CLEARLAKE ? Big O Tire of Clearlake is going pro. As of Jan. 1, 2009, the tire service center on Lakeshore Drive will officially become a Tire Pros location.
Owner Gene Renner said only the name is changing, not the service. “People don”t mind a name change as long as the same quality of service is there,” Renner said.
“We want to get the message out that we are the same people, with the same quality service and the same valuable warranties. Nothing is going to change other than our name.”
Big O Tire opened in Clearlake in 1986 with Renner buying into the franchise in 1994. Renner”s franchise agreement expires on Dec. 31 and he said he won”t be renewing. “A large tire distributor bought Big O National about five to six years ago. I don”t support some of the changes they”ve made so I decided not to renew,” he said. “It was in our best interest to change the name and continue the great service that this community has come to expect from us.”
Renner, a current Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce member and his wife, Jane McKnight, an active Soroptimist and Rotarian, have been contributing members of the community for the past 15 years. They have no intentions of giving up the friendships and camaraderie that they”ve found in this small town where, he said your customer base is your friends and your neighbors.
“Most of my customers become my friends. It”s a small community and we love the community and the people,” Renner said. “I think in a small community, service to your customers is very important. Most of your business is word-of-mouth so you have to take care of them.”
Renner, who operates with a staff of about 10, said he recognizes the benefit in hiring from the local workforce and is fortunate to have dedicated employees, some of whom have been with him throughout the duration of his ownership.
Manager Denise Loustalot said the joy of the business has kept her happy for 20 years.
“It”s the love of the business that has kept me here so long,” she said. “I enjoy being in a small town and providing quality service to my friends and customers. When they are happy, I”m happy,” she said.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
