Best-One of Indy acquires R&T Tire & Auto Service
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In the summer of 1965, Ray and Tom Alexander, father and son, opened their first R&T Tire & Auto Service in Sheridan. In 1968, Tom’s wife Anita became part of the team. Ray retired in 1982, and a few years later, Tom and Anita’s son Brian joined the business. Soon after, Jim Kitchel, their son-in-law, and daughter Tina joined the company.
Between 1987 and 2008, R&T Tire expanded to a total of five locations. Sadly, Brian Alexander passed away in 2017. At that time, the company made the difficult decision to reduce to two locations. The Noblesville and Tipton shops continued, and the Kitchels took over running the day-to-day operations.
Fast forward almost 56 years later, and R&T is transitioning to its next chapter under new ownership. As of April 1, R&T Tire & Auto Service has been acquired by Best-One of Indy, another long standing and family-owned Indiana business.
“After 56 years, it was time,” said Tom Alexander, owner of R&T Tire & Auto Service. “When I met with the team of Best-One of Indy, I was so impressed that they seemed just like me; their honesty, their close-knit operations, and good customer service. We (my family and I) unanimously decided it was a good time to make a change. This is an opportunity for our current employees to continue working for a company that cares about them, as we always have.”
While the name on the building locations will be changing to Best-One of Indy in Noblesville, and Best-One of Tipton, it is important for customers to understand that it is business as usual with the same great local people and same great service that R&T Tire’s raving fans have come to trust over the years.
Chuck Godby and Daniel Heald remain leading the sales team in Noblesville, while Patrick Henderson and Pete Thomas continue to lead the Tipton team.
Tom and Tina will continue to be part of operations in some capacity, while Jim will be part of sales and operations.
Best-One of Indy employs over 130 team members in total of now 13 locations in Central Indiana, offers the opportunity to get certified technical training while being on the job, and placed in the top 5 in the United States in the 2020 Tire Industry’s Best Places to Work program by Tire Business.
People at Best-One of Indy say they are excited for the opportunities, but the company remains centered on their mission – “Creating Raving Fans.” During a time of change, one thing that never waivers is their commitment to people.
“We look forward to continuing the legacy that Tom and his family have built in Noblesville and Tipton, and the surrounding communities,” said Rich Elliott, President of Best-One of Indy. “For 35 years, we have been family-owned, and we plan to keep the same family, local feel while delivering superior customer service and being a trusted provider of Retail, Commercial and Ag tires.”