Soul of 78: Patrick Suchey
Jasper Discount Auto Parts
Words by Riley Aldridge and Al Blanton | Image by Ryan McGill
Auto parts are always changing and evolving along with the changes in vehicles. As more cars and parts are being introduced, Patrick Suchey finds himself picking and choosing the best parts to keep in stock at his store, Jasper Discount Auto Parts. Despite changes in inventory, Suchey’s wide knowledge of parts and friendly customer service have allowed him to work in the business for the last three decades.
Beginning his work at a hardware and building supply company in Birmingham, Suchey, a Corner High School graduate, immersed himself in the industry early in his life. He purchased half-interest in Lawson Auto Parts in 1991 and the business remained in that ownership capacity until Suchey purchased the remaining half of the business from Clyde Carter in 2004.
Most people remember the old location being down in a “hole,” as Suchey refers to the old location on Highway 78 in Jasper. For years, customers faced the challenge of entering and exiting the store’s parking lot, but since the store moved to Parkland Shopping Center between Seventh and Ninth Avenue, Suchey says it has been a lot easier for customers to come in and out.
Along with the move, he also decided to legally change the name of the business to Jasper Discount Auto Parts.
The need for Suchey’s services is greater now than ever in today’s automotive climate. Before the influx of international and more diverse cars, most people could work on their cars by themselves. Suchey says that “yard mechanic” is almost obsolete now.
“Cars have evolved so much since I started in the parts business,” he says. “The cars being manufactured now require so much technology and computer work. You just can’t fix them like you used to.”
Universal parts are no longer, and car owners must do a hefty amount of research before being able to purchase any part.
It’s a challenge for the retailers, too. Nowadays just being able to get a part ordered and delivered is a big problem, and every store has been faced with the lack of inventory and delivery.
For Suchey, though, it’s more about the people he runs across in the business than the parts themselves. “I enjoy meeting my customers and having conversations with them,” he says. “Most of them I have known from working here. While working in a parts store, you have a diverse group of customers. Sometimes you do not see the same person twice.”
Suchey credits his customers for keeping his hometown business alive and keeping his own spirits up.
The store prides itself in serving the community with a high level of integrity and service. The shelves are stocked with new and remanufactured automotive parts. Customers can also purchase maintenance parts, batteries, and cleaning supplies.
If Suchey is not behind the desk at Jasper Discount Auto Parts, he can often be found partaking in one of his many hobbies: hunting, fishing, or golfing. 78