'Parts Babe' heads auto supply shop

PALMER -- Customers at Schuck's Auto Supply in Palmer are more likely to buy a gasket or battery from a female clerk than a male.

Five of the shop's nine employees are women, and Beverly Taggart of Big Lake runs the show. She marks her two-year anniversary as store manager this week.

Known as the "Parts Babe" to some long-time customers, Taggart has always loved getting her hands dirty working on cars.

"My dad was instrumental," she said. "He taught me how to time our car. I used to help him change oil, and we'd do our own tune-ups."

But Taggart, 58, really learned the nitty gritty of auto mechanics while owning a fleet of trucks in California. Several older models moaned and groaned most mornings, she said, and it was up to her to get them on the road.

"I learned the hard way," Taggart said.

She seeks the same practical experience when hiring sales clerks. For example, the most recent hire is a woman who used to dispense parts on a U.S. Navy ship and is a trained diesel mechanic.

"Everyone has a talent," Taggart said. "I try to hire people who are strong in areas I'm not. The reason I have these women here is to help women customers learn. A lot of times it's hard for them to talk to men."

Occasionally, men will ask Taggart if a male clerk is available, not realizing she's the boss. She doesn't fuss about it, saying, "I'll get their money either way."

But more often, customers ask for Taggart by name. They know she's knowledgeable and detail-oriented.

"I make a point of being accurate," she said. "Very often my customers don't know what part to ask for. U-joints are the worst. Is it a one-piece drive line or a two-piece? Is it four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive?

"It gets to be a bug hunt sometimes, but it's fun. It's like a treasure hunt."

Taggart dispenses jokes as well as auto parts. She'll take time to talk with customers about their families or other concerns. A former employee who recently overcame some health problems stopped in Wednesday and Taggart had a big smile for him.

"You look nice," she told the man. "That's a good color on you."

She has the same concern for her current employees, and they appreciate Taggart's sincerity. "She's a good lady to work for," said assistant manager Shane Jackson.

Together, the sales team runs as efficiently as Taggart's 1990 Chevy pickup truck.

"We were just $15,000 short of a million bucks in sales last year," she said. "In little podunk Palmer. My staff works their butts off."