Hudson, N.Y.-based Smith's Commercial Tire Inc. was almost insolvent when Clayton Van Kleek purchased it in late March.
"It was in a near-bankrupt situation," says Van Kleek, owner of Van Kleek's Tire, another upstate New York dealership.
Since then, business at the former Smith's location has picked up.
Van Kleek is pleased with the outlet's rebound.
"It's neat to bring this thing back to life," he says.
Van Kleek is adding retail sales to the mainly commercial outlet, which "helps with the cash flow."
He also reports the location's 14,000-square-foot retread shop is doing well.
