360 Degrees — All Roads Lead Home
Deidra Bowling-Meade
The Ashland Beacon

The world goes round 360 degrees, and Chip Womack finds his own life parallels that turn as the Battery Terminal celebrates its 40th Anniversary in Ashland. Chip was born and raised in Grayson, Kentucky. He went to EKU and graduated with a major in math. He married Pam Hood, who is from Ashland and attended Marshall University. The two met through mutual friends and celebrated 50 years of marriage this year. They have two children Travis Womack and Ashley Womack Kasey.
In 1983, Chip was Vice President for a privately owned 10-store battery specialist corporation with locations in the Southeast. Chip recalled, “One of the owners started yelling, ‘Get out of here!’ I was shocked. He proceeded to tell me that I had the knowledge to do this myself. I needed to get out of here and start my own business, so I packed up my family and moved from Memphis to Ashland in the late Spring of 1984.”
The Battery Terminal opened July 7, 1984, on the corner of 29th and Carter Avenue. Chip and Pam both worked together extensively in the business over that time. Chip remembered business being difficult at first, “One guy asked me, ‘Why should I buy a battery from you?’ That question motivated me more and more. I still recall that conversation. I said, ‘You don’t know what I’ve risked to make this work for my family.’ He bought a battery. That gentleman became a regular customer.”
The Battery Terminal provides services and products for all aspects of batteries and their life cycle. They sell and service everything from coin cells to large industrial batteries. The store also sells new and reconditioned batteries to consumers, governmental entities and corporations. In addition, they build custom battery assemblies for consumer and corporate usage. Many batteries are also recycled to smelters for use in new batteries.

Chip’s son, Travis Womack, became part of the business 10 years ago after Chip “made him a deal he couldn’t refuse.” Travis graduated from Blazer in 1994 and then UK College of Engineering in 1998. He worked for IBM and traveled around the world for 13 years.
Travis shared, “I did not plan on coming back to live here after college. I wanted to but being in the tech field, it is a little rough to do in Eastern, Ky. When I worked at IBM, I was able to travel around the world and see all kinds of great places and things, but I always missed home and wanted to come back. Dad asked me to help out at the store full-time 10 years ago, and it has been great since. Now, I can help my family business out and raise my family in a great town that I grew up in.”
Chip and Travis each own half the business. Even though Chip is past the age of retirement, he still has a big role in the company. Travis shared, “He has taken a more relaxed approach to coming and working the front end of the business, but still handles a good amount of the back end. We talk about six to eight times a day about business and other items. I hope he never fully retires as his experience and point of view help me out all the time.”
As a business that has been around for 40 years, the Womacks find the formula for success lies within customer service. Travis commented, “We work extremely hard to help people out every day. We have learned that when you treat people like friends, are honest, experienced, and truthful then the rest happens. As a small business, our marketing is word-of-mouth and that has helped us more than anything. We also try to keep our prices low on all our battery products.” Chip agreed, “90% of people want to do business with people you know. They know us. They can talk to us.”

The future looks bright for the Battery Terminal as they plan on continuing to help people and companies of the Tri-State area with great customer service and low prices. The family hopes the family legacy and business will continue for at least another 40 years. Chip gave praise, “It’s been a blessing and so nice to have my family and my four grandchildren, all boys, in the same community.” Travis also wanted to express his gratitude to the people of the Tri-State area, “Being here as a small business for 40 years does not happen without the great support of the people in this area. Thank you!”
The Battery Terminal is located at 3836 Winchester Ave, Ashland. Phone 606.329.1473.
Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. -1 p.m.
Over four decades, Chip and his family have built not just a successful business, but a legacy rooted in resilience and genuine care for their customers. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone in Ashland, their journey reflects the full circle of life's challenges and triumphs. With Chip and his son Travis at the helm, the Battery Terminal continues to serve the Tri-State area with quality products, excellent service, and a deep-rooted connection to the community. Their story is a reminder that with perseverance and a commitment to core values, the future holds endless possibilities, ensuring the Battery Terminal remains a cherished fixture in the Tri-State area for generations to come.
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