The Milestones that Shaped ATD
In 1935, James H. Heafner—then a high school principal in Lincolnton, North Carolina—took a bold step. With a single mold recapper, two manual gas pumps, and a vision for delivering quality and service, he founded Heafner Tire Company. Delivering tires from the back of his family’s pickup truck, James quickly earned a reputation for going the extra mile for his neighbors.
That spirit of service and innovation has fueled the company’s remarkable 90-year journey—from a small-town tire operation to American Tire Distributors (ATD), a leading national player in the tire and automotive aftermarket.
Humble beginnings, steady growth
By the 1940s, Heafner Tire Company had opened 10 locations across the region. In 1943, James Heafner left his teaching career behind to focus on growing the business full-time. The company continued to expand throughout the 1950s and 60s, opening distribution centers and officially registering as The J.H. Heafner Company, Inc. in North Carolina.
Building a legacy
The next three decades brought significant momentum. Heafner introduced its first private label, Regul Tire, in 1972. Acquisitions began shaping the company’s future, including the 1982 purchase of Beech Tire Mart and the 1991 acquisition of Commonwealth Tire. In 1985, James Harlan Heafner was inducted into the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on the industry.
Throughout the 1990s, Heafner continued expanding its reach, including acquiring Winston Tires, ITCO Logistics, and Competition Parts Warehouse (CPW). The company’s headquarters relocated to Charlotte, NC, and it officially became Heafner Tire Group, Inc. to reflect its growing footprint.
Becoming American Tire Distributors
The turn of the century marked a transformative moment. In 2002, the company rebranded as American Tire Distributors (ATD)—signifying its emergence as a coast-to-coast distributor with over 2,000 associates.
Over the next decade, ATD pursued aggressive growth, acquiring major regional players and expanding into Canada. In 2014, ATD acquired Hercules Tires, a performance-focused proprietary brand that remains a pillar of the company’s portfolio.
Navigating challenges, reinventing for the future
Like many industry leaders, ATD faced its share of challenges. The company successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in both 2018 and again in 2025, each time more resilient and ready to support its customers and partners.
In recent years, ATD has continued evolving to meet market demands. It launched and expanded several strategic business units:
- Tire Pros: A nationwide network of independent tire dealers powered by the strength of a national brand.
- FLX FWD: A third-party logistics service providing comprehensive solutions for the automotive aftermarket.
- Hercules Tires: A trusted brand delivering high-performance and affordable tires with the bold message: Ride on Our Strength.
Looking ahead
In its 90th year, ATD continues to lead with service and a deep commitment to the independent dealer. With new distribution centers like Salt Lake City, Louisville, and regional distribution center in McDonough, GA, the company remains focused on operational excellence and strategic growth.
ATD’s story is one of reinvention, perseverance, and partnership. What began in a small North Carolina town is now a dynamic force in the automotive aftermarket—with a legacy built on trust, and a future driven by purpose.
Here’s to the next 90 years of moving the industry forward—together.
