Our Story

1942

World War II created a strong demand for recapping tires. In 1942, C. Arthur Telle and Dan Froesel stepped up to this need after they found a second-hand retreading mold. Froesel-Telle, a tire recapping business, was formed in Froesel’s mother’s garage on Hoover Avenue in Richmond Heights. Froesel-Telle soon outgrew the garage, and the company moved to a storefront a couple streets away on Hoover Avenue.

1946

Froesel-Telle outgrew its Hoover Avenue location, and built a bigger shop at Big Bend Boulevard and Dale Avenue, which still serves Richmond Heights families to this day.

1952

Froesel-Telle doubled the size of its Big Bend location to keep up with demand, which focused on retreading tires, as well as retail tire and auto service.

1956

Growth once again forced Froesel-Telle to expand. The Big Bend location became focused on auto and tire service, while the retreading operation moved elsewhere.

1962

20 years after Froesel-Telle started, Dan Froesel and C. Arthur Telle agreed that their business interests were better served individually, and they parted ways amicably. From there, C. Arthur Telle, along with his son, Chuck, took sole ownership of the Big Bend shop.

1976

To provide faster customer service and a better tire selection, Telle Tire Company added a 5,000-tire warehouse to its business.

1977

Telle Tire Company was recognized as Missouri’s first “Tire Service Specialty Shop” by the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association.

1978

Founder C. Arthur Telle Sr. passed away at age 81.

1982

In an effort to provide a better customer service experience, Telle Tire Company completely renovated their waiting areas, offices and shops. Prominent St. Louis designer Marcia Smith oversaw the redesign, which is another indication of Telle’s first-class approach to customer satisfaction.

1988

As automotive technology advanced, it demanded more diagnostic and specialized engine work. Telle, always at the forefront of automotive technology advances, purchased and renovated the building directly across from its Big Bend location to be used specifically to concentrate on these areas of auto repair.

1992

Second-generation owner Chuck Telle retires, leaving the family business to his two sons, Mark and Scott.

2003

Chuck Telle was inducted into the Missouri Tire Industry Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual convention.

2003

Scott Telle’s son, Aaron, joins the business full-time.

2006

Second-generation owner Chuck Telle passes away at the age of 79, after a 9-month illness.

2007

Aaron Telle takes over day-to-day operations.

2008

Third-generation owner Mark Telle retires, remaining part owner with his brother, Scott, but was no longer involved in the day-to-day operations.

2009

Scott Telle became ill and his 14-year battle with a rare blood disease came to an end. Subsequent to his bone marrow transplant in 1997, Scott had been able to work side by side with his son, Aaron, to show him how to run the family business. “It is a memory I will never forget and will always be grateful that I had an opportunity to work with my father,” Aaron Telle said.

2009

Aaron Telle becomes President of Telle Tire & Auto Centers.

2010

Aaron Telle officially takes over as the fourth-generation owner of Telle Tire & Auto Centers.

2011

Third-generation owner Scott Telle joins his father, Chuck Telle, in the Missouri Tire Dealers Hall of Fame. To increase service offerings within St. Louis, in May 2011, Telle Tire & Auto Service expanded operations to a second location in Sunset Hills on South Lindbergh Boulevard.

2015

Aaron begins to lead what will be many years of extensive growth through acquisition, expanding Telle Tire & Auto Service into Alton, IL and into Fenton, MO.

2016

Telle Tire & Auto Service expands into South County. Aaron was highlighted as a young leader in the industry in Missouri Tire Dealer’s On the Rise which led to a distinguished opportunity to meet with Bruce Halle, Chairman & Founder of Discount Tire, the following year.

2017

Continued growth led to re-branding to capture the attention of a broader market and updates the company name for the first time in company history, from Telle Tire & Auto Service to Telle Tire & Auto Centers, capturing multi-store locations understanding along with an updated logo. Further, branding with the new slogan of Driving Your Way and new website rollout. A dozen vehicles were purchased and wrapped in the company advertising to offer customer’s top of the line complimentary loaner service and valet service. An additional acquisition extends footprint into St. Charles, MO.

2018

In a year of prolific growth, Telle Tire & Auto Centers adds locations in Bridgeton, the Central West End, Jefferson City, and Eureka. The Jefferson City acquisition marks the first expansion outside of the greater St. Louis area market.

2019

Telle Tire & Auto Centers was recognized in the St. Louis Business Journal as the 24th Fastest Growing Company in St. Louis in addition to being named a recipient of the Family Business Award. Telle Tire was also identified as a 2019 Tire Business’ Top 6 National Finalist for Best Places to Work.

2020

Telle Tire & Auto Centers acquired KC Complete Auto Service, which includes five locations. This marks the first multi-store acquisition and the first expansion into the Kansas City market. Telle Tire was identified as the 67th largest Tire Dealer in National Publication Tire Business and ranked 36th Fastest Growing Company in St. Louis in the St. Louis Business Journal. An additional St. Louis acquisition in South County extends footprint in the St. Louis Area bringing total store count to sixteen.

2021

Telle Tire & Auto Centers acquired JBC Tire Complete Auto Care, including two store locations and expansion into the Springfield market. Telle Tire was recognized as one of four finalist for the The Top Shop Award which recognizes the extraordinary independent tire dealers whose business practices reflect the utmost in quality, innovation, service excellence and professionalism, and whose team members work to ensure that customers return to their dealership with confidence and trust — time and time again,” says Mary DellaValle, Tire Review editor. “We salute the past and future Top Shop winners and finalists who embody these guiding principles for success as a daily course of action.” Telle Tire & Auto Centers has 19 locations throughout the state of Missouri and 135 associates.

2024

Telle tire brings on private equity partner, Next Horizon Capital.

Present

Under the leadership of fourth-generation CEO Aaron Telle, Telle Tire & Auto Centers have grown from one location in St. Louis to more than 28 locations across the St. Louis metro area, Jefferson City, Springfield, and Kansas City. Now, with the support of Next Horizon Capital and our recent private equity investment, Telle Tire is poised to accelerate its expansion, reaching new markets throughout the Midwest, all while upholding the core values established by C. Arthur Telle. As a growing company deeply committed to our people and our customers, we’re redefining the auto service experience. We’re not your average repair shop. We are Telle Tire & Auto Centers!