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
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.
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.
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2026 New England Summer Road Trip Guide + Car Care Tips
There’s no better time to roll the windows down than summer time in New England!… Read More
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VIP Adds to Executive Leadership Team for Next Phase of Growth
In recent years, VIP has expanded to 77 New England locations with over 800 employees… Read More
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VIP Donates Nearly $24,000 to Make-A-Wish® Vermont in 2025
VIP donations to Make-A-Wish® hit nearly $2 million since 2008; donations made in Maine, New… Read More
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VIP Donates Nearly $67,000 to Make-A-Wish® New Hampshire in 2025
Total VIP donations to Make-A-Wish® hit $320,000 for 2025, nearly $2 million since 2008 AUBURN,… Read More
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