Tires Plus

Tires Plus. Tires Plus is a major American chain of automotive service centers specializing in tire sales, installation, and vehicle maintenance. Founded in the Midwestern United States, the company operates over 500 franchised and company-owned locations across the United States. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global tire and rubber manufacturer Bridgestone, operating within its Bridgestone Retail Operations division.

History

The company was founded in 1976 by Tom Gegax in Bloomington, Minnesota. Gegax opened the first store with a focus on customer service and a team-oriented culture, principles that became central to the brand's identity. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Tires Plus expanded throughout the Midwestern United States, growing its footprint primarily through franchising. A significant milestone occurred in 2000 when the company was acquired by Bridgestone for approximately $100 million, integrating it into the Japanese conglomerate's expanding Bridgestone Americas network. This acquisition provided greater resources for national growth and aligned the retailer with the manufacturing prowess of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company brand, also owned by Bridgestone.

Products and services

The core offering of Tires Plus centers on tires from major manufacturers, including its parent company's Bridgestone and Firestone brands, as well as competitors like Goodyear and Michelin. Beyond tire sales and installation, locations provide a comprehensive suite of automotive maintenance and repair services. These include brake service, oil changes, battery testing and replacement, and suspension work. Many centers also offer A/C service, exhaust repair, and engine diagnostics, positioning them as full-service competitors to chains like Monro Muffler Brake and Jiffy Lube.

Locations and operations

Tires Plus operates a network of over 500 service centers, concentrated heavily in the Midwestern United States but with a significant presence in other regions, including the Southwestern United States and Florida. The stores are a mix of company-owned locations and franchised outlets, all operating under the unified Tires Plus brand. The company's headquarters remain in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. Operations are supported by the distribution and supply chain capabilities of its parent corporation, Bridgestone Americas, ensuring access to a wide inventory of tires and automotive parts.

Corporate affairs

As a subsidiary of Bridgestone, Tires Plus falls under the umbrella of Bridgestone Retail Operations, which also manages the Firestone Complete Auto Care and Wheel Works chains in the United States. The company is led by a leadership team that reports up through the Bridgestone Americas corporate structure. Tires Plus has been recognized for its workplace culture, having been named multiple times to the "100 Best Companies to Work For" list compiled by *Fortune* magazine during the early 2000s, a legacy of founder Tom Gegax's management philosophy.

Marketing and branding

Tires Plus has historically emphasized a community-focused and team-centric brand image in its marketing. A long-running advertising slogan, "You're Plus We're Plus," highlighted the partnership between knowledgeable technicians and customers. The company has engaged in various national and local marketing campaigns, often featuring its certified technicians. It also participates in broader corporate citizenship initiatives led by Bridgestone Americas, such as the "Bridgestone Turf Management" program supporting safe sports fields and community grants. Promotional efforts frequently align with those of its sister chain, Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Category:Automotive repair companies of the United States Category:Companies based in Minneapolis Category:Bridgestone Category:Retail companies established in 1976