Raising Awareness with Pink Fridays

It’s exciting when you can support a great cause such as Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington and the Race for the Cure®. Once again, Les Schwab employees in Oregon and SW Washington showed their support for breast cancer awareness with a bi-weekly September event called Pink Fridays.

Wearing pink polos on select Fridays in September was just one of the many ways we supported the cause. In addition, fundraisers were held all month long in stores throughout the region to help with the Treatment Access Program that provides patients with gas, food and lodging. We also held car washes to support the Susan G. Komen Latina Initiative.

“We are honored to have worked with Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington over the past nine years to help people fight this terrible disease,” said Aaron Smithers, manager, Portland Powell Blvd.

The Race for the Cure® took place on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland. The event is expected to raise just over $700,000 for research, care, community, and action in the fight against breast cancer.

Les Schwab is honored to do what we can and bring as much attention and support to breast cancer awareness in the communities we serve and beyond.

Three Generations and Counting

Christy Davidson has worked at Les Schwab Tire Centers for seven years, but it feels like a lot longer. She is the third generation in her family to work for the company, going back to her dad, Jeff James; and before him, her grandpa, Gary Brown. Christy is extremely proud to be a part of Les Schwab: “You could say it’s in my blood.”

Christy’s grandfather started the Les Schwab family tradition in 1973 in Lakeview, Oregon. When he retired in 1997, after more than 20 years of service, he called Les “the finest businessman” he had ever met. As he recalled his career, Gary said, “It was not light work, but as time went on, I could see and believe that everything Les said and promised could be taken to the bank.” When asked what college he attended, Gary used to reply, “I went to LSU - Les Schwab University.”

When his son-in-law Jeff, Christy’s father, needed a job, Gary knew what to do. He made a few phone calls and got him an interview with Don Miller in Eugene, Oregon, in 1983, and soon the family was moving to Eugene. Jeff is currently the manager of the Florence, Oregon, store. After working for the company for more than 30 years, he and Christy’s mother are now planning their upcoming retirement.

Coincidentally, like her dad, Christy started at the Eugene store, and she now works at the Springfield store where her father was the assistant manager for 11 years. Christy’s little brother Jason James recently joined the family tradition, too, in Springfield.

Christy affectionately calls herself a Les Schwab brat. “We moved around from store to store as Dad moved up in the company. Les Schwab has always been a part of my life. I am so proud to work for this company. I knew it would be great.”

Les Schwab is a family-owned business, and being an employee means you are one of the family. We understand that if we ask a lot of people, we need to give a lot in return. If you are interested in joining us, you can apply at jobs.lesschwab.com.

Donating Books to SMART in Lane County

By Jennifer Meeker

The SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) program in Lane County is always on the lookout for books to help develop young readers and improve literacy skills. The organization serves over 1,200 local children every year.

Les Schwab is proud to have helped deliver books to this worthwhile cause by donating a book for every free pre-trip safety check completed earlier in the year. In all, over 650 books were purchased for the program.

Laurie McNichols, SMART South Valley Program Manager said, “Having enough books for children to read is very important to us.”

Coming together with SMART will help make sure that children in Lane County have plenty of books to read.

Classic Youth Soccer Tournament Builds Teamwork

By Jennifer Meeker

The Les Schwab Classic Youth Soccer Tournament at the Les Schwab Sports Park in Springfield, Oregon had its second year of action over Memorial Day weekend. Everyone at the tournament enjoyed great weather and even greater teamwork.

The tournament, organized by Willamalane Park and Recreation District and sponsored by Les Schwab, brings children of all skill levels together to play soccer. Over a period of two days, 26 teams participated in the tournament.

“We wanted to provide the participants with the ability to build their skills, sportsmanship and their overall fitness,” said Jason Gale, Les Schwab store manager after handing out awards to participants.

Les Schwab is proud to support events like this and help provide an opportunity for young athletes.