Tradition runs deep in the family
business built by Effingham
businessmen H.L. Dust and his son,
Clarence. The father and son
opened their first auto parts store,
Dust & Son, in 1929. It is a business
that has never stopped growing.
In 1955, Clarence's son, Nick, joined the business and the family operation added Effingham
Automotive Warehousing Company, a business set up to supply automotive parts to the stores.
Nick guided the auto parts business into its eighth decade while preserving the legacy
established by his grandfather.
The automotive parts store and warehousing company have become as much of a tradition for
Effingham as for the Dust family itself. Nick's seven children and some grandchildren take
active roles and manage the family business. All in all, five generations of Dusts have
participated in maintaining the success of the family business.
Since 1995, the warehousing company has been a Parts Plus member, which is a vital segment
of the business's continual growth. In 2000, with the passing of Nick, his son Chad Dust has
taken the reigns and leads the organization into its 75th year of business.
The Dust family plans to maintain its business and tradition of providing the best service
possible, both now and in the future. Its main strength is dependability: keeping stores supplied
with auto parts, and most importantly, having the right parts available when the customer needs
them. H.L. Dust first instilled that type of philosophy and it remains at the core of success in
this family business.
