Bob Plumlee
Location: Mountain Home, Ark.
In Town: Bob and his brother, Dave, own and operate Plumlee Tire in Mountain Home, Ark. The shop has been in business for 29 years and prides itself on service and customer satisfaction. Plumlee is a full-service tire shop, selling and servicing everything from semi-truck tires to garden tractors.
In the Country: Bob has had a cow/calf operation for over 30 years. He keeps a herd of around 100 cows, of which almost all are Black Angus. Bob believes “better quality and fewer cattle is better.” He raises all his own replacement heifers because he has better control and knows “what I’m getting that way.” Bob uses AI, but also keeps herd bulls. He says of his bulls, “Get the best you can afford to have.” Bob raises and cuts his own hay on approximately 400 owned and 300 leased acres. Bob said, “The cattle bring me enjoyment and help me relax. If I didn’t enjoy them, I sure wouldn’t do it.”
Does being a cattleman help with the tire shop?
“Yes. I know what a farmer needs and how downtime hurts. Time is the most valuable thing a farmer has, especially if he must work a town job, too. I understand how important price and a quality product are.”
Story and Photo by Jack and Pam Fortner
