Ariz. couple converts store to Big O

SAFFORD, Ariz. (Aug. 12, 2016) — Preston and Melissa Alder have converted Boulevard Tire & Service, the independent tire store they've operated together for the past 22 years, to a Big O Tires L.L.C. franchise.

By switching to Big O, “I get the best of both worlds,” Mr. Alder said in a Big O press release. “I still get to be the local business owner in my community with all the benefits of being part of a national chain.”

The store, which opened at the beginning of June, has six service bays, three of which are dedicated to tires and lube. The dealership offers a full array of undercar- and drivetrain-related automotive services to complement its tire business.

The Alders took over the business — then much more an auto parts and auto repair facility — from Mrs. Alder's father, Bruce Dodge, Mr. Alder said. Mr. Dodge, in turn, had acquired it in the late 1970s from the shop's original owner.

Over the years, the Alders shifted the business' focus more toward tires, with an emphasis on the commercial side of the business — agricultural, mining, construction, etc. Safford is a community of nearly 10,000 located about 165 miles southeast of Phoenix and is supported to a great degree by the local farming and mining industries.

“What was missing was the consumer side of the business,” Mr. Alder said, “and Big O has been super for us in this respect. They really drive customers to our door.”

Initially reluctant to consider Big O as a partner, Mr. Alder was very complimentary of the franchisor's staff and program benefits. He was especially pleased that Boulevard Tire will be able to continue to serve its commercial customers under the Big O banner.

Mr. Alder and Big O came together after another Big O franchised location in nearby Thatcher, Ariz., closed its doors. Mr. Alder said initially he was approached about that location as a possible real estate investment, but then Big O approached him about the available franchise.

The Alders sold an affiliated auto parts business a couple of years ago, Mr. Alder said, and have converted that space in an adjacent building on their property to an office and warehousing, allowing for more efficient use of the service bays at the main building.

The conversion puts the Big O network back to 55 locations. The next nearest Big O outlet is 75 miles away in Globe, Ariz.

Kevin Kormondy, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Big O Tires, said, “It's exciting to have successful independent operators like Preston and Melissa, with a shop that has been family-owned and -operated for more than 60 years, join the Big O Tires organization.”