The Tire Town team from left to right: Howie Jones, J.R., Bob Kuehne, Mark Myers, Scott Buff, and Dave Chavez — Photo Meganpixels Parker
They Want to Be Your Tire Guy
by Melissa LaScaleia
This year, Tire Town celebrates fifty years of business in Myrtle Beach as a tire installation and automotive repair company.
The company is locally owned and operated by Lainer Alford, who has five locations in the Grand Strand area: Kings Hwy. in Myrtle Beach; at Fantasy Harbor off of Hwy. 501; near the Market Common off of Hwy. 707; Red Hill in Conway; and their newest location in Murrells Inlet, which just opened July 2.
“Tire installation is the primary passion of the business,” says Mark Myers. “That’s what started it. And we gradually evolved from there into all facets of mechanical and repair work.”
Mark is the manager of the Murrells Inlet location, running the day to day operations of the store, installing tires, and doing what he needs to do to move customers in and out as quickly as possible so there isn’t a long wait.
“Our focus is customer service because customer service is our product,” he says. “We don’t manufacture anything, so that is what we’re selling. You have to take care of the people who come to see you so they keep coming back and you can stay in business. We’ve been very welcomed by the community here in the Inlet since we arrived this summer.”
Tire Town has their own fully-stocked warehouse in Myrtle Beach, ensuring that they always have tires on hand for their customers within an hour or two if what is needed isn’t available in their store. They carry the top names in tire brands, like Michelin, Toyo, BF Goodrich and UniRoyal.
“All our technicians are certified,” says Mark. “We are also a Napa Auto Care Center, so all of our mechanical parts are warrantied nationwide. And all of our mechanical work comes with a thirty-six month, or 36,000 miles guarantee. All the tires we carry are backed by their company’s warranties, and we handle any claims as well.”
Mark started out as an automotive mechanic thirty-five years ago, and he’s been working in the industry ever since.
“Meeting new people is my favorite thing about this job,” he says. “You meet people from all over the place, because it’s a transient area. You hear all kinds of different stories. And every day is different.”
Tire Town
Open M-F 8am-6pm, Sa 8am-1pm.
