Willey's Tire Shop & Auto Repair - Ishpeming

Willey's Tire Shop & Auto Repair - Ishpeming Family owned and operated since 1923...Check us out on Willeystire.com Willey's Tire Shop was opened in 1923 in Ishpeming, MI by Marcus Willey Sr.

Since opening we have had 4 locations in downtown Ishpeming. In 1951 it was handed down to Mark's oldest son Jim and was known as Jim's Tire Shop from 1951 to 1972. In 1972 we moved into our present location and the name was changed back to Willey's Tire Shop. When most of the boys in the family became teenagers, the...y all had a job at the store. They would work Saturdays and after school in the

fall, sometimes staying to midnight during the busy season right before snowfall. In 1982 it was then sold to the youngest brother, Marcus Willey Jr. In 1992 we opened our newest store in Marquette, MI. It is managed by Mark's son Scott. Back in 1923 we were selling Federal tires that were made with cotton cords. Later cotton cords were replaced by rayon cords, then nylon and polyester. Finally steel belts were introduced in radial tires, just like the tires we sell today. We also seen wheels change, they went from clincher rims to tube type and finally into the tubeless wheels we use today. Balancing has progressed through years. At first there was no balancing, then it went to bubble balancing, and finally into computerized spin balancing we use today. In 1986 we started doing computerized alignments and have been upgrading our equipment as technology advanced through the years. Some of our employees have been with us since 1982 and others have 19 to 26 years of experience. Through the years many things have changed, we now have access to most major brand name tires, and many private labels. We still try to offer friendly small town service to everyone we meet. Willey's Tire Shop has been family owned and operated since 1923. We are located one block for the Ishpeming High School and next door to Mama Mia's Restaurant. We offer Tire Service as well as Brakes, Alignments, Shocks, Struts, and most front end work.

09/04/2026

Good Morning Everyone !! Well a little late again this morning....short handed and the day before a holiday weekend...wearing a few more "hats" than usual but we will make it....lol.

I woke up to rain and 54 degrees this morning. It drizzled off and on all the way to Marquette.

Traffic was very heavy but everything was flowing smoothly this morning.

Speaking of traffic...I have a story from last night. First off a disclaimer...I am in no way, shape or form trying to be negative towards any law enforcement...but I got pulled over yesterday and it really made me wonder a few things...lol.

I was heading home and since Wright St. is torn up so I have to do the detour route which brings me to the merge lane between Riverside Auto and Target. No big deal...I was behind a young lady who seemed to not know what the merge lane is as she stopped to let all the cars go by and waited to turn in.

Once again...not a big deal...I was just happy to be heading home....

I got up by Lowes and for a split second turned my head to see a police car turning right and heading west. I was still behind the young gal and we were approaching the round a bout by Meijers and boom....the officer had his lights on.

Now at first I almost did not stop thinking he was going to pass me and get that " bad guy " he was after. But...apparently I was the bad guy.

I pulled in to the Meijers gas station so I could be safely off the road. He approached me and asked if I knew why I was pulled over. Ok, my mind was racing all over...all these thoughts went through my head within seconds...and...I told him I had no clue. I wasn't speeding, tail gating, reckless driving, nothing.

He said I didn't have insurance....I was like What ?? First off I was thinking...how would you even tell....then I was like...um Yes I do...

He asked for my registration, license, and proof of insurance. Now here is the bad thing...I am once of those terrible people who just keep throwing the new paperwork in my glove box...so of course as luck would have it...I pulled out 15 years of...yep you guessed it...registrations, insurance proofs...mixed with receipts...ah what a mess....totally on me...

So I found the registration first so he took it...I was still digging through the what seemed like endless insurance tags and he came back and said they ran it through again...no insurance...

I was getting frustrated...I said, well if you need to give me a ticket I understand...but I do have insurance...it is a shop vehicle under Willey's Tire Shop...apparently that changed things. I was told that a lot of " fleet " vehicles do not come up under the Secretary of State computer. I am not sure why...but he told me just to double check with my insurance in the morning to make sure I was good.

Of course that was my first call this morning. No ticket...but it makes me wonder. If I am not listed under the Secretary of State since it is considered a business vehicle...If I got into an accident...would it show I have no insurance ?? Makes you wonder...

Anyways I have to get back to work but thought I would share another adventures in the life of Scott Sr. - Your Local Tire Guy !!

Today's Question is this...Have you ever been pulled over ?? ;)

Well we are Open at both stores until 5 today but closed for Labor Day weekend until Tuesday.

I hope Everyone Enjoys the Weekend !! Scott Sr. - Your Local Tire Guy !!

Before your next adventure, give your headlights some attention. A quick inspection can help identify dim, damaged, or b...
09/04/2026

Before your next adventure, give your headlights some attention. A quick inspection can help identify dim, damaged, or burnt-out bulbs.

