Business of the Week – Stagner Inc.

At 501 North Main Street in Lamar stands a building built entirely of petrified wood from a forest south of Lamar. This building, listed in Ripley’s Believe It or Not holds many memories. It was in that small building that James Stagner, also known as Jim, began his business in 1962. At that time it was known as Lamar Tire Service and stood on the corner of Main and Sherman streets.

Jim Stagner built the business from the ground up. He opened the doors for business with only four new tires in stock. Jim purchased retread equipment and set up the Retread Plant in a room attached to the petrified wood building. As the only recap specialist, he recapped truck and passenger tires, fixed flats along with customer service and sales. His wife Fran became the bookkeeper.

In 1974 the business outgrew the small petrified wood building. Jim, along with his family, built the new building. This building served as a customer service area along with offices. Now there was more room for the capping shop, tire inventory and aligning vehicles.

Jim and Fran’s children, Darlene Mader, Roger Stagner and Glen Stagner were an integral part of the business. They had been around the business all of their lives. As young adults, Roger, Glen, and Darlene added great, young perspectives.

Roger moved to Holyoke, CO to operate Holyoke Tire Service, the branch of the business there. He remained there for five years. Roger and his wife Leslie quickly became a part of the community. Because the Lamar business continued to grow quickly, Roger and Leslie moved back to Lamar. Roger then assumed the Tire Department Manager position.

Glen added ASE Certified Mechanics as the technicians. Custom exhaust, brakes, exhaust work, tune ups, electrical repair, engine repair, suspension work, computer analysis and computer work and transmission repair are all available with the expertise of the service technicians.

In 1980 the back building was built. With so many people recapping their tires, the cap shop needed more room. Tires were recapped each day and many nights the cappers were run so that orders were processed in a timely manner. The mechanics also needed room to repair and service vehicles. The back building was a great addition.

However, by the mid 80s with the deregulation of the trucking industry and the import of cheaper tires, the capping business slowed down. In 1984 Lamar Tire Service changed its name to Stagner Inc.

In 1985 a vehicle dealership was added and the Petrified Wood Building became the vehicle sales office. It only seemed natural since the business already offered maintenance services. Stagner Inc. is a full automotive repair facility and a car dealership.

In 1990 the old A & W Drive-In Restaurant was purchased. The restaurant area became an office and Stagner Inc. began selling cars from that location.

In 1992 Glen Stagner added trailers and flatbeds to the selection. Glen is the Sales Manager for the trailer and tire sales department. He oversees the trailer repair, electrical wiring, and the attaching of hitches which are now available.

The front building was remodeled in 1994 so that cars and motorcycles could be shown in the showroom. And in 1995 an awning was built to protect the cars from the harsh Colorado hail storms, and give customers easy access to cars and trucks.

Stagner Inc. has nine full time employees of which three are ASE Master certified mechanics. The Service Manager, Chris Shields has been with Stagner Inc. since 1990. Jeremy Groomer and John Esparza are Auto Technicians. Gayle Lirley, Office Personnel, has worked there since 2002. After 50 years we still sell tires with Arnulfo Ortega, overseeing Tire Installation and Car Detailing. He has been with us since 1998. The Stagner Inc. second location is at 806 West 1st Street in LaJunta, CO. and is staffed by Greg Haugen as sales person.

Roger Stagner, Sales Manager, oversees the inventory that consists of all makes and models of cars. Low mileage, newer cars and trucks make for very dependable vehicles. All vehicles are test driven, serviced and thoroughly inspected to then be ready for retail sale.

Through the years, Stagner Inc. has helped sponsor community efforts, from activities at the many schools represented in Prowers County to Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Lamarlins Swim team, all levels of baseball and softball, and many charities. Jim Stagner has always known that Lamar is a great place to raise a family. You can tell by his actions that he thinks it’s a good community to be a part of.

James Stagner is a committed businessman. His vision widens and changes as he sees the needs change in the community and surrounding areas.

“We really appreciate our customers and treat them well,” said Roger Stagner.

Customer Service is still the most important part of the business even after 50 years. “Customer Service” just like it was when James Stagner opened the doors of the Petrified Wood Building with his four tires.

Stagner Inc. says ‘thank you’ to all of our customers and friends throughout the 50 years. We are privileged to be allowed to serve you and be a part of this great community.