Major job cut at Advance Auto Parts affects Roanoke office

It's been difficult for all the players in our industry. It's been a tough time for our customers with high gas prices and other costs of living increases. August 9, 2007 Major job cut at Advance Auto Parts affects Roanoke office Advance Auto Parts announced Wednesday it was laying off 250 workers across the country. via WDBJ7

[roy from store 5410]

Really strange that I was {FIRED} right after this went out, and after 14 years of full-time service. It's just amazing that more people don't get a Gun, and go back to the work place - Well, you get the idea.
It's going to be very hard for me to make it, but I will try my best with my only regret is that I still don't work for this great company.
I have always loved working for Advance Auto Parts even when the Manager's do the wrong thing.
I even asked the Vice President for my job back throwing up that I have 14 years with the company, but was told "to find employment else where, and that I have no position with Advance Auto Parts anymore."
Wow, that really broke my heart to be thrown away like trash, and it hurt so bad for an entire week I did not leave my home all I did was sleep, and feel sad.
Well, I started to get out doing things, but remember without that Advance Auto pay check I might not can make it. I had to cancel my Credit Cards, and Car Insurance among other cut backs just so I don't file Chapter 7.
I hope Advance Auto Parts understands that we are people not just numbers to throw away, and every action demands a re-action which sometimes isn't what they will expect.
I wish I had someone to talk to, and since I was let go I have been so very depressed it's no longer funny.
Is it a crime to have bad thoughts ? I wonder.
Signed,
Not Important Anymore.

[allworldauto]

Roy,

Really sorry to hear about that. I think we can all blame China for the demize of this industry. Advance can't hide from it either.

Good luck in your new venture. This could turn out to be a good thing. Keep your eyes open for oppertunity!

[Someone Who Cares]

Roy,
I feel your pain, please, please keep your head up!! If you are ASE certiified, you should have no problem finding a job at a dealership or any automotive retail corporation!! I used to work for Advance Auto Parts, actually ten years. I was in an area where I saw the inner workings of Advance Auto Parts! Do not take your termintaion personal, please! If you need someone to blame for the state of the company it is not China, Advance Corporate or even the new CEO. Look no further than Advance Auto's Consulting Firm. It humors me that Adavance Auto Parts will never learn how important good people truly are (this was not true when Arthur Taubman was around or Castelani..they were true CEO's). But this consulting firm has a Wal-martesque mentality when it comes to employees and they have taught Advance in all facets of the business that this is the way to succeed! Mike Coppola (former CEO)did exactly what the board asked him to do, increase the quality of the stores, park new ones near the #1 competitor and increase the number of stores. When numbers did not follow up behind that plan, they forced him to resign,(he did not resign willingly). I know it pains you that Advance let you go, but beleive me, I have seen this interim CEO's new plan and things are not going to get better soon or ever. If you truly want to work for a true leader that knows the inner workings of Automotive Retail, and will always take care of you, look no further than Bill Rhodes. Take care Roy and God Be With You Man!

[Scotty]

How can you possibly blame China? More likely to be from "Global Warming"

[Caleb]

that is such a damn shame

[Paul]

I also worked for them starting in 1995 part time and four months later I was an Asst Mang full time salary employee. I was when owner Arthur Taubman and Castelani ran the company and things were good, but after they sold out the company went to crap. It took me then 10 years to figure out I didn't want to be there any longer and resigned.
Roy, I'm sure you have moved on by now and are proably better off. I know I am. The only thing I miss is the discount. I not going to go into how they screwed me on my 401k.
"Advance Auto Parts, the best part is our People"
That use to mean something in 1995

[mike]

made in china they sell parts like axles that are made in china and other parts, talk about quality parts. profit margin must be insane hey its all about profits at the end of the day.