ASAP Tires: Family Business in Clarksville

There is something about getting a flat tire that invokes feelings of helplessness and urgency.

How am I going to get to work? How much is it going to cost me?

Any family living on a budget and juggling a schedule can certainly relate. 

​But, these are the kinds of people that Oscar "Huero" Alviso Jr. and his wife, Lucy, take care of on a daily basis. 

With the family business now in his hands, Oscar Jr. focuses on supporting his family and community with a reliable  service.

He is the owner of ASAP Tires in Clarksville. Heard of em'?

Oscar aka "Huero" has owned/operated ASAP Tires for nearly a year, with over a decade of related experience in the family business.

It Takes a Village

Lucy manages the front end of the business.

 A huge component of our local economy depends on small businesses and the hardworking men and women behind them, like Oscar & Lucy. It is their familiar faces and expectation of quality service which builds trust and fosters a sense community. Our local businesses accomplish this on a daily basis with every customer transaction they make.

"I have some customers who travel all the way from Fort Smith to get what they need at my shop." Oscar explains, "I am all about supporting this community because it's important to my family that we contribute in some way."

Rightfully so. Oscar is not only a business owner, but a father of two young children (3 if you include his shop dog "Huera"), and a loving husband. Raising his kids in a safe and familiar community is a priority of his, and something he strives to support every day. 

His wife Lucy is equally essential to the business, keeping the books, handling customer transactions, and being a full-time mom, too.  As we interviewed, she was tied up answering calls and fulfilling orders as Oscar told his story. 

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Kissing his wife Lucy (top left), preparing to open shop (top right), Huera shows affection (bottom).

Respect the Journey

In a moment of sober reflection, he mentioned ASAP's humble beginnings. He proudly explained that his father's tireless work and sacrifice built ASAP Tire and Towing from the ground up. His father had worked long and lonely hours, often for little profit just to remain competitive during those first crucial years of operation.

Oscar Jr. often accompanied his dad on call outs, where he learned much about the business and his father's work ethic. 

He noted that by the time he was a teenager, he was already familiar with a tool box. "I've been helping my old man my whole life in the garage or out on a call." he said, "I used to grab a small toolbox from the back of his truck and hand him tools as he worked on cars, boats, tractors, and diesel engines." 

There was some noticeable pain in Oscar's voice as he explained how the Recession of 2007 and California's anti-business climate, had contributed to his father's struggle.

"I'm from Los Angeles. Those were rough streets, like something you would see in a movie." he explained, "We eventually left and came to Clarksville in search of a better life." 

Passing the Torch

​With gained experience from his childhood, Huero's father passed on part of the business of ASAP's Tires & Towing to his son. For the last year or so, Oscar Jr. has run the business on W Main Street with relative success. 
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Next time you visit a local small business, be sure to thank them for their service. There is no telling how many years of work, risk, and commitment were invested in patching your tire.