WHERE PERFORMANCE
STARTS!
Active Community Partners
Jim Jr. and Mickey Clark were also very involved in their community.
Jim Jr. is a Past Worshipful Grand Master and Mickey is a Past Worthy Matron in the Masonic Order.
Jim Jr.'s Mom is also a Past Grand Worthy Matron.
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About Us
NEW - Read Mama's Letter to you by CLICKING HERE!
Clark's Auto Clinic, a three generation family business, has been a mainstay and landmark in Columbia for over 56 years.
The same business principles and moral values practiced in the first shop continues in the present location today.
Clark's Auto Clinic started in it's first location in 1958 on the corner of North Main St. and Franklin, near the former Jim Moore Cadillac location on Main St.
Jim Clark, Sr. (Jimmy Clark, III's grandfather - third from left in second picture) had a vision and started the auto repair business with only a couple of employees.
In 1969 Howard Gilliard, right out of Tech School, came in and made a big impact.
Business was doing well.
The original motto was "IF WE CAN'T FIX IT, IT AIN'T BROKE!"
Jim Clark, Sr. taught his son Jim Clark, Jr. the trade and he joined the crew shortly thereafter.
In 1972, Jimmy Jr. saw more opportunity for growth and Clark's Auto Clinic was moved to it's current location on the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Sumter Street.
Within a few years, Mr. Clark, Jr. asked his son, Jimmy III, "How about coming to work at the Shop?"
Jimmy III was reluctant, and told him he's think about it.
Jim Jr. didn't give up, and one day told him "Come over here, learn the Auto Clinic business and I'll guarantee you will love it."
In 1987, Clark III and his brother Chris joined their father and grandfather's business.
Clark III, Jimmy or Clark as he is often called, learned the front office, while Chris, a master mechanic, learned all about the shop area.
In 1990, Chris and Jimmy III inherited the responsibility of continuing the legacy of great customer service at a fair price.
The closeness of the Clark family has also been extended to the employees.
Jimmy credits the great staff of Clark's Auto Clinic for making the job worth coming to.
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