8] The event was the largest single day car show in northern New England.[9]

In 2008, VIP received the Polk Inventory Efficiency Award in the retailer and distributor category for advanced product control technology. The Polk Inventory Efficiency Award, presented by R.L. Polk & Co., recognizes and rewards outstanding aftermarket companies for process improvements relative to inventory efficiency.[10]

In March 2026, VIP marked its 100th year in business (under the Quirk banner) with contests, videos, and other celebrations.[11]

Leadership

Tim Winkeler has served as president and CEO at VIP since 2018, when Quirk became executive chairman.[12] He oversees all business functions at the company. Winkeler was previously the vice president of merchandising and chief operating officer at VIP.[13]

Gary MacCausland is VIP's COO, while Ray Donlon is general counsel and chief risk officer. In April 2026, Cooper Babcock joined the company as chief administrative officer.[14]

Services

VIP provides a wide range of services related to auto repair and maintenance to its customers, in addition to selling tires.[15] The company also offers emissions inspections.[16]

VIP staffs its locations with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Tire Industry Association (TIA) certified professionals, and is known for offering education and certification opportunities to employees.[17][18]

VIP also educates drivers about best practices, such as avoiding potholes and using winter tires in colder climates.[19][20]

Philanthropy

In 2025, VIP received the "WishMaker Award" from Make-A-Wish Maine for its charitable contributions to the organization.[21] VIP partnered with Make-A-Wish in 2008, and has contributed more than $1.6 million to the charity.[22]

References

  1. ↑ Staff, Staff Report | Hartford Courant (2026-02-04). "New England-based tire and service company acquires CT business. 'An important market'". Hartford Courant. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  2. ↑ Hinton, Christian (2026-02-03). "Lyons Auto Service Acquired by VIP". Tire Review Magazine. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  3. ↑ "New England's VIP Tires marks 100 years in business". Tire Business. March 3, 2026.
  4. ↑ Fischer, Tina (2026-02-03). "VIP Tires & Service expands in deal with Connecticut auto shop". Mainebiz. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  5. ↑ "V.I.P., INC · Lewiston, ME United States". Hoover's. 2010-10-21. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  6. ↑ "Meet the 2018 Tire Dealer of the Year". Modern Tire Dealer. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  7. ↑ "VIP Tires and Service, born in Lewiston and based in Auburn, has ties that go back a century". Lewiston Sun Journal. 2026-06-25. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  8. ↑ "Show, Shine, Drag winners announced". Lewiston Sun Journal. 2006-07-01. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  9. ↑ Craig, Steve. "New look at Oxford Plains". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  10. ↑ Guyette, James E. "VIP Tire Wins Polk Award". Motor Age. Retrieved September 8, 2008.
  11. ↑ "New England's VIP Tires marks 100 years in business". Tire Business. March 3, 2026.
  12. ↑ Staff, aftermarketNews (2017-11-21). "Tim Winkeler Promoted To President Of VIP Tires & Service". AftermarketNews. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  13. ↑ Staff, aftermarketNews (2017-11-21). "Tim Winkeler Promoted To President Of VIP Tires & Service". AftermarketNews. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  14. ↑ Hinton, Christian (2026-04-29). "VIP Tires Leadership Adds Executives, Promotes Operations Head". Tire Review Magazine. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  15. ↑ "VIP Tires & Service Relocates Stores". Modern Tire Dealer. 2025-05-13. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  16. ↑ We-Ha (2026-02-02). "Lyons Auto Service Officially Under New Ownership". We-Ha | West Hartford News. Retrieved 2026-08-14.
  17. ↑ Staff, aftermarketNews (2020-03-04). "VIP Tires And Service Techs Achieve World Class Status". AftermarketNews. Retrieved 2026-08-17.
  18. ↑ WrenchWay (2023-08-22). "Top Shop Spotlight: VIP Tires & Service". ASE Connects. Retrieved 2026-08-17.
  19. ↑ Congi, Sera (2026-03-10). "Early pothole season hits Massachusetts". WCVB. Retrieved 2026-08-17.
  20. ↑ Wagner, Will (2023-12-05). "Getting the right tires for a Maine Winter". WABI TV. Retrieved 2026-08-17.
  21. ↑ Hinton, Christian (2025-10-06). "VIP Tires & Service WishMaker Award". Tire Review Magazine. Retrieved 2026-08-17.
  22. ↑ "VIP donates more than $320,000 to Make-A-Wish". Tire Business. March 10, 2026.
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