FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL
70 YEAR FAMILY LEGACY
T
HIS YEAR is a huge milestone for Matlock Tire Service & Auto Repair as they are commemorating 70 years as a now third generation family-owned business. With five locations and almost 100 employees, Matlock Tire Service & Auto Repair is a testament to how proper perspective and genuine customer service can grow a business out of humble but honest beginnings. Everything Knoxville met with Joe Matlock, their Vice President of Operations at the Lenoir City location, to discuss the history, growth, and future of Matlock Tire Service & Auto Repair. EK: As a third generation Matlock and your grandfather’s namesake, when did you first become involved in the family business? Joe: When I was young, I honestly never intended to be a part of Matlock Tire Service. I began working here when I was a teenager as a means of restitution after wrecking my dad’s truck and needing to pay for the repairs, and I have been here ever since! Through my father, our customers, and our many long-time employees, I have learned the value of doing things the right way and for the right reasons. EK: Why do you think that Matlock Tire Service & Auto Repair has lasted “the test of time?” 70 years is an impressive time span! Joe: Well, our business philosophy has always been simple and two fold: Operate the business with integrity and serve our customers better than anyone else. We truly believe that is what has carried us to where we are today. We are now proudly serving the 3rd and sometimes 4th generations of local families. Our great team of employees and the level of service we have aspired to maintain are strong factors in what separates us from our competitors and allows us to continue to grow. We give God all the credit for having seen us through the good times and the hard times. We by no means believe that we have been given “preferential treatment” or that He cares more for our business than others, but we are just so thankful that God continues to watch over our company and our people that we strive to honor Him daily with how we conduct ourselves and our business. EK: You mention Matlock’s employees often. What makes them so special? Joe: Our incredible team of people have definitely contributed to the growth of our business. We are proud to employ five people who have been with us for more than 40 years, 11 for more than 30 years, and 17 for more than 20 years! That kind of commitment is hard
HARD WORK • HONEST SERVICE • THANKFUL HEARTS