Tony Koles, Founder and President
Montvale Tire

There are times in life when seemingly inconsequential moments turn into relevant life lessons. One such moment happened to Tony Koles when he was teaching an employee how to do a wheel alignment. The employee remarked about how he did not care about learning how to do an alignment since he was not going to be an automotive mechanic for the rest of his life. Tony's response articulated a philosophy he has always strived to live by. He said: "If someone is willing to teach you something new, you will always own it and no one can ever take it away from you." Tony attributes much of his success to all the things people have been willing to teach him over the years.

Tony was born in Melrose, MA in 1943. After graduating high school he attended Wentworth Institute then joined the Army National Guard. He was also a musician and in 1964 set out to play professionally. The National Guard frowned upon traveling to California with the band and missing so many meetings, so he returned to Melrose and began selling copy machines. But after a second sales position made Tony yearn to be more in control of his own destiny, he started a gas and repair business in Woburn, MA. This venture marked the beginning of a chain of events that would have a profound impact on his life.

A family acquaintance, whose father owned First National Tire in Lewiston, ME, was looking to open a tire business near Boston. Tony decided to get involved, expand into the tire business, and in 1969 incorporated Montvale Tire Company. In 1973, the business moved from the original service station to its current locaiton in Woburn, and Tony opened a second location in Melrose.

Shortly after opening the Montvale Tire Melrose location, Tony was invited to join the local Kiwanis Club. Here, he met a wonderful group of businessmen and quickly learned the value of giving back to community. He served as their President from 1977-78. He has also served on the Melrose High School LD Scholarship Committee, the Civic Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Bank, the Melrose YMCA Board of Directors, and the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital Board of Trustees.

If you know Tony, you know he also loves golf. He served on the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital Golf Committee for over 20 years and started benefit golf tournaments from the Melrose YMCA and Pingree Schoool. In 35 years as a member of the Bellevue Golf Club, he has served in many capacities, including a term as President during which he oversaw the complete renovation of the clubhouse.

Tony became involved with the New England Tire Dealers Association in 1983, served as their President from 1993-1994, and still serves on their Board. In 1995 he was elected to the National Tire Dealer & Retreader Assocation Board of Directors. Shortly after the association was renamed Tire Association of North America. This was a tumultuous time for TANA. During his eight years on the Board, TANA changed Executive Directors, partnered with SEMA to enhance the yearly trade show, and merged with the International Tire & Rubber Association to form the Tire Industry Association. Tony headed the by-laws committee that represented TANA in the merger.

-Printed May 2010 on the occasion of Tony's induction in the New England Tire Dealer's Hall of Fame.