H&H Auto Parts marks 50 years in business
VERNON. Founded by Ward Huey Sr. and Ward Huey Jr., the business was sold to employee Tom Lutz in 1999.
Vernon /
| 22 Jan 2023 | 11:58
Tom Lutz, owner of H&H Auto Parts, began working there when he was a student at Vernon Township High School. (Photo by Janet Redyke)
H&H Auto Parts in Vernon has been in business since Jan. 29, 1973. (Photo by Janet Redyke)
A 1999 photo show Tom Lutz “kicking” Ward Juey Jr. out as Lutz officially became the store’s owner. (Photo courtesy of Dyan Huey-Thompson)
In 1973, Ward Huey Sr. and Ward Huey Jr. took the risk of a lifetime and came out on top.
The father and son each took second mortgages on their homes and started H&H Auto Parts.
Fifty years later, the business on Route 94 in Vernon is owned by Tom Lutz.
He was a Vernon Township High School student in 1983 and a member of the school’s automobile club.
Because of his love of cars and positive work ethic, he was hired as a part-time employee at H&H.
When Ward Jr. retired in 1999, he sold the business to Lutz.
“Tom continues to own and operate H&H Auto Parts to this day. He has been part of the business for 40 years,” said Dyan Huey-Thompson, granddaughter and daughter of the founders.
Huey-Thompson and her sister Dawn Foley still own the strip-mall building and plan to pass it on to their children.
Huey-Thompson remembers her dad’s words of wisdom: “Your competition may be smarter than you but never let them out-work you.”
Lutz reflects fondly on the two Wards.
“Getting a start in the business was a great experience,” he said. “Cars were always my passion.”
He is planning a customer appreciation day in June and will announce the 50-year anniversary with a celebratory banner at the store.