Reader’s Choice Winner 2018 for Auto Repair/Mechanic

Harry’s Tire Service has been a staple in Minot for 75 years and was recently voted Reader’s Choice Winner 2018 for Auto Repair/Mechanic. It started in 1943 by Harry Omman when he and his wife Dorothy took their last six dollars – grocery money – and used it as a down payment on their new tire business. In 1943, with war clouds encircling the globe, that $6 deposit was a pledge of their unshakable faith in the United States.

In 1946 Harry landed a contract to act as Minot area distributor for The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company- a contract that is still in effect to this day. Through the years Harry’s added several tire makes to their lineup along with the addition of aftermarket wheels, lift kits and pickup bed covers as well as a wide variety of automotive products.

When Harry retired he sold the business to his son Jim who ran it for several years. In 1997 they added the commercial line of Goodyear Farm Tires and became an International Truck Associate Dealer for parts, truck sales, and service with the advent of Dakota Truck and Farm. With six truck and trailer bays and three service trucks, they offer complete service and maintenance on trucks, trailers, buses and RV’s and 24/7 on-site truck tire and mechanical repair. With their state of the art Bee Line Alignment rack, they can complete alignments on trucks and trailers without uncoupling them.

Mike Hemphill worked for Jim Omman for several years, quickly learning the value of providing quality tires and service at a fair price in a family-oriented environment. After many years of working with his mentor, Jim handed over the reins to Mike who ran the business for several years. Sadly Mike Hemphill passed away unexpectedly in October 2017, but not before passing along his knowledge and love of the business to his son-in-law Clinton Burgardt, who bought the business from Mike in 2016. Clint added trailer sales to their lineup with high-quality trailers at reasonable prices from Jet, Big Tex and US Cargo in a limitless array of sizes and configurations based on the customer’s needs. Dakota Truck and Farm recently expanded by opening another location in New Town to meet the needs of the trucking community in that area.

Back in the day, along with tires, Harry’s Tire Service offered auto repairs and maintenance, which is still offered today. With oil changes starting at just $34.95 they include top of the line Kendall synthetic blend oil along with a full 32 point inspection to ensure vehicles are ready to meet the demands of our northland weather extremes.

Harry’s Tire Service also expanded over the years to include three state of the art Hunter Alignment bays. With a quick check for only $19.95 and alignments starting at $79.95 it allows customers to protect the investment they make in their tires by ensuring even tread wear.

Harry’s Tire Service’s general manager Kelly Burgardt continues the tradition of providing great customer service. Harry’s offers a free shuttle and they have Kid Zone- a special play area for the kids. Free coffee and popcorn made fresh throughout the day reinforce the family-friendly atmosphere.

With over 60 employees and many of them being veterans, Harry’s Tire Service is a vital part of the Minot Community. An old clipping from the Minot Daily News had praised Harry’s customer service as one of the most important factors in the company’s success. In that respect, things haven’t changed. Service is still spelled with capital letters at Harry’s Tire Service. It’s a way of life for the company personnel and is apparent in the selection of Harry’s Tire Service as the 2018 Reader’s Choice for Auto Repair/Mechanic.