By DIEDRA GREEN | arkadelphian.com
In the late 1980s, West Pine Exxon of Arkadelphia was a customer-focused station where someone would pump your gas and wash your windshield free of charge, you could choose from a small selection of snacks, and have your car fixed in one of the two auto bays. That’s where many people met the store’s mechanic, 18-year-old Bill Rogers. Jim Burns took a chance on the young Bill and his shade tree knowledge, although he was still “just a kid.”
Over a decade later, as full-service stations were becoming a thing of the past to make way for larger convenience stores, Bill found himself at a crossroads. He and his wife, Denise, decided to take a risky leap. On Jan. 19, 1994 — Bill’s 30th birthday — AutomoBill’s, Inc. Complete Car Care opened for business at 211 High School Road in Arkadelphia.
“The first 30 years were great, but around the time I turned 60, I started feeling pretty old for that kind of back-breaking work,” Bill Rogers said. “Running a small business has changed a lot since I first started.”
Unlike in earlier days when experienced young mechanics like Brian Barbary worked for Bill, good, reliable, talented help became harder and harder to find as the world changed and time wore on. “Denise had retired from school counseling and we began talking about the idea of selling the shop in the next few years. We were praying to know when the time would be right to advertise it, put it on the market, or just close the doors.”
About a year ago, various friends and acquaintances inquired whether Bill might be interested in Clark County politics and running for an elected office. His initial response was that AutomoBill was his identity, but the physical hardships of being a mechanic prompted consideration of change. When the decision was made to run for office, the next question was, “What about the shop?”
The Rogers couple amped up their prayers and discreetly asked others to do the same. After a waiting period of unknowns, a blast from their past, Brian Barbary, along with his wife Kelly, resurfaced with a strong interest in buying the shop, just as Brian had told Bill he’d love to do over two decades ago.
Rogers and Barbary signed paperwork and finalized the sale on June 30, 2026.
Bill and Denise said their lives have revolved around being “The Automos” for so long, this transition doesn’t quite seem real yet. “Our hearts are definitely full of tearful nostalgia and sentiment, but more than anything, we are thankful God saw fit to entrust us with a successful business and the best customers anyone could ask to have the last 33 years,” Denise said. “For over three decades, I have watched Bill sweat — a lot! — freeze, bleed, hurt himself on the job and keep plugging. Looking back, I am indescribably proud of him and respect him more than I can express. Every dime he’s ever made was absolutely earned the hard way. The Barbarys know we are just a phone call away. We are leaving them with the best clientele imaginable.”
Bill’s parting words: “I can’t imagine a change this big. It’s going to take some getting used to. But the whole thing feels right. Brian is ASE Master Certified for all makes/models, and GM World Class Certified; the highest level of training an auto technician can achieve. It’s a big deal how smart he is. I hope my customers will give him the chance to prove that. Cars have changed so much over time, and Brian has more modern-day experience and state-of-the-art equipment than I ever would have. I could not have sold my business to someone I did not have complete confidence in. I’m not sure how much I’ll miss working on cars, but the thought of not taking care of my customers any longer is very hard. I will miss you all so much. Lord willing, you will still know where to go to find me in a few months. Thank you all for your trust, your patronage and, most of all, your friendships. I am full to the brim with gratitude.”
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