Smithville Tire & Alignment

Smithville Tire and Alignment was born from more than a decade of hands-on industry experience and a clear vision for serving a hometown community. As a Smithville native, owner Matthew Lawrence recognized the need for a reliable, locally owned automotive repair shop that residents could trust, and he set out to build a business that reflected that commitment through full-service offerings that include tires, alignments, brakes, oil changes, suspension work, and more. While Matthew understood the operational side of the tire industry, transforming his vision into a successful business required careful planning, financing, and expert guidance. 

As he prepared to launch, Matthew faced the challenges common to many first-time business owners. He needed financing to open the shop and support in developing a business plan, projecting profit and loss, managing expenses, and planning for future employees, all while ensuring the business was structured for long-term success. With the passion and experience in place, he turned to the Tennessee Small Business Development Center for the support needed to move forward with confidence. 

Working closely with TSBDC advisors Kelly Sullivan and Mindy, Matthew received step-by-step guidance from the earliest concept stage. The TSBDC assisted with building a solid business plan, developing financial projections and profit-and-loss statements, and navigating the financing process, while also providing ongoing support related to expense management and employee planning. This hands-on approach ensured that each decision was informed and aligned with Matthew’s long-term goals for the business. 

With TSBDC’s support, Smithville Tire and Alignment successfully opened as a locally owned, community-focused automotive repair shop that now serves as a trusted resource for Smithville residents. The thoughtful planning and financial groundwork completed during startup positioned the business for stability and growth from day one, allowing Matthew to operate his shop with confidence and clarity. 

The TSBDC will continue working with Matthew as he advances a progressive plan to expand the facility and pursue multiple growth goals over the coming years. Looking ahead, Matthew is focused on continued expansion and building the right team to support that growth. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “The Tennessee Small Business Development Center has been an invaluable resource in helping me launch my new business, Smithville Tire and Alignment. From the very beginning—when it was just a rough idea—Kelly and Mindy were there to guide me every step of the way. They provided expert help with everything from securing financing and creating a solid business plan to projecting profit and loss, managing expenses, and planning for employees. Their support has been consistent and reliable; anytime I have a question, they are just a phone call or email away and always ready to help. I truly couldn’t have gotten this business off the ground without their dedication and guidance.”