BROKEN BOW, Neb. – Wenquist Incorporated, Broken Bow’s family owned NAPA auto parts store, is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 100 years in business. The community is invited to join the festivities throughout the day Thursday with cookies and coffee. Evening festivities will begin at 5 PM.
“It’s pretty cool,” said owner Dan Wenquist. “100 years is a long time to be in business for anybody, but to be a family a family owned business of 100 years, it’s pretty amazing.”
The store will offer giveaways, prize entries, and a chance to win a bright green 41-inch Carlyle toolbox provided by NAPA Omaha. A piece of Wenquist history will also be on display- a 1966 Schwinn bicycle originally sold at the store.
Wenquist Inc.’s roots trace back to 1925, when A.J. and Rosie Wenquist, along with their sons Evald, Morris, and Selden, opened “A.J. Wenquist & Sons” on the square in Broken Bow. The shop started by selling bicycle parts, automotive accessories, and tires. In 1940, they partnered with NAPA as their main supplier, beginning a relationship that continues to this day.
In 1953, the business expanded to two locations, purchasing the building on East Highway 2, known then as “Wenquist’s Auto Supply.” By 1960 the company officially incorporated as “Wenquist, Inc.” A series of changes followed, including expansions, ownership transitions, and eventually consolidating operations at the East Highway 2 location.
Generations of Wenquists have guided the company forward. Dan recalls starting to help in the store as early as seventh grade, remembering days spent stocking shelves and sweeping floors. Many years later, a memory that stuck out to him was the repair of one particular roof leak.
“One summer, we thought we’d fix a roof leak by pouring liquid tar into a crack,” Dan recalled. “It ended up running down the wall and into the women’s bathroom. We had to clean up a big mess and eventually drywall the entire bathroom.”
Over the decades, the business saw major changes, especially with advances in technology and inventory. Today, Wenquist Inc. carries nearly $2 million in parts and supplies, a far cry from its humble beginnings.
“Everything is computerized now,” Dan said. “When I started, we were still looking up points and condensers. Now, most people don’t even know what those are. The volume of inventory today is incredible.”
Despite all the changes, the foundation of Wenquist Inc. has remained the same: family and community.
“We think of this whole area as family,” Dan said. “We’ve known people for years and years, and it really feels like we’re all in it together. That’s what has kept us going.”
After being owned and guided by multiple generations from A.J. and Rosie, to Evald, Morris, and Selden, to Stan and Judy, and now Dan and Amy, Wenquist Inc. has grown into a nearly 11,000 square foot facility, with a strong commitment to customer service and local relationships.
Everyone, from lifelong customers to first-time visitors, is invited to join in their 100th anniversary celebration Thursday. Visitors can enjoy refreshments, enter for prizes, and share in a century of stories and memories.
“It’s been 100 years together, and we’re excited to celebrate with everyone,” said Dan.
