MEET THE HELTONS
Will and Bernadette Helton both grew up in Arkansas. Will graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2002 earning a degree in business. He was heavily involved in the Center for Retailing Excellence, which helped begin his career in the automotive industry with a summer internship at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Over his 16-year career at Firestone he grew into an executive role, managed thousands of employees, moved 7 times, opened over 20 new locations, and led numerous strategic initiatives for the company. In 2018 he transitioned to Midas International, where he was the leader of Midas, a global franchise automotive company with over 2,200 locations worldwide. Over his career at Midas, he would build lasting relationships with its franchisee base, lead the company through several strategic initiatives to strengthen the brand, and navigate the company through the COVID pandemic.
Coincidentally, Bernadette’s first job was at a local tire shop in Conway, AR. She is a University of Central Arkansas graduate, majoring in Early Childhood Education. Her teaching experience is in Texas Public Schools but eventually left the formal classroom to stay home with their two sons full time. These two boys were raised Hog Fans, even in the heart of Texas. They were thrilled with each sighting of a Razorback bumper sticker. The kids would yell “Hey that’s a Hog fan!” Every year, the family returned to Fayetteville for Razorback football games, camps, and baseball games. It was always a dream to come back home to Northwest Arkansas.
The one goal Will always had but never felt was a real option was to own his own business independently. “If you can do it for them, you can do it for yourself” his friend would always say. This goal was realized late in 2021 with the purchase of University Auto and Tire in Fayetteville, AR, just a mile from the U of A Campus. Our plan is to bring new technology, better products, best in class customer service, and innovation to this iconic brand. We also aspire to grow more locations throughout the state in the years to come.
Since 1973, University Auto has been the place of choice for local, honest, and professional automotive repair. For decades, the customers of University Auto have appreciated knowing that they will be treated the right way by familiar faces. This will continue to be the standard under the new owners, the Heltons.
The University Auto and Tire team strives to be the best Local, Honest, and Professional auto shop in Fayetteville, AR. Be sure to contact us for all your automotive needs.
LOCAL. HONEST. PROFESSIONAL.
OUR VISION
To serve our community by being locally focused, honest and transparent, by bringing world class customer service and professionalism to the great people and businesses in Arkansas.
OUR MISSION
To bring a refreshing solution to keep your vehicles running safely with professional automotive service. Our team will be committed to partnering with our customers every time they invest in their vehicles. By providing complete transparency, communicating clearly, and searching for the best options for you, you will understand that we are different than the competition.
