“I enjoy helping people the most,” owner Jacob Conery said. “I try not to tell anybody no, because sometimes when people come here they are not having a good day.”

Conery said he has worked on vehicles most of his life, learning through a lot of trial and error and eventually becoming a state-certified mechanic.

He did not initially choose that career, however. He first attended Northern Michigan University toward becoming an electrical lineman, which he did for years until he grew weary of the travel and wanted to be home more with his family.

Through the years, Conery would help out whenever he could at his uncle’s tire shop, R&R Tires. He eventually bought his uncle’s share, then the whole business in 2019.

Jake’s R&R Tire is at N2960 U.S. 2 in Iron Mountain. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

While Jake’s R&R Tires can sell just about any brand of tire out available, Conery said he has two personal favorite brands — Kenda and Falken — that he recommends and that make up a large part of what he sells. Conery said Kenda tires are the best value for the money and Falken makes great all-around tires.

“We have lots of salesmen and foresters as customers and they are good candidates for proving what tires work,” he said. “There is a lot of driving on asphalt, dirt, mud and snow and Falkens are pretty good.”

If a customer want a fancy new set of rims along with the new tires, Jake’s R&R Tires has several options available in stock.

Good installation is key to minimizing issues, Conery said, adding the suppliers he buys tires from tell him he has the lowest rate in warranty claims. Jake’s R&R Tires also encourages regular tire rotations by including them with purchase of a set of tires.

For added peace of mind, customers can purchase the Road Hazard Protection plan for hazards such as potholes, nails and glass.

Tire issues are often not a problem with the tire itself, he added, but due to the car causing them to wear unevenly or rapidly.

If the vehicle has a mechanical issue, Jake’s R&R Tires may be able to deal with that as well. They can handle lube, oil and filter, steering and suspension, brake repair, axle and driveshaft repair, belts and hoses and starting systems.

Jake’s R&R Tires also sells and installs snowplow equipment and rents out Penske trucks.

Keeping up with changing technology and the trend toward larger tires has been the main challenge for Conery.

“My last tire balancer was $20,000 and the tire machine was also $20,000 so I can handle the bigger wheels,” Conery said. “I do not have a choice but to upgrade; otherwise, I cannot take care of the people.”

Conery said his advice to customers is to always buy the best tire they can afford, adding that just because the vehicle came with a certain tire is not a reason to stick with it, as original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, tires are not always the best option.

“I give an honest opinion on tires when they come to see me,” Conery said. “I will let you buy whatever you want, but if you ask me I will tell you my thoughts.”

Jake’s R&R Tires is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at N2960 U.S. 2 in Iron Mountain.

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Jim Paul can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85229, or jpaul@ironmountaindailynews.com.