CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Aug. 21, 2009) — Vernon “Pee Wee” Rhodes, founder of Plaza Tire Service Inc., became the newest member of the Missouri Tire Industry Association's (MTIA) hall of fame Aug. 8 during the association's annual convention at Lake Ozark, Mo.
Mr. Rhodes started the Cape Girardeau-based retail and wholesale tire dealership in 1963 as Plaza Car Wash, but eventually slow sales prompted him to turn the business into a retail tire store. Soon he expanded the business, adding more retail locations and developing wholesale routes.
In 2005, Mr. Rhodes retired from Plaza Tire Service, leaving the responsibility of day-to-day operations to his sons Mark and Scott Rhodes. He continues to visit the corporate office and store locations, the company said.
Plaza Tire Service owns and operates 50 retail locations throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas.