Celebrating Three Decades of Dedication: Meet Jim Phares

Equiparts Employee Spotlight Jim Phares

Jim Phares is one of our top-performing Outside Salesmen, known for his unwavering dedication to his clients and his exceptional work ethic. He has been with the company for an incredible 32 years, starting at Parts Unlimited, and continuing with Equiparts after the acquisition. His journey from a small family farm in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia to becoming a trusted sales professional is nothing short of inspiring.

“You gotta work. It takes hours, not minutes,” Jim says, reflecting on the philosophy that has guided him throughout his career.

Jim’s strong work ethic began on the farm, where he and his siblings pitched in to support the family. This foundation carried into his teenage years, where he excelled in high school sports like football and baseball, often practicing late into the night after farm chores.

“I want to be the number one wherever I go, and I’ve always worked to get there,” Jim shares.

After high school, Jim took on a variety of roles, from working as a diesel mechanic to volunteering to build a church in Alaska. These experiences shaped his approach to work and life, teaching him the value of adaptability and perseverance.

Jim Phares

Jim eventually transitioned into sales, where his ability to build relationships and solve problems quickly set him apart. His guiding principle is simple: serve clients honestly and fairly. “One of my favorite things to say is, ‘I work for you.’ My clients know I’ll never sell them more than they need or push a product that isn’t right for them. Their success is my success.”

Jim’s dedication to his clients often goes above and beyond. He personally delivers orders, ensures everything is packed and ready early in the morning, and even helps some clients organize their inventory. “I have one customer I visit twice a week. I bring the order, put it away, and write another order based on what’s lacking. It’s about consistency, and it’s worth it because they’ve been loyal for years.”

Jim particularly finds the bonds and personal connections he has made within the Equiparts team essential to his success.

“To me, that’s important—you make a lot of friendships. You know what’s going on because not only do you talk to them, but you see what they’re doing, you see what they use, you learn a lot of that stuff.”

For Jim, the independence Equiparts provides is one of the most rewarding aspects of his role. “What I like most, other than the financial side, is the liberty I have as an Outside Salesman. I don’t like sitting at a desk all day—I want to be out there, meeting people and making a difference. There’s no limit to what I can achieve if I put in the work.”

Jim’s respect for others extends to everyone he interacts with, from receptionists to janitors. He makes it a point to remember their names and values every role in the workplace.

“A kind word or remembering a name goes a long way. It’s about showing genuine respect for everyone you meet.”

Jim Phares exemplifies the qualities that make Equiparts a strong and successful team: hard work, integrity, and a commitment to building meaningful relationships based on trust and respect. His 32 years with the company are a testament to those values.

“I just know what I’m good at,” Jim says with a smile. “And I’m not afraid to say I’m good.”

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