FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS: Park Tire Co.

Owner: Jim Stocking Jr.

Number of generations: 3

Based: Lincoln Park, Mich.

Outlets: 1

Founded: 1933 in Lincoln Park

Ownership history: Vernie Stock¬ing (1933-1941), Jim Stocking Sr. (1941-1984), Jim Stocking Jr. (2012-present)

Other family involved: Jim Stocking III (Jim Stocking Jr.'s son)

Dealership Information: Vernie Stocking founded Park Tire Co. in 1933 as a one-location dealership in Lincoln Park. His son Jim Stocking Sr., the company's second owner, took over the company as a teenager in 1941 when his father died.

In 1968, Mr. Stocking moved the company to a vacant 10,000-sq.-ft. building next door—formerly a Studebaker car dealership—from where the firm still operates. His son Jim Stocking Jr. took over running the business in 1984 and ownership was transferred to him in 2012.

Today, Mr. Stocking Jr. runs the seven-bay shop along with five employees, including his son Jim Stocking III., and offers all major tire brands and performs undercar repair and maintenance services, including shocks, struts, brakes, tie rods and alignments.

Mr. Stocking Jr. told Tire Business his philosophy is that running a successful business comes down to treating customers well and enjoying what you do. “You never heard my father ever yell,” he said. “My dad always said, ‘Be happy.' And that's the way it is. We're a happy company. Take care of people, and love your job.”

He noted he has no intentions to retire in the near future, but when he does he expects his son will take over the business.