Wyatt Zipperian
Store manager | Pomp's Tire Service Inc. |Helena, Mont. | Age: 31
What was your first job in the industry?
Tire junker. I started loading junk tires and sweeping floors in fifth grade.
What attracted you to the industry?
It’s in my blood. I am a third-generation tire guy. My grandfather had a small tire shop in Townsend, Mont., named Zipp's Tires. My father Ken Zipperian worked in the tire industry his whole life starting at the bottom at a truck stop. I worked alongside my dad while he managed the Whalen Tire in Helena. From the time I was little I always wanted to do everything my dad did. I took over managing Whalen Tire after he passed in 2021.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
The biggest challenge I faced was taking over the store at 21 years old when my dad passed away. It was a lot of responsibility to put on a young kid.
The second biggest challenge was stepping into multi-store management in February of 2024. I now manage two locations 60 miles apart from each other — in Helena and Butte, Mont.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Ken Zipperian my father and Tom Whalen, the former owner of Whalen Tire. Whalen Tire was sold to Pomp's Tire Service in June 2022
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
My biggest accomplishment in my career was building a strong and safe crew at the Helena store. I created a team strong enough to be able to step into multi-store management and they are succeeding without me there full time. The Helena store was also nominated for the governor’s safety award in 2023. Safety is a top priority I care about all my guys and want them to go home safe at the end of the day. They have all made me very proud.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
I spend a lot of time on the computer compared to what I used to do. I spend the morning reviewing reports and catching up on emails then I decide which store I need to be at on the current day and help work the counter or help out on the floor in the shop. On occasion I make sales calls in either town as well. I have 21 employees now, so I take care of a lot of the backside work.
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
The biggest surprise I ever had was finding out Whalen Tire was being acquired by Pomp's. It was almost like experiencing a death in the family to me. It was hard at first but Pomp's has proven to be a great company to work for.
Tell us about your family.
I have a loving and caring wife who is a stay-at-home mom to our son that's two-years-old and we have another baby boy due in November. Currently I am the only member of my family that is still in the tire industry, but I have high hopes my first son has interest in it. He loves anytime he gets to go to the shop. He pretends to work on tires on his toy trucks and bicycles. My wife also works part time for the Helena store doing clerical work.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
I enjoy learning new things every day. I can't narrow it down to one thing in particular.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Honest.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
I would want to be a rancher. I grew up on our family ranch and have always enjoyed that lifestyle.
What's the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
Being able to find young technicians to replace the workforce that is retiring out of the industry.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be just like my dad I have always wanted to manage a tire store.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
Coming home and seeing my son and my wife excited to see me is all it takes to wash the stress away.
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
My goal was to have both stores operating efficiently enough that come November when my second son is born I can put my mind at ease to focus on my family and take some time off. I am on track to meet that goal.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Twenty years from now I hope to have a tire shop of my own and operate it as a family business. Maybe I’ll retire early and start ranching instead. I will see what life brings.
