Our Story. Our Legacy.
90 years of service
For 90 years, we’ve been proud to do more than just move tires—we’ve moved the industry forward. This year, we honor our legacy of service to the tire industry, our partners, associates, customers, and the communities where we live and work.
Our Story. Our Legacy.
90 years of service
For 90 years, we’ve been proud to do more than just move tires—we’ve moved the industry forward. This year, we honor our legacy of service to the tire industry, our partners, associates, customers, and the communities where we live and work.
With you for the long-haul
90 years and counting
From our very first delivery to the millions that followed, our commitment to service has never wavered. This milestone isn’t just about time—it’s about the trust we’ve built over nearly a century of showing up, following through, and putting people first. From humble beginnings to a respected name in the industry, we're proud to serve customers across the United States.
Join us as we celebrate—and build—the future of tire distribution.
The road ahead starts here.
Humble beginnings.
The story of American Tire Distributors
In the spring of 1935, James H. Heafner, a high school principal from Lincolnton, North Carolina, took a leap of faith. With a single mold recapper, two manual gas pumps, and a borrowed pickup truck, he started delivering tires to neighbors—one stop at a time. That small business, built on trust and service, would grow into one of the largest independent suppliers of tires and automotive parts in North America.
Ninety years later, ATD is celebrating a legacy defined by innovation, growth, and the strength of its dealer partners.
The beginning of Heafner Tire
Laying the groundwork (1935–1960s)
Heafner’s tire business gained traction quickly. By 1943, he left teaching to focus on the company full time. Over the next two decades, Heafner Tire expanded throughout the Southeast, opening its first distribution center in Charlotte in 1954. The company registered as The J.H. Heafner Company, Inc. during the 1960s and began expanding to seven distribution centers, cementing its position as a trusted regional provider. This period laid the foundation for ATD’s future success.
The beginning of Heafner Tire
Laying the groundwork (1935–1960s)
Heafner’s tire business gained traction quickly. By 1943, he left teaching to focus on the company full time. Over the next two decades, Heafner Tire expanded throughout the Southeast, opening its first distribution center in Charlotte in 1954.
The company registered as The J.H. Heafner Company, Inc. during the 1960s and began expanding to seven distribution centers, cementing its position as a trusted regional provider. This period laid the foundation for ATD’s future success.
Built on service. Driven by trust.
90 years of delivering more than just tires
Every mile, every load, every call—we’ve built our business on your success. For nine decades, we’ve worked hard to earn your trust with dependable delivery, unmatched inventory, and the kind of support that only comes from a true partner. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Putting customers first since day one
Your success has always been our mission
To our customers—thank you for 90 years of loyalty, partnership, and trust. You’ve been the driving force behind everything we do.
Putting customers first since day one
Your success has always been our mission
To our customers—thank you for 90 years of loyalty, partnership, and trust. You’ve been the driving force behind everything we do.
Proud to serve
Today, ATD stands as a trusted partner to thousands of tire dealers, automotive shops, and service professionals across the country. We continue to support the independent dealer while navigating the road ahead.
Ninety years in, the mission remains clear: to help our partners thrive in a fast-moving, constantly evolving industry. The journey continues—driven by purpose, powered by people, and built to last.
As we look to the future, we do so with the same dedication that’s carried us this far. Because great service isn’t just something we offer—it’s who we are.
Here’s to the next 90.
