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Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care in Franklin is joining forces with Tire Discounters, the eighth-largest U.S. independent tire dealer according to Modern Tire Dealer’s top-100 list for 2021.

A Jan. 14 press release added that the two Franklin locations of Bobby’s Tires and Auto Care have been added to Tire Discounters’ existing network of more than 150 locations.

This is the second store acquisition in Virginia by Tire Discounters after it acquired Winchester-based Tire Outfitters in late 2021. 

Tire Discounters’ website notes it is the country’s largest 100% family owned and operated tire and service provider.

The press release continued by stating that Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care has been a staple in the city of Franklin and surrounding areas for 40 years. Jamie Ward, president and CEO of Tire Discounters, said this commitment to the community was a driving force behind the acquisition.

“When we reach out to companies, we look for those that align with our values,” Ward said. “At Tire Discounters, we are always focused on providing an unparalleled customer experience — something that Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care has been doing in the Franklin community for three decades. We think of this as an opportunity to use the resources at our disposal to preserve and improve on that existing service for this community.”

According to Robby Cutchins, CEO of Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care, the community has been great to the Cutchins family and employees over the years.  

“Being able to join forces with my father and helping him grow the business to a level we never dreamed of meant so much to me personally,” he said. “I feel that Tire Discounters was a natural next step because of the company’s dedication to carrying on its customer-friendly tradition with the community and giving our employees the best opportunity possible going forward in this industry.”

Bobby Cutchins, CVO/founder of Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care, echoed the sentiment. 

“My passion for Bobby’s over the years of growth was without a doubt driven by the integrity of our wonderful employees and customers that made a lifelong dream come true,” he said. “Thank you to everyone involved. My wish is for Tire Discounters to continue to grow it forward.

“We are very excited for the opportunity for the Tire Discounters family to ensure that our business continues a tradition of customer service that is friendly, efficient and convenient,” he continued. “For 40 years, Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care has proudly offered an exceptional tire-buying and auto service experience to our customers in the city of Franklin and surrounding areas. Fortunately, Tire Discounters is a larger company with more resources, and they have the same values that can only improve on what is provided to the customers for years to come.”

According to Ward, in today’s marketplace, owning and operating an automotive business is more challenging than ever. That is why Tire Discounters is looking to work with smaller, family owned and operated automotive businesses to lend a helping hand.

“Companies want to protect their legacies, but the marketplace is not the same today as it was 30 years ago,” Ward said. “That is why we don’t come in and take away everything that made the original store special to the communities they serve. Tire Discounters is a family owned and operated business, and those same values will always be the driving force behind our success.”

With Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care now being acquired by the Tire Discounters family, customers can expect committed leadership, trust, authenticity and first-class support with customers at the forefront of it all. 

“We have now created a legacy of almost 75 years of experience as family owned and operated tire and service centers,” Ward said. “Family run stores are still the heart and soul of the tire business.”

The two locations in Franklin, listed as Bobby’s Tire Discounters on the Tire Discounters’ website, are found at 1381 Armory Drive, with a 757-569-9662 contact number, and 210 E. 4th St., with a 757-562-4469 contact number.