INDIANAPOLIS — Indy Tire Centers Inc. — dba Best-One of Indy, with 13 locations in central Indiana — will acquire Riley Park Tire Service in Greenfield, Ind., July 19.
"After 50-plus years, you get to a point when you just know the time is right," said Jim Helgason, founder of Riley Park Tire Service.
"Over the last 58 years, sales have increased every year, with 2020 being our best year, and we couldn't have done it without our employees and the community. We are going out on top, and we are leaving the business in good hands. Actually, the best hands. Best-One treats their employees and customers just like we do, like family."
Best One of Indy said it will be "business as usual" with the same employees working at the Riley Park Tire location.
The acquisition expands Indianapolis-based Best-One of Indy's footprint east into the Greenfield, a city of about 20,000 located about 25 mies east of downtown Indianapolis.
Mr. Helgason opened Riley Park Tire in 1963 with two employees. He grew up in the tire industry as his father worked for Goodyear. In turn, his son Jeff joined him at Riley Park Tire.
"One factor to the success of Riley Park Tire, we (Jim and Jeff) are not only father and son," Jeff Helgason said. "Our relationship goes beyond just working side-by-side, we are best friends. That type of family closeness is rare these days, but it's been important to our success."
Over the years, Jim Helgason stepped back from running the business. Many employees have been with the dealership for over 35 years, its customer base stretches across three states and it has served customers who span multiple generations, the owners said.
"We look forward to continuing the legacy that Jim and Jeff have built in Greenfield, and the surrounding communities," Rich Elliott, president of Best-One of Indy, said.
"For 35 years, we have been family-owned, and we plan to keep the same family, local feel while delivering superior customer service and being a trusted provider of retail, commercial and ag tires."
Best-One of Indy employs more than 130 and last year was a finalist in Tire Business' Best Places to Work competition.