09/03/2026

Good Morning Everyone !! Well I woke up to 48 degrees this morning. It was warm yesterday but with the cooler temperatures at night my house felt pretty good this morning.

Traffic was heavy as I headed to Marquette. Overall not a lot to report on my travels on U.S. 41. Of course there is still a lot of construction in Ishpeming and Wright St. in Marquette is still one lane.

Today I was thinking about dreams. If you follow my page you already know I have some pretty crazy dreams. I always have had them...but I think the medication I use for my health issues make them more frequent. The other night another one...I figured I would share.

My dreams are very vivid and detailed. I don't always know how they start off but I remember most parts of them. The other night it started off with a smell. I was walking and I could smell wet grass and feel a cool breeze which instantly reminded me of fall. I could here my footsteps as I walked and muffled noise from kids talking. I quickly realized...I am at the Ishpeming Football field. The sound of my shoes hitting the metal stands as I walked...thump...thump....

I notice my family is there. Terri, Pookie, Malinda, my parents and even Terri's Mom. I start walking over to them and I realize I have my whistle. I coached Youth Football for over 10 years and I had this whistle for every practice and every game. Sadly...it was a keep sake...a memory...but it some how was lost during my divorce...but I had it now...it was around my neck. I instantly thought where did it come from...it was gone. I look up and Terri is smiling and waiting...she tells me Good Luck Today !!

I stood there confused...Good Luck ?? I realize I am holding my old play book....what ?? I haven't coached in years....I am coaching ?? How did this happen ??

I look on the field and there is a team full of little guys waiting for me. Terri's Mom tells me Good Luck and I started walking towards the team. Apparently I am the coach...and we were at our first game...but all of a sudden my heart starts pumping away...it is our first game and we didn't practice. I really panic and I kid you not my heart was pumping so fast I could feel it in my dream.

I go down there and 2 of my Grandsons were playing. This should have made me realize I was dreaming....one is a wrestler...one plays soccer...neither play football but there they were all suited up.

I go into panic mode and start trying to explain how to play...where to go...what to do. I am barking orders like a Marine Drill Sargent.

We kick the ball off and were on defense first...and we stuff them. first down...stuff....second down...stuff....third down...stuff....I could hear the crowd cheering " You still got it !! "

I woke up shortly after still thinking I was still at the field...no clue I was in my own bed. All and all this is the " Cliff's Notes " version. But I tell you what...the smells, the sounds, and all the excitement felt so real...I swear I was there.

Well Today's Question of the Day !! Have you ever had a dream so real even when you woke up you thought it was real.

We are Open 8 until 5 today and tomorrow. We will be closed Saturday and Monday at both stores in honor of Labor Day and to give our guys a little more time with family.

So if you need us give us a call and I will get you an appointment as soon as possible !!

Have a Great Day Everyone !! Scott Sr. - Your Local Tire Guy !!

09/02/2026

Good Morning Everyone !! Well I woke up to 60 degrees this morning. It was kind of a calm morning with the exception of the commotion going on in my front yard.

Traffic was heavy traveling to Marquette. There were no delays driving from Ishpeming to Marquette and it looks like they are starting to blacktop a lot of the roads around downtown Ishpeming. It is still a one way on Wright St. here in Marquette but you can make it to us.

Back to the commotion I spoke about. I woke up to my dogs stirring and fussing a bit. It was roughly 5 a.m. and they were doing that low bark as if something was going wrong. I went to let them out thinking maybe they were needing to go to the bathroom. As I stood in the door way it was very dark and I could see red lights flashing to the left of me down by where the bridge was being replaced. My dogs instantly looked in that direction and started to bark. A few seconds later there was the firetruck. I couldn't tell exactly what happened but by the time I headed out the tow truck was there and he said there was a accident just down the road by the bridge. As I headed to work I could see at least 2 or 3 police cars, the fire truck and lots of light from cars being stopped down the road. No clue if anyone was hurt but hopefully not.

Well that is what was on my mind all the way to work. I hate seeing accidents but living on 581 it is a common with people speeding out there.

So that was my morning...how is your day shaping up ??

Well I have lots of stuff to do today. End of the Month paperwork and then the normal appointments to take care of....

So please remember us if you need your car serviced or tires repaired. Locally Owned and Operated for over 103 years !!

Have a Great Day Everyone !! - Scott Sr. - Your Local Tire Guy !!

09/01/2026

Good Morning Everyone !! Well I woke up to a very foggy and humid 58 degrees. Make sure you stay hydrated today as it is going to be a warm one. Thick fog in many areas as I headed to work.

Traffic was heavy again with students buzzing down to NMU. No delays on U.S. 41 today but Wright St. is still ripped up and one lane. We are Open it just is a little tricky to get to us in Marquette.

