Two Generations of Tire Families Join Forces in Athens, Georgia

This entry was posted on Dec 15, 2020 by Tire Discounters.

The Troy Porterfield family of Athens, Ga. announced today that they are teaming up with the Wood family of Cincinnati to ensure their three businesses continue a tradition of customer service that is friendly, efficient, and convenient. On December 11, 2020, Porterfield Tire stores in Athens and Watkinsville, Ga. closed their doors and reopened on December 14, 2020 with Tire Discounters as their new operator. The result creates a combined legacy of almost 90 years of experience as family-owned and operated tire and service centers. 

The two Georgia stores, and commercial operation will add to the company’s roster of 140+ locations. Additionally, Tire Discounters becomes the operator of Porterfield’s commercial outlet and warehouse. The warehouse will house Tire Discounters’ third distribution center in a strategic move to accelerate the company’s expansion in southern states.

Tire Discounters, the largest independent, 100% family-owned tire and service retailer in the U.S., will help Porterfield Tire grow its business by bringing its nationally recognized expertise and experience. Tire Discounters recently announced the company will be adding “best-in-class” franchise dealers in 2021 to complement its corporate locations.

“We only reached out to companies that would continue to look after our customers just like we currently do,” said Troy Porterfield, Owner, Porterfield Tire. “Jamie Ward and the Wood family know how we feel about our customers and our employees, because they feel the same way.” 

Troy Porterfield will maintain ownership of the store properties, leasing to Tire Discounters.  All of Porterfield Tire employees chose to become Tire Discounters’ employees, benefiting from employee benefits like health care, 401(k), and vision and dental insurance that all Tire Discounters employees enjoy, as well as the robust multi-functional support that staff receive from the chain that just won National 2020 Dealer of the year. 

The next generations of the Porterfield family, including Troy Porterfield III and Wes Porterfield, will join Tire Discounters, working alongside the seasoned and local Tire Discounters field management team, led by Charles Curlee, Retail VP.    

“It’s a real honor that Troy believes in our family to carry on their customer-friendly tradition,” said Chip Wood, founder and owner of Tire Discounters. “My brother, sister, sons and daughter all work here, and we’re trying our best to make sure that our industry isn’t taken over by faceless corporations. Family-run stores are still the heart and soul of the tire business.”

Porterfield Tire, according to Wood, will continue a strong commitment to customer service under the watch of the Tire Discounters team.

“We are actively looking for family-owned businesses, like Porterfield, that want to maintain a family legacy and a focus on the customer but need help to stay competitive in today’s market,” Wood said. “This is a unique offering and one we are proud to bring to Porterfield and look forward to welcoming other businesses to the Tire Discounters family with the same commitment.”

For more information about Tire Discounters franchise opportunities or other opportunities, visit: www.tirediscounters.com/franchise

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About Porterfield Tire

Porterfield Tire is a family-owned company founded in 1972 by Troy Porterfield. Troy’s children have carried on his tradition of providing excellent customer service in the Athens, Georgia area.  Residents know the Porterfield family and have been coming for years and years.  Both the Athens and Watkinsville stores specializes in tires, and provides routine automotive repair and factory scheduled maintenance. The company also has a commercial tire warehouse and outlet. 

 About Tire Discounters

Tire Discounters was founded by Chip Wood in 1976 and is still family-owned and operated. Chip remains the sole owner and company Chairman, but over the past several years has been smoothly transitioning to the second generation of leadership. President Jamie Ward, a valued employee for almost 25 years, is now the driving force in the company day-to-day, working closely with Chip’s children, Anna, Steven, and Evan Wood, to help them learn the business from the ground up. 

Tire Discounters is the nation’s largest, 100% family-owned and operated independent tire provider and is growing rapidly. The company leads the way in providing unique and innovative customer benefits designed to make tires last longer and maximize the overall performance of a vehicle. Tire Discounters’ ASE-certified technicians provide routine automotive repair and factory scheduled maintenance. Tire Discounters currently employs more than 1,400 people in over 140 locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.

The Georgia-based commercial outlet and warehouse will serve as Tire Discounters’ third distribution center. The company also has distribution centers in La Vergne, Tennessee, and Sharonville, Ohio.