-Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
Discount Tire opened in September next to Crossroads Mall on Fifth Avenue South.

Discount Tire, a part of the in-progress Corridor Plaza, opened in early September 2021 along Fifth Avenue South.

Ty Schnurr, the store manager, said in September they had started to get a steady flow of customers but many still didn’t know that they were open.

As of the beginning of the new year, Schnurr said they’ve gotten a bit busier.

“We’ve definitely picked up from where we were at the beginning, still a little slower than we would like, but it’ll come in time. We just want to keep working on earning everyone’s respect,” he said. “We’ve still got the same great crew working here offering the same great service.”

Discount Tire offers many free services such as rotations, flat repairs, air checks, and inspections, even if the tires were purchased from a different vendor.

Schnurr said there are 1,090 stores nationwide and none of them are franchised, so customers can expect the same services and experience at any location.

Schnurr began working for Discount Tire as a technician in Colorado Springs in 2012. He transferred to the Des Moines area in 2018 before being promoted to store manager in July 2021.

“They gave me the opportunity to open this brand new store here in Fort Dodge. I’ve been with the company for nine years; they’ve treated me really well,” Schnurr said.

Schnurr said he enjoys working for the company because it’s family owned.

“Discount Tire strives to take care of their employees. It’s a family-owned business and has been since 1960,” said Schnurr.

Schnurr said Discount Tire prides itself on offering great prices for any budget.

“We’re not pushy as far as trying to make sales. We don’t work on commission of any kind. None of my managers are paid that way, they’re all paid hourly,” said Schnurr. “So whether they’re selling the cheapest tire or the most expensive tire, it doesn’t impact their paycheck whatsoever.”

Schnurr said Discount Tire’s main focus at any location is customer satisfaction.

“We just want to make sure we do what we can to make people safe and make sure they’re taken care of,” he said.

“We want to make sure that everything is perfect no matter what,” said Schnurr. “If something is at fault, we want to take care of it and address it ourselves. We’re very upfront, if we make a mistake we will take care of it 100 percent with safety and quality as a priority.”

“We have those free services and just want people to come through the door, say hi, and see what we can do to help everyone out,” he added.