Summer 2007

Parts Galore Expands with Second Location

Bill Wild is once again mixing up his “recipe” for Parts Galore. “Begin with some land, add gravel and cement, thousands of scrap cars and mold them together,” advises the salvage yard’s President and General Manager. The result is an expansion for the innovative venture of Soave Enterprises’ Metals Recycling Group.

In August, Parts Galore became a chain with the addition of a second, larger operation in Detroit. The 25–acre facility near Warren and Livernois has 2,500 cars for do–it–yourself auto parts enthusiasts.

“Our unique concept is really coming together. Customers appreciate the lower costs associated with our self service approach,” says Wild. “Unlimited support from Anthony Soave and Yale Levin has made this idea a reality, and it couldn’t have been completed without Howard Sherman, Bryant Frank and Susan Johnson. The list of people to acknowledge isn’t complete without also thanking Tony Benacquisto, Jeff Thomas and Joanie Streicher.”

The company’s first location, opened last spring on Eight Mile Road, welcomed its 500,000th customer this June. “Clients drive from throughout the metro area, and as far away as Lansing, Toledo and Canada,” explains Wild. “They’re individuals working on their cars, entrepreneurs listing items on Ebay, salvagers from glass shops and dealerships, and sometimes, vintage car collectors. The common thread is that each one of them gets a bargain at Parts Galore.”

MPS Group “Adopts” a Section of I–75

Two miles of Michigan highway are now litter–free thanks to the efforts of MPS Group employees. The community–minded team, led by MPS’ Senior Project Manager Brad Ledy, donned orange safety vests on Friday, July 20 and took to the roadsides to remove accumulated debris.

For the second consecutive year, Ledy organized the community service activity through the Michigan Department of Transportation’s popular “Adopt a Highway” program. “As a locally–based company, MPS Group wants metropolitan Detroit to put its best foot forward. This area is our home and we are compelled to give back,” he explains. “Cleaning up our highways is just one of many projects in which we have participated.”

MPS Group maintains its north and south–bound sections of I–75 from Rochester Road to Big Beaver with group clean–ups organized three times each year, according to the MDOT calendar. “Our employees report to their offices in the morning, and then proceed to the site to receive safety gear and instructions,” says Ledy. “A dozen volunteers typically spend about six hours cleaning assigned section of highway. We make sure our neighbors enjoy an attractive drive home – or a pleasant beginning to their trip Up North.”

Since 1990, Adopt–a–Highway local groups have collected over a million bags of trash. Currently 3,000 groups are participating in the program and have adopted over 6,900 miles of Michigan highways.

Texas Cult Favorite Hits Chicago

Texas has arrived in Chicago. Shiner Bock, an almost century old brand produced in Shiner, Texas, has joined the CITY Beverage–Illinois distribution roster. CITY Beverage predicts the small–town brew will find an appreciative big city audience.

“Shiner Bock is a full–flavored, deep amber–colored beer minus any bitterness,” explains Mike Rinella, Director of Imports and Specialties at CITY Beverage. “It was first brewed in 1909, when Czech and German immigrants to Texas were thirsty for a good, old–world beer. Their solution was the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas.”

Shiner made its debut at Chicagoland bars, restaurants and grocery stores in April. “The brand is being very well received,” notes Rinella. “With an incredibly loyal following from Texas natives, the brewer is following an innovative, grassroots marketing plan.”

To launch the brand, Shiner held a party for Texas college alumni now living in the Chicago area. The website, at www.shinerchicago.com, is helping spread the word and off–premise sampling wins over many potential customers. “Because Shiner Bock is a darker brew, some consumers need an opportunity to experience its smooth taste before committing to a six–pack,” Rinella says.

CITY Beverage–Illinois handles about 70 percent of the Shiner distribution in the Chicago area. “Over the next six months, we look forward to watching how word–of–mouth advertising will spread the news of Shiner from those who already enjoy this brand, to those who are not yet aware.”