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.

Despite Paralysis, Man Stands up to Renew Wedding Vows

George Myers hadn’t stood upright since 1991, after his back broke in a logging accident. The injury left him paralyzed from the chest down and permanently confined to a wheelchair. Though it was a new way of life, he and his wife, Debbie, were determined to make the best of it together.

For the couple’s 45th anniversary, they decided to renew their vows. George wanted a way to stand beside his wife. Debbie did some research and identified a unique wheelchair that would enable George to stand for the ceremony and more.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Action Mobility Foundation, donations from Les Schwab Tire Centers and GoFundMe contributors, George and Debbie were able to obtain the special wheelchair. The couple stood together for the first time in decades as they renewed their vows. “She rode out on the chair with me,” said George. “It was slick!”

George says the chair has completely changed his life, restoring his ability to once again enjoy hunting with friends, teaching his grandchildren how to fish and tending to little handiwork projects around the home. “The other day, I went out and built a fence in it,” he said of his chair. “I wouldn’t be able to get around in anything else.”

George is a friend and important member of the community here in Southern Oregon. Les Schwab Tire Centers is honored to help the Myers have the ceremony they’d dreamed of, and to get George back to enjoying some life experiences he was missing. Here’s to many more years together, George and Debbie!