COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Sturdevant brings regional perspective to Chair role
BY JENNIE DOYEN
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Tim Sturdevant describes himself as “more of a workhorse than a showhorse.” Sturdevant, the third-generation owner of Sturdevant’s Auto Parts, takes pride in the hard work it has taken over the last 96 years to build the business to what it is today. An accounting major in college, he entered the family business by working in the back office, focusing on inventory management and product flow. He prefers to work behind the scenes and has crafted an operational model for his company that is based on partnership and empowering his employees. It is a leadership style that has helped him grow his company to 50 retail locations in five states. Most of those stores have a local active equity partner – something Sturdevant believes is critical to their success. “Having some local ownership really ties the store in to the community,” he said. “So, you have partners who are not only invested in the success of the business, but invested in their community as well.” In almost every community where they have a store, Sturdevant’s is a member of the local chamber of commerce. “We believe in our chambers of commerce,” Sturdevant said. “We believe in the role they play in supporting businesses, especially for those just starting out.”
24 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2018
