Townsend Tire has broken ground on their new Three Forks/Wheatland location.
Mike Larson, the owner of Townsend Tire, says that the shop's grand opening will be in June 2022; however, construction supply shortages may delay it.
Even though the power lines are just across the street, North Western Energy predicts that it will be 24 months before the shop gets power.
"If I have a building up in June, I'll figure out a way to run it," Larson said.
The Three Forks/Wheatland location has been in the works since 2019. Larson said the current location will serve the agriculture and ranch communities' mechanical needs.
Larson expects this new location to add to–not replace–the services offered at local shops. This shop will provide tire services in addition to preventative vehicle maintenance, repairs, and custom accessory installations.
"I want to be a part of the community. I don't want to come in and disrupt it," Larson said.
To connect more with the Three Forks community, the new Townsend Tire shop will source work from businesses based in the area, such as DVK Electric LLC and C&C Contractors.
Like the Three Forks location, other Townsend Tire shops (Townsend and White Sulphur Springs) emphasize community building. Larson hires employees who have been down on their luck and need good work.
"With this location, I want to do the same thing: Find somebody that wants the opportunity, needs the opportunity, and help change their life or help move them in a positive direction," Larson said.
In the future, Larson hopes to expand Townsend Tire to other areas under this same mindset.