Capitol Automotive Warehouse was founded in Austin, Texas and has enjoyed a long and rich history. It was originally opened by Mr. T.E. Poppe and Mr. Emzy Schneider in the late1940’s as a jobber store of Poppe Automotive Warehouse, INC. In the early 1950’s, Mr. Schneider purchased the Austin branch of Poppe Automotive and renamed the organization Capitol Automotive. However, Mr. Schneider’s dream went beyond the ownership of one jobber store, it included opening a chain of jobber stores in the Austin area. His dream became a reality, and Capitol Automotive prospered throughout his life until his passing in 1963. His wife, Mrs. Norval Schneider, then carried forward her husband’s passion for Capitol Automotive until she passed away in the mid 1980’s. Continuing the family tradition, her daughter, Mrs. Ivy Bandy and son-in-law Mr. Don Bandy, headed the company until their retirement in 1995. Subsequently, Capitol Automotive was purchased by Poppe Automotive Warehouse, INC., linking two organizations whose founders were not only astute businessmen but also good friends. Together, Poppe Automotive and Capitol Automotive, will not only carry on the tradition of honest business built on Texas values, yet also forge a new future ground solidly on the past and focused on the future.

Sharing an equally rich history, Poppe Automotive Warehouse, INC was founded in 1922 by T.E. Poppe. Subsequently, after almost a century under the direction of T.E. Poppe, Mr. James M. Black III purchased the firm in 1977. Under the direction of Mr. Black, Poppe Automotive Warehouse has experienced steady growth throughout the past 20 years.

Originally located on Alamo street, Poppe Automotive Warehouse was later relocated to 716 S. Frio under the direction of Mr. Black. The company has undergone three expansions since its relocation to Frio Street. The firm now occupies approximately 60,000 square feet and is an impressive distribution center serving approximately 200 jobbers, customers in Mexico, South America and the Middle East, as well as city and state agencies. Currently, distribution in the state of Texas spans from south of Dallas to the U.S.-Mexican Border.

In addition, Poppe Automotive Warehouse has acquired three firms over the past four years. Most notably in 1995, Capitol Automotive Warehouse located in Austin, Texas, was purchased in order to serve the growing installer market. Now relocated into a modern facility, Capitol Automotive has experienced stellar growth since 1995. Under the immediate direction of the general manager, Garry Pariseau, Capitol continues to experience solid growth. In 1998, Pro Auto parts and Big V Auto Parts were purchased by Poppe Automotive in order to increase market share in the San Antonio region. As of 2000, sales targets have been met and the two newest additions to the Capitol Automotive concept, (Pro Auto Parts and Big V Auto Parts), are positioned for success. Garry Pariseau, general manager for Capitol Automotive in Austin, Texas was appointed sales manager in 1998. With over 20 years experience in the automotive aftermarket, Pariseau has reinvigorated the sales force at both Poppe and Capitol Automotive. His dedication to customer service and extensive knowledge of the automotive aftermarket are clearly a winning combination, benefiting both Poppe Automotive and the customer.

As Poppe Automotive and its subsidiary, Capitol Automotive, enter the next century, the firms are strategically positioned to meet routine obligations and new challenges. CEO, James M. Black III, has a philosophy that is two-fold: creating a work-force built on experience, and embracing an ideology which centers on change management. With over 250 years of combined management experience in the automotive aftermarket, Poppe Automotive, as well as Capitol Automotive, have built a solid reputation on their people. Proactively responding to change has been critical in developing the Capitol Automotive concept and adapting the sales force to an evolving market. This philosophy has created the company’s two sustainable competitive advantages, an exceptional workforce and the ability to manage change. This will undoubtedly allow Poppe and Capitol to secure a solid future in the automotive aftermarket industry.