Celebrating 100 Years of Service
We’re proud to be a third-generation, family-owned business and Northern New England’s largest independent automotive repair and tire dealer. For all that growth over the last century, one thing has never changed: We work to earn your trust, not just a sale.
Join us in celebrating this incredible milestone as we get ready for the next 100 years of exceptional service. Because when you turn to VIP, you get a partner who has your back for the road ahead.
1926
Three Generations Strong
Founded in 1926 by Edward S. Quirk, VIP Tires & Service is currently owned by his grandson, John P. Quirk, who took over the business in 1985.
77
Locations (and Growing!)
From the first store in Watertown, MA, to now 77 locations across New England, there’s a VIP Tires & Service around every corner.
18
Years of Charitable Giving
Since 2008, VIP has contributed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, raising $1,922,400 for critically ill children and their families. That’s over 275 wishes granted!
Thank you for being part of our
century of service!
See the people who make VIP great
Explore 100 years of tires and service
VIP Quick Facts
Thousands of Positive Reviews
We’re thrilled to have received 55,672 positive reviews (and counting!) from happy customers.
A New England Road Trip
The distance from our northernmost store in Madawaska, ME to our southernmost store in Wallingford, CT is 612 miles. That’s a 10-hour and 17-minute drive!
Hundreds of Local Employees
We employ over 798 people across New England. You probably know a VIP employee in your community.
Building Lifetime Careers
Thanks to our Technician Toolbox program, we’ve kick-started 144 careers.
Our Locations
Maine 35 Locations
New Hampshire 21 Locations
Massachusetts 11 Locations
Vermont 6 Locations
Connecticut 4 Locations
Our Century Celebration Contests
Two Ways to Win With VIP
100,000
MILE CLUB
The 100,000 Mile Club Giveaway
Share your mileage story with VIP for a chance to win!
- Enter your contact information and vehicle make, model, year, and current mileage.
- Upload a photo of your odometer showing at least 100,000 miles. Include a Post-it note in the image displaying the current date, your name, and your number.
- Each week, we’ll draw winners across New England for $10 VIP Branded Dunkin’ Gift Cards.
- You could win one of 100 prizes in total, plus bonus prizes of a $100 VIP Rewards card for oldest car and best story, or a GoPro LIT Hero for most miles.
100
YEAR CONTEST
VIP Century Stories Contest
Share your most memorable VIP moment and you could win!
- Enter your contact information and either a written narrative or video recording of your most memorable VIP experience.
- We’ll choose a winner for each New England state that has a VIP location to receive a $100 VIP Rewards card.
It’s Our People that Make
The VIP Promise Possible
Legacy Leadership
Visionaries who paved the way.
John Quirk
Owner & Executive Chairman
John Quirk is the third-generation owner of VIP Tires & Service, continuing a family legacy that began in 1926 when his grandfather, Edward S. Quirk Sr., founded Quirk Tire Company. His father, Edward S. Quirk Jr., carried the business forward, and John’s own journey started humbly — working summer jobs in the tire business beginning in 1974. True to family tradition, he was required to build experience outside the company first, spending several years in the technology sector after graduating from Northeastern University before returning to lead the family business in 1985.
Tim Winkeler
President & CEO
Tim Winkeler has led VIP Tires & Service as President & CEO since 2019, bringing more than three decades of automotive experience and a lifelong passion for leadership and growth. Interestingly, he began his career as an engineer before finding his way into the automotive industry — and eventually to VIP, first as a vendor making sales calls when the company still operated a parts business. He officially joined the team in 2010 as Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing and later rose to CEO.
Scott Pickard
CFO, Chief Financial Officer
For more than two decades, Scott Pickard has helped guide VIP’s financial strength and long-term growth. He joined the company in 2004 after building his career in public accounting and finance, bringing a disciplined, strategic perspective to a business rooted in family values and community trust. Though he never worked in the automotive industry before VIP, Scott found something here that mattered more — a leadership team deeply committed to doing what’s right for customers and employees.
Gary MacCausland
Chief Store Operations Officer
Gary MacCausland was recently promoted to Chief Store Operations Officer after having served for many years as VIP’s Senior Vice President of Operations and Merchandising. Gary has more than 40 years of industry experience working with companies such as Sears, Pep Boys, and NTB before joining VIP in 2011. He also currently serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Tire Industry Association (TIA).
Allan Kirkland
Chief Financial Officer – QAC
Allan Kirkland is Chief Financial Officer of Quirk Automotive Corp. Before serving as the CFO for QAC, he was VIP’s CFO for many years. Joining VIP Discount Auto Center in 1988, he served for 13 years before John Quirk purchased the company in 2001. Al provides steady insight and expertise as VIP grows into new markets and opportunities.
Cornerstone Champions
The foundation of VIP’s success.
Mary Daigle
Sr. Manager – Human Resources
Mary Daigle is VIP’s Sr. Manager in the Human Resources department, but she was a cornerstone of the company long before stepping into that role. Mary joined VIP in 1992 as a Merchandising Coordinator, nine years before John acquired the business. In 2013, she became the Office Manager and a trusted resource for the company, helping anyone and everyone who called the Support Center while also single-handedly planning major conferences and events. Her knowledge, compassion, and dedication truly set her apart.
