Owner: Brandon McCarthy
Location: Buffalo, Mo.
Family: Wife, Leslie; children Connor, Ashlyn and Sarah
History: Brandon McCarthy grew up farming with his father and grandfather. He and his wife Leslie farm more than 200 acres and raise corn, soybeans and wheat.
“Brandon has always been interested in ‘tinkering’ with things,” Leslie said. “If he took something apart and put it back together it was either souped up or improved in some way.”
Brandon took automotive mechanics in high school and worked with his father at Buffalo Tire and Auto, in addition to farming.
Brandon attended the Universal Technical Institute in Arizona and studied automotive and diesel mechanics. When he returned to Buffalo, Brandon and his brother operated a well drilling company for two years. He then went to work for Ground Source Heating and Cooling for eight years. As that organization began to shut down operations, Brandon decided he should put his training and interest in automotive mechanics to work for himself and his family. He opened McCarthy Tire and Auto in February 2013.
Products and Services: Brandon employs three full time mechanics in addition to himself. Leslie works as the receptionist, cashier and book keeper. One of the mechanics, James Smith, has 40 years of experience, so there are few problems McCarthy’s can’t address.
McCarthy is a full-service operation. A major part of the business is selling tires for trucks, cars, farm tractors, implements, and over-the-road tractors and trailers.
Brandon stocks the most common tires and can usually obtain special orders by the next day.
The company also sells wheels, does brakes, oil changes, full vehicle service, alignments, suspensions and tune ups.
Philosophy and Future: “Leslie and I grew up in Buffalo and we really like the fact that our business provides jobs and service for the community,” Brandon said. “I want my customers to have the very best service for their particular vehicle, tractor, or implement and will refer them to reputable, local specialists if I don’t have the equipment necessary to do the job. My goals are to keep the business operating at the same level, to continue farming and to have quality time with Leslie and our children.”
