ELLSWORTH — When Richard Young’s daughters were little, they called Ellsworth Auto Supply Plus “Daddy’s house.”

Now the longtime employee has become owner of the Downeast Highway business.

Young and his wife, Cate, bought the automobile supply store June 29.

Young has worked at the business since 1990. He started as a delivery driver and later transitioned to outside sales then inside sales.

His father, Ivan, is a delivery driver. Cate now works in the office and daughters Madison, 13, Haleigh, 8, and Aiden, 6, are often at the store.

Young said quality service and knowledgeable staff distinguish Ellsworth Auto Supply Plus from competitors.

“You treat every customer like your best friend,” Young said.

He purchased the business from Ralph Farrar, who remains on staff.

“I just had my birthday,” Farrar said of why he decided to sell. “They put 47 on the cake and it’s not 47.”

Farrar, who is 74, opened the store May 28, 1979, with partners Donald Davis and Skip Plummer.

Ellsworth Auto Supply Plus carries tools, automotive and truck parts, painting supplies, welding supplies, towing supplies and car care products and accessories.

There are tens of thousands of parts in stock. If it’s not in the store, the staff will order it. They will even install customer’s windshield wiper blades.

The Youngs don’t plan to change too much about the business. They have added a new coat of paint and plan a few other personal touches.

They thank all the loyal customers who helped convinced them to buy the business.

“That was a huge driving force — knowing that we had that great client base,” Cate said.

The store is located at 59 Downeast Highway. Hours are Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 667-5524 or visit www.ellsworthautosupply.com.

For more business news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.