The Northwest has changed radically from when Les Schwab started in the tire business in the early 50s, but Les Schwab never did. Still, looking like a figure from a different era, apearing in commercials with a simple message "If we can't guarantee it, we won't sell it" Les Schwab became one of the largest independent tire dealers in the world. According to the Seattle Times, Les Schwab tires did 1.6 billion dollars in sales last year. In the last couple, a Maple Valley store opened up. Mr Schwab died yesterday after being in ill health for a number of years.
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That makes me a little sad. We did business with Les Schwab. That's always where my dad bought tires for the service station.
Les Schwab is one (of many) things I miss about the NW. I loved the "when you come out we come running" and they really did! If you had blown a tire and couldn't afford a replacement they would give you one for free - knowing that when you had the money next time you would come to them. What a great business model - loyalty abounded!
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