Nelson Announces Closing Plans

For nearly 25 years, area residents have trusted the expertise of Jeff Nelson when it came to tire repair or other auto mechanical repairs. His services, however, will soon no longer be available in Wolf Point.

Nelson has announced that his Pro-Tire station in Wolf Point will close in the middle of this April.

“It’s been a hard decision to make,” Nelson said. “We have been in the community for so many years. It’s just time to move on.”

Nelson said he plans to semi-retire after the station’s final day of April 14.

“I’m too young to totally retire. I’m moving on to different ventures,” Nelson said. The Opheim native earned an automotive degree in Havre and then ran a Penske Auto Center in Kalispell. He missed eastern Montana and started working in Wolf Point during 1998. He became the owner of Pro-Tire in Wolf Point in 2003.

Services offered from the station have included tires, wheel alignments, brakes, oil changes and air conditioning maintenance.

Part of Nelson’s decision to close is the challenges of finding additional help. He is grateful that Robert Armstrong has been a steady hand at the business for 13 years.

“It’s going to be hard,” Armstrong said of seeing the business close. “It’s the only thing that I’ve ever done since I came back.”

Nelson said he plans to eventually put the building for sale, but he wants to keep some of his equipment.

“I always enjoyed the mechanics and sales work,” he said. “After doing it for so long, there are aches and pains.”

He expresses his gratitude for his loyal customers. “There are so many lifelong customers and patrons,” Nelson said. “Many have been with me since the other shop.” He also expressed appreciation to area vendors and businesses he has worked with throughout the years.

He noted the last days of being open might be a challenge. “After that many years, there’s sentimental value,” Nelson said.