Our history
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Art Rowley |
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The history of "Rowleys" dates back to 1921. The company's founder, Art Rowley, started in business by vulcanizing inner tubes in the basement of his home.
One of Art's brothers, Dan, worked with him for about six months at that time. Another brother, Sam, worked with him and on a holiday, July 4th, 1923, they opened the first "Rowley Brothers" gasoline station.
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The first gas station |
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Much of the early history of the company includes being a tire, oil, and gasoline retailer--as well as a wholesale distributor. A wood storage facility was constructed in 1927 and other gasoline stations were opened in 1928 and 1935.
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1947 warehouse |
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Art Rowley bought out his brother Sam in 1942, and a new warehouse was constructed in 1947. Art's two sons both became active in the business. Paul in 1949, and Jim in 1957.
The gasoline operations, in addition to fuel oil routes, were all sold off in the 1960s. In 1965, an additional storage warehouse was purchased.
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Rowleys Tires & Automotive Services |
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A new warehouse was built in 1967 to replace the other storage facilities. Rowley Brothers later expanded this new building--twice. First in 1968 with additional storage and three service bays--marking the re-entry for the company into the automobile service business. In 1972, four more service bays were added.
Paul Rowley's two sons, Keith and Mike, each began working full time with the business in 1975 and 1983 respectively.
In 1987, a new warehouse and general office was built; the wholesale operations division of the company moved; and the automobile service business became part of another company owned by the Rowley family. This corporation was renamed "Rowleys Tires & Automotive Services, Inc."
In July of 1993, Loyal Bismack joined Rowleys Tires & Automotive Services, Inc. Jim Rowley retired in February of 1995 and Loyal Bismack became a part owner along with the Paul Rowley family.
In 1996, three additional service bays were added.
Rowleys Tires & Automotive Services, Inc. bought a similar family business in Lapeer, Michigan, in August of 1997.
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Lapeer |
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Back in Bay City, a new (4th) service area was completed in 1999.
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