Economic Development Press Releases
For Immediate Release
January 14, 2022
Media Contact: Hannah Feltz
(614) 302-2898
hfeltz@wordsworthweb.com
Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care Acquired by the Tire Discounters Family
Family-owned and operated Tire Discounters increases its presence with second store acquisition in the Virginia market
FRANKLIN, VA (January 14, 2022) — Tire Discounters, the country’s largest 100% family-owned and operated tire and service provider, is joining forces with the premiere tire and automotive service provider Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care in Franklin, Va. This is the second store acquisition in Virginia after Winchester-based Tire Outfitters in late 2021. The two Franklin locations of Bobby’s Tires and Auto Care have been added to Tire Discounters’ existing network of more than 150 locations.
Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care has been a staple in the City of Franklin and surrounding areas for 40 years. Jamie Ward, president and CEO of Tire Discounters, said this commitment to the community was a driving force behind the acquisition.
“When we reach out to companies, we look for those that align with our values,” Ward said. “At Tire Discounters, we are always focused on providing an unparalleled customer experience—something that Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care has been doing in the Franklin community for three decades. We think of this as an opportunity to use the resources at our disposal to preserve and improve on that existing service for this community.”
According to Robby Cutchins, CEO of Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care, the community has been great to the Cutchins family and employees over the years. “Being able to join forces with my father and helping him grow the business to a level we never dreamed of meant so much to me personally. I feel that Tire Discounters was a natural next step because of the company’s dedication to carrying on its customer-friendly tradition with the community and giving our employees the best opportunity possible going forward in this industry,” Cutchins said.
Bobby Cutchins, CVO/Founder of Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care echoed the sentiment. “My passion for Bobby’s over the years of growth was without a doubt driven by the integrity of our wonderful employees and customers that made a lifelong dream come true. Thank you to everyone involved,” Cutchins said. “My wish is for Tire Discounters to continue to grow it forward.”
“We are very excited for the opportunity for the Tire Discounters family to ensure that our business continues a tradition of customer service that is friendly, efficient and convenient,” said (Bobby) Cutchins. “For 40 years, Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care has proudly offered an exceptional tire-buying and auto service experience to our customers in the City of Franklin and surrounding areas. Fortunately, Tire Discounters is a larger company with more resources, and they have the same values that can only improve on what is provided to the customers for years to come.”
According to Ward, in today’s marketplace, owning and operating an automotive business is more challenging than ever. That’s why Tire Discounters is looking to work with smaller, family-owned and operated automotive businesses to lend a helping hand.
“Companies want to protect their legacies, but the marketplace is not the same today as it was 30 years ago,” Ward said. “That is why we don’t come in and take away everything that made the original store special to the communities they serve. Tire Discounters is a family-owned and operated business, and those same values will always be the driving force behind our success.”
With Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care now being acquired by the Tire Discounters family, customers can expect committed leadership, trust, authenticity, and first-class support with customers at the forefront of it all. “We have now created a legacy of almost 75 years of experience as family-owned and operated tire and service centers,” Ward said. “Family-run stores are still the heart and soul of the tire business.”
Tire Discounters is actively looking for family-owned businesses, like Bobby's Tire and Auto Care, that want to maintain a family legacy and a focus on the customer but need help to stay competitive in today’s market. “We have a unique offering and one we are proud to bring to Bobby’s Tire and look forward to welcoming other businesses to the Tire Discounters family with the same commitment.”
For more information about Tire Discounters’ franchise opportunities or other opportunities, visit www.tirediscounters.com/franchise.
Visit the two Tire Discounters locations in Franklin:
- 1381 Armory Drive (757) 569-9662
- 210 East 4th Street (757) 562-4469
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About Tire Discounters
Tire Discounters was founded by Chip Wood in 1976 and is still family-owned and operated. Chip remains the sole owner and company Chairman, but over the past several years has been smoothly transitioning to the second generation of leadership. President Jamie Ward, a valued employee for almost over 25 years, is now the driving force in the company day-to-day, working closely with Chip’s children, Anna, Steven, and Evan Wood, to help them learn the business from the ground up.
Tire Discounters is the nation’s largest, 100% family owned and operated independent tire provider and is growing rapidly. The company leads the way in providing unique and innovative customer benefits designed to make tires last longer and maximize the overall performance of a vehicle. Tire Discounters’ ASE-certified technicians provide routine automotive repair and factory scheduled maintenance. Tire Discounters currently employs more than 1,600 people in over 150 locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia.
Tire Discounters also operates four distribution centers, located in Sharonville, Ohio; La Vergne, Tennessee; Athens, Georgia and Monroe, Georgia. The company’s headquarters are in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. www.tirediscounters.com.