Photo by Karen Donato
2014 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR — Chamber of Commerce President Susan McAfee presented the 2014 Business of the Year award to Clukey’s Auto Supply. Accepting the award are from left, T.J. Peterson, manager of the Houlton store and Gail Clukey, owner.
By Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
Who would think a business that began in a potato house would become a well-known name in several towns in Aroostook County, but that is just what Clukey’s Auto Supply has done.
The decision to award the Business of the Year title to this auto supply store was one of the easiest the Chamber of Commerce has made, according to Jane Torres, executive director.
“In a town where many businesses excel, Clukey’s stood out as most deserving for the year 2014,” said Torres.
In 1972 Tom Clukey opened the first branch store for Brake Service and Parts in Presque Isle. He later moved on to Massachusetts with the same company. Then in 1984 he returned to his roots and with his father and brother opened Clukey’s Auto Supply in his hometown in a potato house located on Allen Street. They expanded later to Fort Fairfield and Mars Hill for a time.
The business catered to the needs of farmers at first, but with times changing over the years the inventory changed to automotive parts and accessories for automobiles and heavy-duty equipment. They also stock snowmobile gear, ATV equipment and boat supplies. Not only do they sell the parts one needs, but they also deliver them to the right place at the right time.
Today the company has stores in Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. They have a fleet of 22 vehicles and more than 30 employees. T.J. Peterson of Monticello is the manager of the Houlton store located on Bangor Street, where they will be expanding their storage area by 2,500 square feet this spring.
Unfortunately, Clukey, who was stricken with cancer, passed away in 2013 at the age of 59, not long after his diagnosis. Since then his wife, Gail, and their dedicated staff have continued his dream and commitment to the communities where they do business.
Clukey was a visionary and the anchor of his company. He was the heart of a family-run business and his employees were an extension of his family. He was always active in his community, serving on many boards, including the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. He was a Rotarian, a member of the Elks, a Mason and a Shriner and also supported other community groups.
Gail and her employees were congratulated for persevering and reaching for the stars even when it felt like things might never be the same.
The store in Presque Isle was also named Business of the Year by the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce, certainly a tribute to the founder of the business and the employees who are carrying on his good business practices and customer service legacy.
