EFFINGHAM, IL—In 1974, Mike Yager, a young tool-and-die maker from Effingham, IL borrowed $500 and began selling car manuals and other accessories from the trunk of a borrowed car. Working weekend swap meets, Corvette specialty shows and other automotive functions, this energetic entrepreneur recognized the then unknown potential of selling automotive accessories to people, instead of just parts for cars. After all, it was people who shared Yager’s passion.

Like Yager, entire generations grew up with, sang songs or watched movies about, worked on and just admired cars. Kids knew about “America’s sports car,” the Corvette and the customized, cute, air-cooled Volkswagens.

A 20-year-old Mike Yager made the leap from dreaming about cars to owning a dream car when he purchased a 1967 Corvette Roadster. Aware of the passion others like himself shared for cars such as the Corvette, Yager started selling jackets, embroidered T-shirts, drinking glasses, owner's manuals, emblems and jewelry to the loyal Corvette constituency.

Word quickly spread among Corvette enthusiasts that Yager offered quality products and exceptional Customer Care. Not surprisingly his business grew rapidly. Acknowledging that his part-time hobby now required his full attention, Yager created Mid America Enterprises in 1976, producing his first two-page, black-and-white mail order flyer.

In 1978, Yager expanded the flyer to include color photography, a small listing of Corvette replacement parts and accessories and mailed it to a growing list of customers. As sales grew, the catalog grew.

Today, Mid America Motorworks catalogs serve Corvette and Volkswagen enthusiasts. He expanded his business from Corvette only in 1998 when he acquired The Real Source, a supplier of Volkswagen parts and accessories. The Real Source incorporates a wealth of new products and accessories for owners of the beloved Air-Cooled VW “Bug,” along with parts and accessories for Karmann Ghia, Air-Cooled VW Bus, Type 3, and The Thing.

In 2004, Mid America Motorworks expanded its Volkswagen line by acquiring the assets of Rocky Mountain Motorworks, a major supplier of parts and accessories for Volkswagens. With the acquisition, Mid America Motorworks is now the nation’s largest supplier of parts and accessories for air-cooled Volkswagens.

Mid America Motorworks now mails some 4.5 million Corvette and Volkswagen catalogs every year to its customers. Catalogs are sent several times a year as new products are added to the growing list of hard parts, accessories, and lifestyle items that allow enthusiasts to “pursue their passion” at Mid America Motorworks.

Frustrated because he could not find a reliable source for seat covers, carpeting, and other interior components that offer quality products at a reasonable price, Yager decided to start his own manufacturing operation.

In January 2002, the company purchased a 36,000 square foot facility and began its Performance Choice manufacturing division. Performance Choice produces high quality interior products at the most reasonable prices within the industry.

Performance Choice operations include foam molding, vacuum forming, injection molding and die-electric presses in the production of interior packages, seat upholstery, molded carpet sets, floor mats, door panels, shifter consoles, headliners, convertible tops and interior trim. These products are manufactured for various Corvette models, and will continue to expand in availability. Interior products for Porsche are currently being developed.

In 2004, the company was again renamed, becoming Mid America Motorworks. The older names, including The Real Source, were dropped and all operations are now included under the Mid America Motorworks name.

MY Garage Museum & Retail Store

The MY Garage Museum & Retail Store is a popular attraction at Mid America Motorworks’ facilities in Effingham. The center houses literally thousands of pieces of automotive collectibles and memorabilia. The facility also showcases an actual 1910 gas station that was moved and restored on site. However, the most significant pieces in the collection are the bevy of prototype, concept and racing vehicles.

The museum has recently refocused emphasis from rare, low-mileage originals to showcasing automobiles that car lovers would not be able to see up close anywhere else. Between 15 and 20 cars are on display, with the specific display changing throughout the year. The museum’s current display includes the Last C4 Corvette, with the last small block engine produced in the Flint, Michigan plant, a 3000-mile original 1954 model, and CERV I, an open-wheel engineering prototype created by legendary Corvette designer Zora Arkus-Duntov, now restored to its original condition.

Funfest

Every year, Mike Yager hosts two of the largest car events in the US. On the first weekend in June, Funfest for Air-Cooled VW attracts more than 1,300 air-cooled Volkswagens and some 8,000 Air-Cooled VW enthusiasts.

The giant Corvette Funfest, held in mid September, has grown to be the largest Corvette show in the nation. In 2008, Corvette Funfest showcased 15,000 Corvettes and an estimated 45,000 attendees!
 

Swapfest

In 2004, Mid America Motorworks brought back an old time enthusiast tradition that seemed to have fallen by the way side—an old fashioned swap meet for car enthusiasts. Two Swapfests are held each year, one in spring and one in fall. Commercial exhibiters are not permitted at Swapfest. Only car enthusiasts and car clubs are allowed to display and sell products.

Swapfest has become more than a successful event. It is a “must attend” day for enthusiasts to enjoy the fun of walking the displays, talking to other enthusiasts, and hunting for the perfect bargain or that hard to find part needed to complete a project car.

Mike Yager and his family—wife Laurie and sons Michael and Blake—live in Effingham, IL. He is active in a variety of organizations, and serves on:
 

     •  Board of Directors of the National Corvette Museum - Chairman 2002-2003

     •  Foundation Board Greenville College

     •  Illinois Chapter of the Chief Executives Organization

     •  Illinois Chapter of World Presidents Organization