Heckley Auto & Diesel Service has been a family-owned local company servicing all makes of cars & trucks since opening their doors in April of 1993. Owners, Kevin & Tiffany Heckley, expanded the business in July of 2004 to include the sales and service of lawn & garden equipment. This July, they expanded the company once again, Heckley Auto Sales & Service, a pre-owned auto dealership across the street from their current location on State Rd 101 in Woodburn.
They both graduated from Woodlan High School, Kevin in 1985 and Tiffany (Rigsby) in 1988. In high school, Kevin took Industrial Arts classes and realized his passion for mechanics from teacher Bob McKennen. From that point on you couldn’t keep him away from engines and cars. Today, many students don’t have opportunities like this since many of these courses have been halted from budget cuts in school systems.
His parents, Dewayne and Sandra Heckley, gave him insight into running a business. “I wanted to stay in Woodburn, even when I was younger.” Kevin continued, “Starting a business with the skills I learned was the best way to do this.”
Kevin increased his mechanical knowledge from North Western Business Tech in Lima.
Not all the credit goes to Kevin, Tiffany wears many hats also. She is the office manager, handling calls, receipts, purchasing and all accounting.
Both Tiffany and Kevin are involved in the community of Woodburn. Kevin is vice-president of the Woodburn Chamber of Commerce, which has been working hard bringing new business in Woodburn. The construction at the industrial park and the new Loves Truck Stop will bring many jobs. The Chamber and business leaders of Woodburn are to be commended for their pro-economic development push.
Heckleys have attended Grace Gathering Church in New Haven for 17 years.
Together they have three daughters Lanae, Taylor and Alicia. If you were at the Woodburn Summer Fest several weeks ago, you probably met at least one of the family members as they were volunteering at the events.
The new auto dealership, managed by Tim Hiem, offers quality pre-owned cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. Since the new sales location opened, the dealership has sold an incredible 28 vehicles. Heckley also works with trade-ins and consignment.
The Heckley name has been synonymous with quality and honesty for over 21 years in the Woodburn community and is committed to carrying over the same integrity to the new business. “We think it’s important to build the kind of relationships with our customers that will allow us to provide sales and service for their lifetime, not just for today, said founder, Kevin Heckley. “We’re in business to make a living, not a killing. We’re small enough to still have a real ‘hands on’ approach to the way we do business and high-tech enough to find & service what our customers are looking for.”
Heckley’s employs eight people, including both full and part-time workers. This is another example demonstrating small businesses are the job creators in the United States.
In a future issue of the West Bend News, a Grand Opening celebration will be announced for everyone to come out and tour the new facility, enjoy refreshments and take a look at all the inventory.
Heckley Auto Sales & Service is at 4707 State Rd 101 in Woodburn across the street from the Auto & Diesel location.
