Brothers Jim (left) and Bob Freyberg run Mankato Oil & Tire while brother Lynn Freyberg runs Mankato Oil Truck Shop.
Rolling along
Business evolves from oil and farm to cars and tires By Marie Wood Photos by Pat Christman
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ob and Jim Freyberg, two of three brothers who own Mankato Oil & Tire, can show you Free Press ads from 1958 when tires were one-sizefits-all and cost $11.95 each. Today, on average a tire costs $100 and comes in roughly 1,000 sizes. When Bob started in the business, they carried 16 sizes. In 1919, Mankato Oil & Tire was established to supply heating and lubricant oils to homes and farms. While Ford Model T’s, Buicks, Chevrolets and Oldsmobiles were on the streets, automotive was a minimal part of the business. Mankato Oil & Tire has been a Goodyear dealer since 1938 when it was downtown on
Front Street. In 1965, Bob, along with their brother Lynn Freyberg, opened a second location on Highway 169. Lynn served the truckers and Bob served agriculture and automotive customers. Meanwhile Jim ran the downtown location. In 1998, Jim and Bob closed the downtown shop and moved up to Mankato’s hilltop. Lynn still runs the Mankato Oil Truck Shop on Highway 169. While still a Goodyear dealer, Mankato Oil & Tire now carries 70 brands of tires, but the two top sellers are Goodyear and Michelin. “Our expertise with many brands helps us suggest the right tire, price range and quality
All In The Family
28 • MAY 2013 • MN Valley Business