Celebrating 65 Years of Service to Tulare!

This Memorial Day marked a special milestone for Frank's Automotive: 65 years of serving the city of Tulare. Our story began back in 1960, when my father, Frank Daniels, Sr., opened a small Mohawk Gas Station on Memorial Day weekend. Many of you might remember the station at 265 W. Inyo Street, with its iconic candy-striped poles and the drink box out front.

From the very beginning, my dad had a deep desire to help people. With a limited budget, he not only sold gas but also serviced and repaired cars with just one hoist, or lift. Back then, he offered credit to customers, which helped many individuals get started in their own businesses in harvesting, trucking, and construction, thanks to Frank’s generosity.

In 1967, the local Enco fuel and oil distributor, C.P. Phelps, came to my father and offered him the opportunity to take over the lease on the Enco Truck Stop at 415 S. K Street. This location, on the curve where J Street turned into K, was part of the old 99 Freeway. Mr. Phelps trusted my father so much that he handed over the keys and allowed him to make weekly payments. Frank’s Mohawk became Frank’s Enco.

In the early 1970s, the truck stop and service station transitioned to an Exxon brand when the Humble Oil Company changed the Enco name. As Frank’s Exxon grew, my dad built a dedicated auto service and repair shop next to the station building.

One of my parents' favorite stories is about when I was just three years old. My mother dropped me off at the station for a short time while she ran an errand. While my dad was answering the phone, I took it upon myself to put the lug nuts back on a car that was up on a jack stand. So, they like to joke that I started working on cars at age three!

Though many of you know me as Andy, my full name is Frank Andrew Daniels, Jr. From an early age, I had a passion for working on cars. However, it probably wouldn’t have looked great for a 12-year-old boy to be performing major auto repairs, so my dad limited me to pumping gas, sweeping, scrubbing islands, and helping the technicians whenever I could.

In 1978, as a junior at Tulare Union High School, I enrolled in the Auto Shop work experience program, under the guidance of Frank Mains. After school and on weekends, I worked alongside my dad at the station, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The day after graduating, I went straight to work full-time alongside him.

In 1992, my dad handed over the daily operations of the business to me and allowed me to purchase the business from him. Over the next two years, I transitioned the Exxon service station and truck stop into a general automotive service and repair shop.

We eventually relocated Frank’s Automotive, Inc. to our current location at 1459 S. K Street, where we’ve continued to grow and evolve. We've affiliated with NAPA Auto Care and now service all makes and models, including alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fleets. Recently, we expanded our facility, adding 7 bays and 7 lifts, and now employ a dedicated team of 13.

I take great pride in our work—it’s truly rewarding to help people maintain their second largest investment. Scheduling routine service is always easier than dealing with an unscheduled breakdown! We are so thankful for our loyal customers, whose kindness and trust mean everything to us.

Celebrating Our Achievements

We're excited to announce that our commitment to excellence has been recognized in several ways:

• Google Rating: 4.8 stars with over 700 reviews!
• The Fresno Bee People's Choice Awards:
  • Best Auto Service Center (3rd year in a row)
  • Best Oil & Lube (2nd year in a row)
  • Best Customer Service (1st time)

We’re deeply grateful for the trust our customers place in us, and we’re committed to continuing to serve the Tulare community with pride and dedication. Stop by and say "hi"—we’d love to see you!