80 Years and Rolling: Tire Tread Service, Inc.

Two families have owned Tire Tread Service since the business was born, 80 years ago. The original location was at the site where the downtown Post Office (on Princess Anne Street) is currently situated. Now they are nestled on a side street at the offer end of Princess Anne at 311 Bridgewater Street.

Founded in 1945 by the Mayer family, twelve years after the start-up, relatives of Agnes Bourne Barnett purchased the business.

Agnes met Jerry in 1967, after he came back from Vietnam, arriving back at Quantico, where she worked. The couple fell in love and married. The newly-married couple bought out the business – and it quickly became even a bigger family involvement – as the children grew up and into the business. Kevin, Sara, Chris where the next generation to begin tending to the many aspects of the growing business. Chris, when asked what is the “secret” to being in business for so many years – he stated, “It’s simple…it’s just hard work, loads of hours….and treating your customers like family.”

It’s not so simple, surely, but customer loyalty is a considerable part of the business’ recipe for success. Inside the parking lot, and the building, is always bustling – with 24 employees and a busy waiting area. The modest sign written on the building’s front window – says “Celebrating 80 Years!” It denotes a subdued pretense-free business model. Chris says, “We don’t do much advertising and rely on happy customers with word-of-mouth referrals.

Adam and Kory represent the youngest generation to enter the family business. Adam recalls that his Grandma Agnes made him a special X-Small uniform shirt when he was little and he’d help out “by sweeping up and helping wherever he could.” Adam is now enrolled in the FXBG’s Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Fredericksburg, which is application only, with a limited class size each year.

What surprised me about the business – they have about 5000 tires on site, which was daunting! When asked what he thought would surprise folks about the business, Adam suggested folks might be surprised to learn they have a mobile unit. This can come to your home, office, farm, and get you on your way. They do work for Amazon and Fed Ex where time is truly money.

The business started out as nearly all tire sales and related service – and now has a tremendous amount of mechanical work. They are open 6 days a week by appointment or walk-in. They are a spry and exciting business doing new things in a family-style way. Congratulations to Tire Tread and here’s to another 80 great years!