Commercial Tire Founder Bob Schwenkfelder Dies

Schwenkfelder built the Idaho-based commercial tire dealership into one of the largest in the U.S. over five decades.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a set of premium commercial truck tires arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing the legacy of Commercial Tire's founder.The premium commercial tires that built Commercial Tire into an industry leader reflect the vision and dedication of founder Bob Schwenkfelder.Boise Today

John R. 'Bob' Schwenkfelder, the founder of Meridien, Idaho-based Commercial Tire Inc., one of the country's largest commercial tire dealerships, died on March 28. Schwenkfelder launched Commercial Tire in 1968 from a single location in Boise, Idaho, and grew it into a major player in the commercial tire industry with operations spanning four states.

Why it matters

Schwenkfelder's vision and leadership were instrumental in building Commercial Tire into one of the top commercial tire dealerships in the country. His passing marks the end of an era for the independent, employee-owned company he founded and guided for over 50 years.

The details

Under Schwenkfelder's leadership, Commercial Tire grew from a single location in Boise to 10 commercial-only locations and 38 commercial/retail stores across Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Utah. The company is now the 13th largest commercial tire dealership in the U.S. and the 28th largest independent tire dealership overall. Schwenkfelder was also involved in helping establish the American Commercial Tire Network, a national service network that expanded roadside and fleet support capabilities for commercial trucking operations.

  • Schwenkfelder launched Commercial Tire in 1968 from a single location in Boise, Idaho.
  • Schwenkfelder guided the company through its conversion to 100% employee ownership in 2019.
  • Schwenkfelder passed away on March 28, 2026.

The players

John R. 'Bob' Schwenkfelder

The founder of Commercial Tire Inc., one of the country's largest commercial tire dealerships.

Trent Schwenkfelder

Bob Schwenkfelder's son and the current president of Commercial Tire.

Bonnie Schwenkfelder

Bob Schwenkfelder's wife.

Kelli Schwenkfelder

Bob Schwenkfelder's daughter.

Commercial Tire Inc.

A major commercial tire dealership founded by Bob Schwenkfelder in 1968, now one of the largest in the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“Schwenkfelder launched Commercial Tire in 1968 from a single location in Boise, Idaho, with Simplot as one of his first customers, a Bridgestone supply agreement and a straightforward conviction: build trust with customers, invest in the people around you, and the business will follow.”

— Commercial Tire officials

“Bob's vision and leadership built Commercial Tire into the company it is today. He understood the commercial tire business at a level very few did — the fleet relationships, the service infrastructure, what operators actually needed on the road. But what set him apart was that he never let the business get bigger than the people running it.”

— Trent Schwenkfelder, President, Commercial Tire

What’s next

Memorial details for Bob Schwenkfelder will be announced in the coming days. Commercial Tire continues under the leadership of Trent Schwenkfelder and its employee-owners.

The takeaway

Bob Schwenkfelder's vision and leadership over five decades built Commercial Tire into one of the largest and most respected commercial tire dealerships in the country. His focus on customer trust, employee investment, and never letting the business outgrow its people left a lasting legacy that will continue to guide the company he founded.