Denver Discount Tire in Denver, Colo., is being kicked out of its long-time location by an out-of-state real estate developer, and is looking for a new site to set up shop.
Denver Discount's single-location store dates back to the 1940s, when it started as an OK Tire Welders shop, according to current owner Vince Herrera, who's been working at the outlet since 1977.
In 1989, Gates Rubber -- a major manufacturer of rubber industrial products with a large plant across the street from Denver Discount -- bought the land on which the small dealership stands.
Earlier this year, Herrera -- who became owner of Denver Discount in 1989 -- learned that the land had been sold to a Texas-based developer, along with a number of residential homes near the shop. (The houses were built in the 1930s by Gates Rubber to house factory workers.)
A representative from the developer told Herrera he must be out of the building by June 2006. "The building is coming down."
Herrera, who has five employees, is looking for another location, but hasn't had any luck yet.
"I love my customers," he says. "I love what I do."
Vince Herrera can be contacted via [email protected].
