Tucked away in a south side neighborhood is an unassuming family business owned by lifelong Muncie resident Scott Quirk. Emblazoned on the side of the building is a mural in progress paying homage to the original owner, Tom Cherry. Having started in the bygone era of the 1940s and 1950s, Tom Cherry Mufflers is a testament to honesty and reliable service.
Cherry opened a modest shop out of his home in 1946, just three blocks from its current location on West 8th Street. He had a successful racing career and traveled all over the United States. What started as a humble endeavor soon burgeoned into a bustling enterprise – a speed shop selling engines and car parts that catered to racing aficionados and everyday motorists alike.
In 1977 Mike Quirk, along with business partners Dave DeHart and William Hannon Sr., acquired the shop from Tom Cherry. They kept the name, however, and continued to build on the trust and respect that the former owner had built.
Mike’s son, Scott, bought the business in 1990, and Mike continued working alongside him. The duo steered the business through changing times and shifting landscapes. Under their stewardship the business flourished, expanding to multiple locations across Indiana.
Tom Cherry Mufflers is more than just a place of commerce – it’s a family affair too. Scott is a proud father of three daughters, all of whom have worked for him at one time or another. His sister-in-law works in the office. Even some of the non-family employees have been there for decades. The team’s commitment to fostering a sense of community creates a welcoming environment for both employees and customers.
“We have to give our customers, or potential customers, a reason to come here,” Scott Quirk says. “People don’t have to come to this end of town. We have to give them a reason, and that reason is good quality. We stand by our word. We maintain a clean working environment and make it a welcoming place.”
In 2009, when their wholesale business started to struggle in the age of internet purchasing, they looked to diversify and opened The Barn Lot, located near Meeker Avenue and Highway 67, selling Amish-built portable mini barns, storage sheds and outdoor play sets. Initially the elder Quirk wasn’t on board with this move, but as business started to flourish and even expand to multiple locations, his reservations disappeared and he continued to help with both businesses. Sadly, Mike Quirk passed away from COVID-19 in 2020.
The business’s impact extends beyond its walls. In times of need, they have supported the community through charitable donations, assisting local sports teams, and lending helping hands to those affected by natural disasters. For Quirk, philanthropy isn’t just a duty – it’s a guiding principle, an integral part of the shop’s identity.
Having owned the business for 34 years, longer than the shop’s namesake, Quirk’s journey is far from over. Because of his commitment to quality, integrity and customer satisfaction with both of his businesses, he works around 60 hours per week. Nevertheless, he has no plans to slow down any time soon.
“We are going to continue doing what we’ve always done, which is to sell a good product at a fair price and treat people the way they want to be treated,” he says. “As it turns out, the key to our success is kind of simple.”
Visit Tom Cherry Mufflers at 321 West 8th Street in Muncie, and visit their website at tomcherry.com.
