Balancing Tradition and Growth With Ryan Thueson of Clair and Dee’s Tire

Ryan Thueson is the Owner of Clair and Dee's Tire, a family-owned business in Rexburg, Idaho, specializing in tire services and auto repair as part of the Point S network. Clair and Dee's Tire has expanded from a single store to five locations in the past three years, showcasing its growth and dedication to customer service. Ryan, representing the third generation of ownership during the store’s 61-year history, continues to uphold the family legacy while embracing modern business strategies and multi-store ownership.

In this episode…

What does it take to maintain a successful family business for over six decades? Is it sheer determination, adaptability to changing markets, or perhaps the power of seizing unexpected opportunities? 

Ryan Thueson, of Clair and Dee's Tire, shares how his family, through adaptability and seizing the right opportunities, has maintained Clair and Dee's Tire for 61 years in Rexburg, Idaho. Originating from a humble potato farming background, Ryan's father, Clair, pivoted to the tire business after recognizing an entrepreneurial opportunity. This decision led to a family legacy that now spans five locations and three generations. Ryan discusses the importance of family involvement from a young age, the value of multi-store ownership, and how the family business has evolved and expanded significantly in recent years.

In this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge chats with Ryan about the enduring success of a family business. They explore the dynamics of maintaining and growing a multi-generational enterprise, and discuss strategic decisions and the integration of the Point S brand, which allowed Ryan and his family to expand their market reach without sacrificing their local identity. Ryan delves into the nuances of balancing tradition with modernization and the significance of family ties in business operations.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• [01:06] The enduring legacy of a 61-year family business
• [02:28] How Idaho farming shaped a tire industry leader
• [03:01] The entrepreneurial leap that changed the Thueson family
• [09:20] What are the benefits of Point S membership?
• [12:17] How brand identity elevates independent tire dealers
• [16:05] Why joining Point S enhances buying power
• [21:25] Wise real-world customer relationship mottos

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ryan Thueson on LinkedIn 
• Clair and Dee’s Point S Tire
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Tread Partners

Quotable Moments: 

• "Opportunities come your way, and you’d better take advantage of them."
• "If you're buying tires in southeast Idaho, you're buying from one of my family members."
• "Join something. Give us a name, a presence."
• "You can be a single store owner and buy someone who has 500 stores."
• "The ground is fertile in the owner's shadow."

Action Steps: 

1. Diversify your skills and roles: Learning to adapt to different roles within a business is crucial in a family-owned setting. 
2. Embrace growth and expansion opportunities: Ensure business longevity and accommodate family members who may want to join the business.
3. Leverage co-op memberships: Joining a co-op like Point S can provide buying power and a national brand presence while maintaining local identity.
4. Foster a culture of learning and mentorship: Starting from a young age and involving family members in various roles can foster a deep understanding of the business.
5. Build strong industry relationships: Attending annual conferences and engaging with other members creates a supportive network within the industry.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. 

At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. 

By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.

We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Visit www.treadpartners.com or email [email protected] to learn more.