It’s hard to imagine what Peoria looked like when it was first established around 1890. Fertile farmland as far as the eye could see. The people who settled in this area consisted of hard working individuals who believed in an honest day’s work and always lent a helping hand to their neighbor. Many things have changed since then in Peoria but Wilhelm Automotive still proves that the philosophy of the residents and businesses that was established over a century ago still holds true today.

Wilhelm Automotive was established in 1928 and is the oldest business in Peoria and is the oldest family-owned automotive repair service in the state of Arizona. The company has been going strong through two family ownerships and it has no intention of slowing down in the future.

History

Through its first 50 years of existence, Wilhelm catered to the needs of its local farming community. Peoria was a small farming town and Wilhelm was the tallest building around. People came from many of the neighboring communities to do business with Joe Wilhelm, the owner and founder of the company. Wilhelm soon became the largest distributor and seller of tractor tires in the valley.

The philosophy that Joe Wilhelm established was very simple – perform quality service, do everything you can to accommodate your customers and always give back to your community. He went so far in the early days to meet his philosophy that he was known for accepting fresh produce as payment from the local farmers.

Change in Ownership

In 1979, Joe Wilhelm looked to sell the business. He would only sell to someone who had the same ideals and beliefs that he did because he wanted the business to keep the reputation it had earned over the years. Up stepped Charley and Mary Jane Gyder.

The Gyder family was very similar to the Wilhelms. They were involved and well respected in the local community. So, Joe turned the reigns of the Peoria store over to them because he knew that it would be in capable hands. Other family members that are currently with Wilhelm include Charley’s sons Thom and Doug Gyder, Charley’s grandsons, Chris Garman and Marshall Gyder. For the last 29 years, the Gyders, their family and their employees have continued to carry on the established traditions and work ethic and have seen their staff grow from 10 to 52 employees.

Giving Back to the Community

Since 1979, the company has expanded to include locations in Litchfield Park, Tatum Ranch, Surprise and Goodyear. Community service comes naturally to all Wilhelm employees no matter which location is involved.

The biggest project that the Gyder family has taken on is the revitalization of the downtown Peoria area. This includes their heavy involvement in making the new Peoria Center for the Performing Arts a reality this past February. The Gyders have been long time supporters and volunteers for Theater Works, the local Peoria acting troupe. With the opening of the Arts Center, Theater Works now has a permanent home. In addition, the Arts Center will also spark future development that will pave the way for a more vibrant downtown Peoria.

Bob Ware, president of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, said, “Thom and his family, through their business, have been major contributors to keeping Theater Works in business and making the Arts Center a reality. He and Wilhelm Automotive are big backers in the health and wealth of the revitalization of “Old Town” in Peoria. All in all, the business epitomizes what you would want in a leadership organization”.

There is other giving as well. Numerous Valley organizations have been beneficiaries of the company’s generosity. These organizations include Chambers of Commerce, the Cave Creek Museum, American Cancer Society, St Mary’s/Westside Food Bank, Fighter Country Partnership, Luke Air Force Base, SunHealth, sports teams, schools, parks & recreation departments and many, many more.

When you integrate your family into the community, it all fits, it all flows,” Thom Gyder said, “It’s not something we do as an obligation, it’s something we love to do”.

The Future of Wilhelm Automotive

The future looks very promising for Wilhelm Automotive. In between the charity work and regular business, Gyder has been busy adding new locations. Wilhelm’s opened new stores in Surprise and Goodyear earlier this year. At some point in time the company may venture into the East Valley. In the meantime, the management and employees will continue to carry on the traditions that were laid down many years ago in Peoria. Gyder added, “We, as a family and as a business, will continue to be involved in the community. We will continue to provide the quality of service that our customers have come to expect and the peace of mind they deserve. The foundation of our business was laid down nearly 80 years ago by Joe Wilhelm, enhanced by my father when he bought the business, carried on by our current employees and will continue for many years into the future no matter where we lay down roots”.

About Wilhelm Automotive

Wilhelm Automotive is a family owned and operated award winning automotive repair and maintenance business that has been serving the valley since 1928. In 2006, the company won the distinguished WestMarc Best Business in the West Valley award. Wilhelm’s has always made community support a top priority by being involved with organizations such as St. Mary’s Westside Food Bank, TheaterWorks, Peoria Center for the Arts and the American Cancer Society. Wilhelm currently has five locations in Tatum Ranch, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise and Goodyear. Additional information can be found at our website at www.WilhelmAuto.com.