NAPLES, Fla.Vernon Bud Zolman, a co-founder of Monteith Tire in South Bend, Ind., and founder of Zolman's Tire in Mishiwaka, Ind., died unexpectedly June 14 in Naples. He was 73.
Mr. Zolman was a life-long resident of northern Indiana, where he went to work early in his career with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in the Firestone retail store network. He was a roaming store manager and credit manager.
In 1966 he left Firestone and teamed up with Ray Monteith and Paul Zurcher to start Monteith Tire in his hometown of Warsaw, Ind.
Twelve years later, in 1978, Mr. Zolman and his wife Diane opened Bud Zolman's Tire in Mishawaka.
Mr. Zolman emphasized hard work, integrity and family values. He had a heart for others and was passionate about community service.
Today, Zolman's Tire & Auto Care has grown to seven locations, with 10 departments and more than 100 employees.
Mr. Zolman also was an original founding partner in the Best-One Tire & Service group, which has grown to more than 250 affiliated outlets.
Mr. Zolman was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Diane (Silvius), and daughter Jacquelyn (Zolman) Gizzi. He is survived by son Nathan D. Zolman, president of Zolman's Tire & Auto Care; daughter Stefani (Zolman) DeSchepper; and 10 grandchildren.