honoring the life & legacy of our founder

John R. “Bob” Schwenkfelder built a company, but more importantly, he built something that lasted far beyond it.

In 1968, Bob opened a small tire store on State Street in Boise, Idaho. What began as a single location grew over more than five decades into one of the largest commercial and retail tire operations in the Pacific Northwest, Commercial Tire.

But Bob never set out to build a legacy. He focused on doing good work, treating people the right way, and building relationships that mattered. Those principles became the foundation of Commercial Tire and remain so today.

 

Bob never set out to build a legacy. He focused on doing good work, treating people the right way, and building relationships that mattered. Those principles became the foundation of Commercial Tire and remain so today.

| IDAHO ROOTS

A Fourth-Generation Idaho Farmer

Bob Schwenkfelder was raised in Cambridge, Idaho, where four generations of family had worked the land before him. That upbringing shaped everything — his work ethic, his humility, his deep respect for honest labor.

He remained closely tied to those roots throughout his life, spending time at the family ranch and working alongside his brother at SS Cattle Company, never forgetting where he came from, even as his business reached across four states.

Summers in McCall with his family were among his most treasured times and a reflection of what mattered most: family, connection, and time well spent.

At the heart of Bob’s life was his family. He was a devoted husband to Bonnie, a proud father to Trent and Kelli, a loving grandfather to Justin, Tucker, Sydney, Dylan, and Audrey, along with a growing group of great-grandchildren who brought him great pride.

1968

Founded in Boise, Idaho

Top 25

Commercial Tire Dealer, U.S.

100%

Employee-Owned Since 2019

| BUILDING COMMERCIAL TIRE

from ONE STORE TO 4 STATES

In 1968, at just 24 years old, Bob opened a small tire store on State Street in Boise, Idaho. He bet everything on determination, long hours, and a commitment to his customers.

Over the next 58 years, he grew that single location into a regional leader serving communities across Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Utah.

His leadership helped establish Commercial Tire as a Top 25 commercial tire dealership in the United States and a Top 100 Independent Tire Dealership nationally.

Bob also helped establish the American Commercial Tire Network (ACTN), a coast-to-coast service network supporting commercial trucking fleets. 

His Bridgestone partnership, which began in 1968, remains a core partnership of the business today.

“Take care of people, and the rest will follow”

| A LEGACY OF PEOPLE FIRST

Success Was Always About People

For Bob, success was never just about growth, it was about people. He believed in building strong relationships, earning trust, and creating an environment where employees felt genuinely supported and valued. Many team members spent decades with Commercial Tire, a testament to the culture Bob built. 

As a family-owned business for over 50 years, Bob led with a simple philosophy: take care of people, and the rest will follow.

In 2019, Bob helped guide Commercial Tire into becoming a 100% employee-owned company, ensuring the people who helped build the business would share in its future.

| COMMERCIAL TIRE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2018

Celebrating five decades of growth, relationships, and community across the Pacific Northwest.

| THE COMMERCIAL TIRE LEGACY

A tribute to the values, people, and purpose that Bob built into every corner of the company.

| COMMUNITY IMPACT

Investing in the People & Places That Mattered

Bob’s impact extended far beyond the business. He was a strong supporter of local communities and a dedicated advocate for giving back, believing that success carried an obligation to the places that made it possible.

From local youth programs to regional partnerships, Bob invested time and resources into communities across Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Utah.

He was also a proud supporter of Boise State Athletics, contributing to scholarship opportunities for students and the continued growth of the university.

“Bob’s legacy lives on in every Commercial Tire location, in every employee-owner, and in every relationship built on trust and care.”

SHARE A MEMORY

We invite those who knew Bob to share memories or condolences with his family and the Commercial Tire Community.