US tyre industry pioneer Les Schwab dies

Prineville, Oregon - Les Schwab, who founded and built one of America's largest, best-known independent tyre dealerships, died on 18 May in Prineville. He was 89.

The company made the announcement, noting Mr. Schwab had been in declining health for many months.

Starting his dealership in 1952, Schwab built Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc. into one of Oregon's best-known businesses, according to the Prineville-based company, which operates more than 410 stores throughout the West and employs 7700.

“Les was not just a great businessman, he was a great man,” said Phil Wick, the dealership's chairman, in a prepared statement. “There will never be another Les. He was a visionary, and all of us who worked with him will stay true to his vision of integrity, service and treating people right.”

Wick said that with the promotion of Dick Borgman to CEO of Les Schwab Tire Centers, the company is well-positioned for future growth and expansion.

“Les built one of the greatest companies, with some of the best employees, not just in the West, but in the world,” Mr. Wick continued. “He left us a remarkable legacy and we are all committed to seeing that it thrives.”

Saying that Mr. Borgman will carry on Mr. Schwab's vision, Mr. Wick added that “Dick worked for 17 years with Les and myself and clearly understands the importance of our programs, employees and customers.”

Mr. Schwab's family members will continue to own the business. The company said the family “agreed that the best way to honor Les Schwab's memory is to continue to build the company's success the same way he did-by building trust with employees and customers.”

With his trademark white cowboy hat, Mr. Schwab was a familiar sight in the media and appeared for many years in the dealership's radio and TV commercials. Yet, the company said, “he never stopped crediting the people around him,” often saying: “We created an excellent program for customers and an excellent program for employees, and they just took it from there.”

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Statement from Les Schwab Tires