Meet Jesse Wark
From Suits to Boots and Back to His Roots
Stock Tire & Auto is excited to introduce Jesse Wark as its new owner. A seasoned executive, Jesse has traded his corporate credentials for a pair of work boots and a strong commitment to the community. He has returned to Cloquet, Minnesota, where it all began for him. Throughout his career, he has managed multimillion-dollar businesses and worked on construction and energy projects across the country and around the world.
His journey, captured in the theme “From Suits to Boots and Back to My Roots,” reflects more than just a career shift. It’s a full-circle moment rooted in purpose, family, and a passion for quality work. Jesse brings the same leadership, vision, and operational excellence that fueled his global success back home to revitalize a long-standing local business.
Jesse is launching a new era of service, integrity, and craftsmanship, with a refreshed look and renewed dedication to delivering exceptional service to the Cloquet community.
Jesse says, “This isn’t just a business move, it’s personal. I believe in doing quality work, treating people with respect, and being part of a community that supports one another. Stock Tire & Auto is more than a tire shop, it’s a legacy I’m proud to carry forward.”
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History of Stock Tire
A Legacy of Total Tire Service
Stock Tire has long been a trusted name in Cloquet, Minnesota, serving generations of customers with dependable tires, auto repair, and small-town service. Its story stretches back nearly a century, marked by innovation, family ownership, and deep community roots.
1942–1962
Early Foundations
The business originated with Walter F. Stock, whose name first appeared in local directories in 1942, operating from 109 Avenue C. Over the next two decades, his presence expanded under various names and locations:
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1948–1951: Two listings for W.F. Stock at 1309 Avenue C and residence at 1601 Selmser Ave.
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1954–1955: Operated as Stock Pontiac, with a second listing describing W.F. Stock as a "beer distributor."
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1956–1958: Renamed Stock GMC and later Stock Motor Co., splitting into Truck and Car Divisions by 1958.
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1959–1962: Operated as Stock Motor Co. at 1309 Avenue B, eventually transitioning to Stock Tire by 1962.
Walter Stock built a diversified operation that evolved with the community and helped lay the groundwork for the modern tire and service shop that would carry his name for decades.
2023
New Chapter: Stock Tire and Repair
In 2023, the Stavangs passed the torch to Scott Nelson, who renamed the Stock Tire and Repair shop.
Stock Tire
Legacy of Service
From Walter Stock’s early ventures in the 1940s to the modern reopening in 2025 under Jesse Wark, Stock Tire has remained a pillar of the Cloquet area. With each ownership change, the business has adapted to meet new challenges—expanding services, upgrading technology, and preserving its local-first approach.
For over 80 years, one thing has remained consistent: a commitment to quality, honesty, and community trust. And that legacy is ready to roll into the future with Stock Tire and Auto.
1974–2023
Ownership Transitions and Growth
In 1974, Walter Stock sold the business to Dale Beckwith, who kept the company’s foundation strong. Then in October 1985, Gerald and Steve Stavang, brothers from nearby Wrenshall, purchased the business. Under their leadership, Stock Tire Company grew into a well-known, full-service operation prided itself on being a family-run, hometown business.
Stock Tire offered a full range of tire options—passenger, truck, heavy-duty, farm, and industrial—with Goodyear as their primary line and Dunlop as a secondary option. But they weren’t just a tire store. They developed a strong automotive service department, performing:
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Front-end alignments
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Brake work
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Tune-ups
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Computerized diagnostics with Hunter alignment and FMC engine analyzing equipment
They were among the first in the region to offer Den-Nap premium retreading, which used triple “A” rubber and advanced curing techniques to provide longer-lasting, safer retreaded tires. Mechanics like Ernie Kem, Bill Medlin, and Mike Smolke helped establish the shop as a leader in tire and auto repair. They earned Goodyear Certified Auto Service status and provided customers with nationwide warranty coverage.
2025
Today: Stock Tire and Auto
In 2025, another exciting milestone arrived when Jesse Wark purchased the business from Scott Nelson. With a renewed energy and commitment to tradition and growth, Jesse rebranded the company as Stock Tire and Auto.
Once again, providing the community with customer-focused, top-tier tire sales, auto service, and oil changes.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Drive Your Career Forward with Stock Tire and Auto
At Stock Tire and Auto, we’re more than just a shop; we’re a crew that works hard, takes pride in our work, and supports one another like family. We'd love to meet you if you’re dependable, motivated, and passionate about vehicles or customer service.