90 Years. 90 Stories.

Aaron Hedin

Aaron is a MCSN Manager for Purcell Tire and has been with the company for over 7 years (5 from Jack's Tire and Oil).

I am a 4th generation 'Jack's Tire and Oil' Bowen that never wanted to be in the tire industry. I worked my own way through college for 7 years (yes, 7) to make sure that I never had to resort to working for the family company. I had cousins that had tried Jack's, failed, and told horror stories about what the tire world was "really" like. I was ready to be a corporate shill as long as I didn't tie my name to Jack's Tire and Oil. Well early in my professional career I found out that working for a corporation meant you were a number in a machine that only has 1 motive, do whatever it takes to keep the machine, machining. Before Jack's, I was moving up at a company that was eventually bought out. I was offered a position at this new company, but after meeting with the C suite, and seeing what their motivations were, I decided to find a different path. It just so happened that at the same time, Jack's needed someone with my exact experience. I was very reluctant but took an interview with then CEO Bob Feldbauer. I understand all my bias... I know Jack's is a part of my life story even before I worked there... but I felt like Jack's was so different. It felt like a place where even though they were growing, there was an opportunity as an employee to be seen and to be an individual. Now, I bring all this up because when I heard my family's business was selling, I was nervous. Mostly because there are corporations buying up family tire dealers that are not employee driven companies. I also did not have the pleasure of traveling to meet the Purcell's or the people in charge of this company that had 'invaded' my Salt Lake City market. But my family did meet the Purcell's... and they did meet the people in charge... and all I heard were glowing reviews. Even to the point where my grandma wanted to be best friends and golf partners with Juanita. I have now been with Purcell Tire for 2 years. The Purcell Tire brand feels so similar and so comfortably close to the Jack's Tire - Dave Bowen brand that I can say without a doubt that it operates like a family owned, employee first business. I am so grateful that Purcell has given me the opportunity to continue the Jack's Tire & Oil legacy by trying to do what my Grandpa Dave always did, PUT PEOPLE FIRST. 90 years is an amazing accomplishment and every year that passes, it becomes more incredible. As our country swings more and more toward the biggest and wealthiest corporations, Purcell Tire perseveres. Congrats to a beautiful 90!!! And here is to a prosperous 90 more!