Tyler Nutter, Manager of NAPA Auto Parts South Boston and Clarksville Auto Supply
August 17, 2022
We hope you enjoy this interview with Tyler Nutter, who is currently using the SOVA Innovation Hub coworking space to focus on his work for the NAPA Store Technology Council. As a manager in his family-owned business that is part of a global auto parts distribution network, Tyler flexes his entrepreneurial mindset with the RISE Collaborative and is an active member of the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and the work that you do?
Answer: I am a 24-year-old from Southside Virginia. During my free time, I like to vacation with my wife Hayli and spend time with friends and family. I am a manager involved in sales and operations for our family-owned NAPA AUTO PARTS group with stores in Clarksville and South Boston, Virginia. NAPA AUTO PARTS stores are independently owned, not franchises, which means we get the freedom of total ownership and the benefits of the NAPA brand. I am also a part of the NAPA Store Technology Council for NAPA headquarters and currently working on a technology project.
Tyler Nutter uses the coworking space for virtual meetings
What is your personal why for the work you do? Has your career path been surprising?
Answer: Being a part of a business that my grandparents started in 1974 was always what I wanted to do. My career path has definitely been surprising. Even though I’ve worked for the business since high school, I didn’t necessarily anticipate becoming a manager so early in my career. As a teenager, I started as a warehouse associate and then worked in counter sales. I received my associates degree from Southside Virginia Community College through a dual enrollment program offered by my high school and started full-time with NAPA in 2016. We expanded to South Boston in 2017, and I became the manager of the new South Boston location in 2018. It has been challenging, but with a great team we have been able to succeed.
How do you use technology in your work?
Answer: I use technology every day, from our point-of-sale system, back office system, warehouse management system, delivery management system, RF scanners, etc. I am also involved in technology systems of the future for NAPA, which is very exciting.
Can you tell us about your experience with our coworking space?
Answer: The day-to-day environment at the store is very fast-paced with lots of energy and excitement, which is great. But the project I am working on with the NAPA Store Technology team requires a great deal of concentration with Microsoft Teams meetings, phone calls, research assignments, documenting processes, etc. The coworking space couldn’t have been a better solution. It is exactly what I needed. I will always recommend this space to others. It is very convenient with great amenities. The phone/video booths are great for extended conversations and meetings that require a lot of talking.
Tyler Nutter (bottom left) and the NAPA Richmond DC team helping with an inventory upgrade project at South Boston NAPA AUTO PARTS store.
If you could go back in time and share one piece of advice with younger you, what would it be?
Answer: When we first opened our South Boston store, I was worried about having other competitors in town. I’ve learned not to worry about the competition. Instead, we focus on what makes us different. We have really knowledgeable staff who serve our wholesale and retail customers, combined with the NAPA brand and distribution system. When you shop at NAPA, you can actually talk to your local store owner, and that really matters to customers.
More Information
NAPA stocks over 6,000 stores with over 500,000 auto parts, tools and equipment, and many other items for heavy-duty trucks, marine, and farming equipment. Clarksville Auto Supply owns two NAPA AUTO PARTS stores – their original Clarksville Auto Supply store at 109 7th Street in Clarksville, VA and the South Boston NAPA Auto Parts store at 1407 Wilborn Ave, South Boston, VA, which can be found here on Facebook.
Connect with Tyler Nutter on LinkedIn.