Nicole Michaud
Accounts Payable
Nicole Michaud, affectionately known as Nikki, is VIP’s go-to expert for Accounts Payable. She’s been with VIP since 1998, and her knowledge and efficiency ensure vendors and partners are paid accurately and on time, every time. Beyond keeping things running smoothly, she also brings a seasonal touch to the Accounts Payable area by making the office fun and festive during the Christmas season!
Charlie Campagna
Manager of Safety and Loss Prevention
Charlie Campagna started his career with VIP as many of our team do — by working in our stores. He began as a Store Manager at our Old Town location, where his success, dedication to the process and customer experience, and attention to detail naturally positioned him for promotion to Manager of Safety and Loss Prevention. His passion for keeping VIP employees safe and ensuring our customers always come first truly sets him apart.
Key Drivers
Powering VIP’s future and growth.
Justin Saba
Service Manager at Stratham, NH
Justin joined VIP as a Tire & Lube Technician and worked his way up to Market Manager in just under 10 years, demonstrating incredible drive and dedication along the way. Drawing on his previous retail experience, he brings a customer-focused approach to his stores and an ability to get things done right the first time. Now a Service Manager for Stratham VIP, Justin also acts as the marketing liaison between the stores and the marketing team, sharing valuable insight and expertise.
Stephen White
District Manager
Stephen joined VIP in 2010, starting in the parts department and working his way up to market manager, overseeing several stores along the way. In that time, he’s earned his Vermont state inspector license, ASE G1, C1, P1, and A5 certifications, and completed intensive training programs with Milestar, Goodyear, Michelin, Nexen, and Toyo — earning him the self-proclaimed title of “Tire Geek.” When he’s not at work, Stephen is kept plenty busy at home with five kids, a dog, a cat, 50 chickens, six turkeys, and two goats.
Mike Gooden
Market Manager
Mike Gooden joined VIP as a Service Manager in 2011 and has been a dedicated member of our team ever since. Many know him from his time as Service Manager for the Manchester, NH location, and he now serves as Market Manager overseeing the Manchester, Concord, and Bedford, NH stores. Outside of work, Mike enjoys playing softball and competes in a traveling softball league. His son, Jeremy, is also part of the VIP team as a Service Manager for our Tilton, NH location.
many different names
same great service
Did you know that VIP has had many names through the years?
Edward S. Quirk founded the company in 1926 as Quirk Tire Co., then rebranded to Quirk Tires & Service.
Then, in 1958, Thomas Augur of Lewiston, ME founded VIP Discount Auto Center, which then became VIP, Parts, Tires, and Service when John Quirk purchased it in 2001.
Finally, in 2012, we became VIP Tires & Service when we sold our parts service to O’Reilly Auto Parts.
A Century of Milestones in New England
1926
Edward S. Quirk, Sr. uses a $200 loan from his grandmother to open a 1,500 sq. ft. store named Quirk Tire in Watertown, MA.
1928
Quirk Tire becomes a U.S Rubber Dealer.
1936
Quirk Tire begins serving earthmover equipment contractors during the construction of Rt. 128 in Boston. The job spans from 1936–1956.
1951
Edward S. Quirk, Jr. graduates from Boston College and joins the U.S Navy, becoming a Lt. JG.
1955
The second generation takes over operations. Edward S. Quirk, Jr. joins Quirk Tire as President & CEO.
1958
Thomas Auger founds VIP Discount Auto Center in Lewiston, ME.
1965
Quirk Tire opens first U.S Bandag earthmover retread manufacturing plant.
1985
John P. Quirk takes over the Quirk Tire company from his father and succeeds him as President & CEO, becoming the third generation to run operations.
2001
John Quirk purchases VIP Discount Auto Center with its 47 retail stores and renames the company VIP Parts, Tires and Service.
2012
VIP sells the auto parts segment of the business to O’Reilly Auto Parts to focus exclusively on the automotive service and tire business, renaming the company to VIP Tires & Service.
2018
- VIP opens its first new location since 2008 in West Lebanon, NH.
- VIP opens its first Vermont location in Williston, VT.
- Modern Tire Dealer names John Quirk Independent Tire Dealer of the Year.
2019
Executive Chairman John Quirk names Tim Winkeler as the new President & CEO of VIP Tires & Service.
2020
VIP designated an ‘essential service provider’ during the pandemic lockdowns, retaining all employees at full pay and benefits.
2023
VIP acquires Joe’s Tire Shop in Waterbury, CT, marking the company’s first acquisition and first location in Connecticut.
2025
VIP acquires Tires International in Manchester, CT and Wallingford Tire & Auto in Wallingford, CT.
2026
VIP acquires Lyon’s Auto Service in West Hartford, CT to bring its total number of locations up to 77.
VIP in Your Community
Stay safe with these driving and tire safety tips from the VIP blog.
-
How to Check Tire Tread Depth: The Penny Test, Warning Signs & When to Replace Your Tires
Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that make direct contact with the… Read More
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Used Tires vs. New Tires: What Every New England Driver Should Know Before They Buy
Thinking about buying used tires? Our New England technicians break down the real risks, hidden… Read More
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5 Ways to Boost Your Fuel Efficiency
Wondering how to improve fuel economy without buying a new car? You’re not alone. Fuel… Read More
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How to Read Your Tire Sidewall (And What Every Number Actually Means)
Understanding your tire sidewall may seem like a challenge, but once you know what to… Read More
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