The landscape of the automotive industry has changed dramatically over the past half-century, but one constant for Richmond County residents has been the personal touch of family-owned Jenkins Automotive and Industrial Supply.

The only remaining family-owned auto parts dealer left in Rockingham, the local business competes with national chains that have thousands of franchise stores by offering knowledge and skill, a manager said.

Frank and Graham Jenkins run the store that was started by their parents, Clyde and Ruth, in 1959.

After starting with only one employee in a 3,000 square-foot building, the business has endured and now pays nine people to work at its 14,500 square-foot facility.

“Our employees, being from Richmond County, know most of our customers when walk in the door or call on the phone,” Frank said. “The personal, friendly touch is important because when customers come to us they are usually broken-down or have a problem. Quick efficient service what our customers expect, and that is what our qualified employees deliver.”

He said there is at least 125 years in the parts experience on his staff, and the store inventories more than 200 product lines.

In December of 2008, Jenkins entered into a partnership with CARQUEST, according to Frank.

“This has made a major, positive impact on the company,” co-owner Graham Jenkins said. “CARQUEST has 3,000 company-owned stores, and 1,500 independent affiliated stores. This has given us strength we didn’t have before in the auto parts market.”

However, Frank pointed out that while the relationship with CARQUEST has already strengthened his business, it will retain its independent identity and family-owned values.

“Fifty years after its beginning, we are proud to still be an independent family-owned business with family values in a world of competitive corporate-owned companies,” Frank said.

Some of the ways Jenkins Automotive and Industrial Supply enhances the community is by keeping the money spent at the store in the local economy, as opposed to sending the profits to a corporate headquarters in another state, and by supporting local charities and charitable causes.

The store offers the full line of CARQUEST parts, supplies and services, as well as the complete line of BASF-RM automotive paints and supplies, and starter and alternator testing for automotive needs.

Jenkins also offers automotive, truck and heavy equipment glass installation, in addition to custom-made hydraulic hoses, heavy duty truck parts and many items for the industrial trade not usually found in a traditional auto parts store.

Frank and Graham also expressed graciousness to past and present customers, and invited anyone and everyone to visit their store for their automotive needs.

Jenkins Automotive and Industrial Supply is located on Long Street in Rockingham, across from Richmond Memorial Hospital.