Underground Success
Middlebury Resident Continues to Grow Tire Tank Business
Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided
Owning a business means putting in a lot of hours, especially if you work two jobs.
Just ask Weldon Yoder, owner of The Tire Tank in Middlebury. When hes not busy at The Tire Tank, he works during the early part of the day at Grand Design RV, also in Middlebury.
I love to keep busy, Yoder says. I work at Grand Design RV from 4:30 a.m. to noon. I work in the cabinet shop making cabinets, and I really enjoy the work. Its very satisfying. After that, I work at my business in the afternoons and early evenings. I put in a lot of time to make sure everything is running smoothly. I have busy days and nights, but thats what keeps me happy.
Yoder isnt complaining.
Its a perfect setup for me, he says. I like how the work at both jobs is very different and satisfying, and I enjoy earning extra money. I like being able to pursue two completely different jobs where I can use what I know to do good work. Its also a lot of fun.
Yoder started The Tire Tank in July of 2021, and is pleased that he is able to keep growing his business through satisfied customers who have recommended him to their family and friends.
Im an agricultural dealer that makes automatic waterers, made out of used skip loader tires, Yoder says. A tire water storage tank is basically a container made from a tire. Its used for storing water. Its an open-top mining tire. Its usually placed over an underground inlet pipe.
Yoder adds that he bolts the tires together to act as tubes.
Four of the tires go underground, he says. Two are sticking out above the ground. The tubes that go into the ground heat the ground around an inlet pipe to keep it from freezing. I can provide delivery service of the tire tanks, but I dont install them.
Yoder has a quick turnaround time.
I keep the tire tanks in stock, so Im ready to deliver as soon as a customer wants one, Yoder says. I enjoy working with my customers and finding out what will work best for them. I will also work with farm supply stores to make sure an order is just right. I can also go to the tire dealer to get the tires. I spend time with customers to make sure they get what they need, and what tire tank will really best work for them.
The fall and winter months mean good business for Yoder.
People want to make sure their underground pipes are ready for cold winter months ahead, Yoder says. I enjoy finding out exactly what my customers need for their tire tanks, and I enjoy spending time with my customers. Thats a great part of owning a business. I like putting in the time to get to know them.
Yoder says the community of Middlebury has been very supportive of his business.
Ive been in Middlebury for seven years and I have loved the way people have helped me grow The Tire Tank, he says. They not only say nice things about the business and the work I do, but they also like to tell a lot of their family members and friends about the quality work I will do for them. Ive been able to get steady business. You just cant beat that. Its a very satisfying feeling, and reminds me why Ive been so happy to live here. People are so neighborly. My family has also been very happy here.
When Yoder isnt busy working, he enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his wife Cheryl and children, Seth, 5, Caleb, 4, Kayla, 2, and Josiah, 1.
We like to get to know our neighbors and spend a lot of time outside, Yoder says. I just cant say enough nice things about this
community, and I hope I can get to know more people through my business.
To find out more about The Tire Tank, located at 465 South 1150 West in Middlebury, call 574-825-9812.
