‘Joy out of giving': Diversified Tire’s 25 year legacy of kindness

WASILLA— Dave and Judy Snyder have been running Diversified Tire for 25 years. They’ve built a legacy around above and beyond customer service and high staff satisfaction.

Vanessa Debach is the business manager at Diversified. She’s worked with the Snyders for nine and a half years. She said it all the great things about Diversified Tire stem from the Snyders’ caring nature.

“They’re just really giving people… They’re really good people,” Debach said.

Debach said that about half the current crew has been with the company for over five years.

“That says something,” Debach said.

Debach said the way employees are treated certainly was one of the main reasons for the retention. She said they’re the kind of people that give “second and third chances.” She said they are always willing to be flexible with schedules if something important comes up, especially if it has to do with family.

“They take care of us,” Debach said.

The Snyders are very community minded, according to Debach. She said they donate funds to local groups, nonprofits, ministries, treatment centers and school sport teams throughout the year. She said every local high school has at least one sport sponsored by Diversified.

“They get joy out of giving,” Debach said.

Debach said the Snyders like to keep their lot stocked full of tires of all shapes and sizes so they can keep up with the ‘diversified’ spectrum of tire needs in the community.

Debach said they average about 25 staff members at the shop. It’s common to see young adults around the shop because the Snyders like to hire tire technicians right out of high school. She said that hiring them right away means they can learn the “Diversified” way first.

“I love the crew I work with,” Debach said.

Most people know the Synders have a strong faith in God. Debach said they live a very Christian way of life and it shows through their business practices. More than just inspirational quotes around the shop, the Snyders consistently help out their employees and customers whenever they need a need they can fill.

From free tires to pregnant mothers in a financial bind to providing meals to staff during the rush hours of tire changeover season, Debach said they’re always looking to say, “What can we do to make your day?”

“They try and show their faith through their work,” Debach said.

In October, Mechanic Dale Olmstead will reach his 23 year mark with the company. He said he started working with them at the original location off Hermon road.

It didn't take long for the Snyders to move to their current and permanent location off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway.

Olmstead is the longest tenured employee at the shop. He said that he’s never worked at another shop and never plans to. He affirmed that the Snyders take great care of their employees, giving them plenty of reasons to stay.

“There’s things here you’ll never get from a corporate employer or really, any other employer,” Olmstead said. “This is the place to go.”

Below is a quote penned by the Snyders that reflect their view as business owners:

“Our customer service approach is traditional and biblical: 1) Treat others as you would like to be treated, and 2) Do the Right thing… every time! Our employees (we refer to them as co-workers) are empowered to do what is necessary to correct any mistakes we make… Our employees are trained to look for opportunities to share blessings: single moms, widows, ministry organizations, struggling families, those suffering from health issues or just down on their luck.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com