Townsend Tire Purchased by Kolar Tire of Helena
Author: MT43 News Staff Reporter
Townsend Tire Purchased by Kolar Tire of Helena
MT43 News Staff Reporter
The former Townsend Tire business, 7689 Highway 287 in Townsend, is now owned by Kolar Tire of Helena. According to General Manager Greg Branson, Kolar runs three other locations, two in Helena and one in Three Forks.
Branson, who has been with the company 12 years, said the business was started by Frank Kolar in 2010 in Helena. Kolar had been selling tires and doing auto repair from his garage with a startup fund of $5,000. He has built up the tire and auto repair business to two full-service businesses in Helena with 85 employees across the locations. The Townsend location has 9 employees, including two mechanics.
Branson explained with a grin he has a high school diploma and an advanced degree in hands-on mechanical experience. He began work in a Mexican Restaurant. That is how he met Frank, who was a regular customer of the restaurant. A forceful and outgoing person, Branson had taken Toastmasters’ training, a public speaking training program. He transitioned easily into managing and marketing. “We try to stress customer service in a timely manner to accommodate people. I have learned that the service we offer can really make a difference in somebody’s otherwise bad day,” he said.
Kolar Tire not only sells all brands and sizes of tires and services them but also offers roadside towing as well as brake work and oil changes. They do offer tires for agricultural equipment and tractor-trailer unit tires. In town, they offer free pickup and delivery to install new tires.
Stevie Boone, who manages both the Townsend and Three Forks locations, has worked in the business for 11 years, first for Townsend Tire and now Kolar. Hours for the tire store are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We are on call 24/7 for towing and roadside services,” she said.
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Image 1 Caption: Kolar Tire general manager Greg Branson and local store manager Stevie Boone braving the wind in front of the new Kolar Tire business on Highway 287.
MT43 News Photo
