Meet the man who started it all. The myth. The legend. Manuel Rodriguez.

He was originally a middle school gym teacher when he lived in Mexico. He loves seafood, the ocean, and beach sand.

If he hears music, he’ll start dancing no matter who’s watching.

He started working with Auto Parts in 1996 as a parts puller. Eventually moving to Rockford and starting All Auto Parts in 2004.

Now the torch is being passed to his son, Eddie. But Manuel is still here every day working hard.