Local. Honest. Professional.

These aren’t just words on paper—they define who we are and how we do business.

In December 2021, Will and Bernadette Helton purchased University Auto and Tire. Exactly two years later, they expanded the family business by purchasing both Grease Pig Lube and Tune locations in Fayetteville. In 2026, they opened their fourth location—University Auto and Tire in Elkins.

University Auto has been Fayetteville’s trusted choice for automotive repair, maintenance, and tires since 1973. The Grease Pig has served the community for more than two decades and has been voted Fayetteville’s “Best of the Best” oil change shop multiple years in a row.

For generations, our customers have valued dependable service from familiar faces who treat them right. As we grow, our mission remains the same: combine that hometown level of trust with the latest technology, advanced technical training, quality products, innovative services, and best-in-class customer care.

 

Our Story

Will and Bernadette are both proud Arkansas natives.

Will graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2002 with a degree from the Sam M. Walton College of Business. His involvement with the Center for Retailing Excellence helped launch his automotive career through a summer internship with Firestone Complete Auto Care.

During his 16-year career with Firestone, Will advanced into an executive leadership role, managed thousands of employees, relocated seven times, opened more than 20 locations, and led numerous strategic initiatives. In 2018, he joined Midas International, eventually leading the global automotive franchise brand and its network of more than 2,200 locations worldwide. During his time with Midas, he built lasting relationships with franchisees, guided initiatives to strengthen the brand, and helped lead the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite a successful corporate career, Will always dreamed of owning an independent business. A friend often reminded him, “If you can do it for them, you can do it for yourself.”

Bernadette’s connection to the automotive industry also began early—her first job was at a local tire shop in Conway, Arkansas. She later graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After teaching in Texas public schools, she stepped away from the classroom to raise their two sons full-time.

Even while living in Texas, the Helton family remained devoted Razorback fans. Their boys were always excited to spot another Arkansas fan on the road, shouting, “Hey, that’s a Hog fan!” Every year, the family returned to Fayetteville for Razorback football games, camps, and baseball games. Coming home to Northwest Arkansas was always the dream.

Today, the Heltons are proud to own and grow a locally operated automotive company while serving the communities they love.

 

Our Commitment to You

When you trust our company with your automotive repair, maintenance, or tire needs, we promise to treat you the right way. Your vehicle will be serviced safely, professionally, and to the highest standards.

We sincerely appreciate your business and the opportunity to serve you.

Local. Honest. Professional. That’s our promise.