In an economy that has forced many local businesses to close their doors, one local entrepreneur is still holding strong after 26 years.

Ed Hirsch, founder and owner of Arcata's Hirsch Hubcaps, has survived this and other downturns by offering local service and quality products, a press release said.

"Years ago, a friend of mine pointed out that local auto dealerships and body shops needed a dependable and reliable source for hubcaps," Hirsch said. "I knew I wanted my own business and wanted it to be unconventional, unusual. This fit."

Hirsch started his hubcap business by working out of a 1965 Dodge Dart and storing extra inventory in a closet.

"I'd bring hubcaps from car lot to car lot and try to make a sale," he said.

In January 1984, Bob Crivelo, owner of Bob's Used Cars, became Hirsch's first customer when he bought a set of wire wheel covers for a Ford Thunderbird.

By the end of his first year, Hirsch's success in the hubcap business and a growing inventory prompted a move into a shop on I Street in Arcata. Then, three years ago, Hirsch moved again to his new 5,000-square-foot shop at the corner of 10th and O streets in Arcata.

Twenty-six years after his humble beginnings, Bob Crivelo is still a regular Hirsch Hubcaps customer, as is Mickey's Used Cars. "We get lots of used vehicles missing hubcaps, or needing new ones,"

Mickey Jones, owner of Mickey's Used Cars, said,

"Ed has a nice local inventory and his service is fast."

Missing a hubcap is akin to missing a tooth, Hirsch added, and installing matching, or even generic new hubcaps, enhances the value of any vehicle.

Hirsch has expanded his product line over the years to meet customer demands. Today Hirsch Hubcaps offers thousands of new and used hubcaps, trim rings and wheel covers as well as P&S Professional auto detail and car wash products.

"A tighter economy means tighter budgets, but folks still want to care for their vehicles. I can supply everything a do-it-yourselfer needs to detail their own car, truck or RV and get professional results, "Hirsch said.

Hirsch also carries auto dealer supplies -- including banners, pricing stickers and balloons. To keep costs down for his customers , he became a distributor for many of his products and can now match the prices of out-of-the-area competitors, while saving his customers the shipping costs.

"By meeting the demand locally, it keeps the money here. This means a lot to consumers, other local merchants and the economy in general," Hirsch said.

Anthony McPherson, sales manager of Fortuna Chevrolet, agreed.

"Being able to keep business local is important to our dealership. We also enjoy great service by working with a local supplier."

Hirsch is also an avid recycler, and operating his own business allows him to pursue that passion. "My business allows me to stay in line with the community's emphasis on reducing, reusing and recycling," he said. "Many used hubcaps can be reconditioned and saved. Others can often be salvaged for scrap metal."

Hirsch also has customers that salvage unusual and sometimes beautiful hubcaps for art projects, home décor, musical instruments and other projects.

For more information, visit www.hirschhubcaps.com, call 822-9244, or stop by the showroom at 901 O St. in Arcata.