Brothers and fellow businessmen: Ron (left) and Mike Chapman.

When opening a new tire shop, Chapman Tires & Wheels, in Chester, Mike Chapman had one thing in mind before anything else: to keep close to his home and to his family.
“We have a very close family network,” he says. “We’re very tight-knit.” Chapman’s 16-year-old son has already expressed interest in working at the tire shop, and his niece assists with phone and computer work. The rest of the family, he adds, “loved the idea of opening a shop. They were very supportive.”

Perhaps the most prominent family member at Chapman’s is Ron Chapman, Mike’s brother. Ron, however downplays his role: “This is Mike’s business,” he says. “I’m just helping him.”

Both brothers bring plenty of auto experience to the table; Ron Chapman worked in auto upholstery for nearly 25 years, and Mike sold wholesale tires for over 20 years. At that point, Mike Chapman says, he was ready for a change. “I wanted to do what I’d been dreaming of doing,” he says. “I wanted to sell directly to the public. I’m a talker – I love talking to people.”

The brothers have been working since May of 2008 to establish the store in Chester’s new Phoenix Center; in the few weeks since they’ve been open, they’ve seen plenty of customers coming in. “It’s been pretty good so far!” Mike says. “We’re getting a lot of quotes and a lot of calls.”

With the opening of Chapman Tires & Wheels, Mike and Ron hope to establish a friendly location where customers can stop in and chat. “I want people to know that this is a nice, good-looking place,” Mike Chapman says. “People can come in and talk and have coffee; their kids can play next door at the Playroom while their car is getting worked on.”

At Chapman’s Tires & Wheels, customers can purchase tires of any major brand – like Cooper BFG, Firestone, Bridgestone, Hercules, Michelin, and Pirelli – and size, up to 26 inches, and the Chapmans also offer mount-and-balance and tire repair services. “In addition, we can do special orders, and financing is available,” Mike Chapman says.

The Chapmans also credit their strong Christian faith in many of the aspects of their business. “I want to help people,” says Mike. “I’d help anyone out if they came to the door, even those without money.”

Now established in Chester, the Chapmans are looking at their present and future plans in the area. “Right now, we want to be a place for people to get good service at a good price,” says Ron Chapman. Mike adds: “I’d like to see this grow into other locations, too. I’d like to be the wheel guy of Chesterfield County, where all the kids come and get their wheels.”

Chapman Tires & Wheels is located at 713 W. Hundred Rd. and is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call 748-7700.

ereel@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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