For 20 years, Rusty Horne and his crew have been going about business at their Magnolia Street location. Luling Tire Service has been a family owned business all that time. “After I served in the Navy, I wanted to come home, and live in Luling. I looked for a job or business to buy here,” Rusty said. What he found was Luling Tire Service; a business he purchased from the Jack Johnson family.
Luling Tire offers a friendly atmosphere where you can get a flat fxed, purchase new tires, or have your vehicle inspected. You can sit out on the benches while the work is being done, and chat with company employees, or others at the shop having some work done. You might even get to pet, “Oreo”, who adopted Rusty and has become the company pet.
“We pride ourselves on customer service,” Rusty said. A part of that service is making everyone welcome. He urges other businesses - whether established, new or planned - to “have the best customer service that you can provide.” Like other small businesses, Luling Tire has had obstacles to overcome over the years. “Our biggest challenge has been the oilfeld roller coaster and the pandemic of 2020,” he said.
There have also been a lot of memorable moments, including the time that “a customer purchased two maintainer tires and we had to make a service call to Pecos, Texas. We hauled the tires on a trailer and got it done.” When asked about future plans, Rusty said that “we’d like to update our shop.”
The Hornes - Rusty and wife, Amy, and their son, Grant, plan on being around here for years to come. “Luling is my hometown; all of my family lives here as well as my wife’s family.” Rusty’s favorite part about living and working here is “the people”. This place that is close to family and friends, and where you get to know almost everyone, is special indeed. Rusty noted that small business is the backbone of this community. “This community has surely supported my business and it is so appreciated.”