Today I was thinking about Sundays. Sunday is my one day off. As I drove this morning I was thinking what makes a good Sunday. A few things I really like to do....I love to go out to eat breakfast somewhere. It is just Terri and I...alone at some diner talking about our dreams, our expectations, usually work and of course Grandkids. Then I really like to spend some time outdoors. Whether it is at camp or on some hiking trip...I love just being out there taking in the sights. I just feel at peace when I am out in the middle of nowhere...the wind blowing through the leaves, birds chirping and the sound of the water flowing from a river somewhere. Whether we are alone or with the Grandkids we try to jam as much adventure as we can. I sometimes feel like I am Indiana Jones out exploring the unknown. Of course no Sunday is complete without a Sunday Sauna.

So this was the thoughts wandering through my mind as I drove to work. I thought...well this could be a interesting Question of the Day !! What makes your day a special day ??? Is it the location...maybe in the woods like I enjoy...the company...or possibly games with your spouse. This could be interesting so let me know !!

Well We are Open 8 until 5 today !! Give us a call when you need us and I will get you an appointment as soon as possible !!

Have a Great Day Everyone !! Scott Sr. - Your Local Tire Guy !!

Today's video is from one of my favorite adventures...a Sunday to remember...

Routine oil changes help keep your engine operating in peak condition! Contact us about your next oil change.
08/31/2026

Routine oil changes help keep your engine operating in peak condition! Contact us about your next oil change.

Good Morning Everyone !! Well I woke up to 65 degrees this morning. Everything was of course wet from the rain last ni...
08/31/2026

Good Morning Everyone !! Well I woke up to 65 degrees this morning. Everything was of course wet from the rain last night and it was very foggy at times as I headed to work.

Traffic was heavy this morning with cars flying by me as though I was in a Nascar race. No delays or construction to report on U.S. 41 from Ishpeming to Marquette.

Well as tradition I like to talk about my weekend adventures. Well not a lot of fun stuff to report as this weekend was a honey do list type of weekend. I hate to say it...but I am already seeing geese flying south and I do have some leaves turning colors already. Terri and I....well more me than her procrastinate on the getting everything ready for winter...and this weekend we decided to hit them head on. I finished splitting all my firewood and stacking so I believe we should be set for winter saunas. Terri cleaned out the chicken coops and even gave the nesting boxes a much needed scrubbing. We raked up donkey p**p ( the never ending gift from those guys ), fixed the goats fence ( they somehow got a hole in the fence and kept escaping ), cleaned the girl goats house, and many other minor things around the house. She had a big list saved on her phone and I believe we finished 9 of the chores she wanted us to finish.

As a treat we went out to Jackson's Pit for dinner on Saturday. I really like the fries I got there...they were crispy.

That was pretty much our weekend in a nutshell....lost of work got done and overall we felt somewhat accomplished.

Well the Question of the Day !! How was your weekend ?? Did you do anything fun ??

It is Monday and we are Open at both stores 8 until 5 !! Give us a call if you need us !!

We do brakes, alignments, struts, shocks, and much much more !!

Remember We Are Much More Than Just a Tire Store !! But we do those too !!

Have a Great Day Everyone !! Scott Sr. - Your Local Tire Guy !!

Today's Picture is from my Dad's camp again. We seem to have 2 of these " Pole dancing " bears stopping by....this guy stopped by again last week...

08/29/2026

Good Morning Everyone !! Well the weekend is finally here and don't blink or you will miss it.

I woke up to 50 degrees this morning and after taking care of the furry friends the sun was finally peeking out and the sky was a very bright red-pink. It actually looked amazing. I am not sure if I notice the small things like this now as I grow older or what it is...but when I was younger I guess I never even noticed the sky like I do now.

Traffic was very light going to work today. I only seen a few cars all the way to Marquette. Not a lot to talk about as far as the roads go.

Well Today Terri is off and we are going to try to do a lot of chores around the house...which means more shoveling for me. It amazes me how much work you really have to put in when you have a hobby farm. You know when my kids were young we used to go to Wisconsin a lot to wrestle. We went to a lot of small farm towns and the kids my boys wrestled were usually super strong. I can see where it comes from as just carrying the 5 gallon water buckets to water the furry friends can be a workout. I now use this as a incentive when Little Scott comes over....he has to relive my wrestling stories as we carry feed, hay, water, and the never ending p**p shoveling. I think he gets a kick out of it though...when we are done he takes a shower in the sauna to get rid of the well....smell and he always comes out and shows me his veins in his arms...lol. Look at these guns Haha....

Well that is pretty much my plans for the weekend....maybe a trip to the Summer Place for breakfast tomorrow otherwise it is going to be a work weekend.

So the Question of the Day !! Any big plans for the weekend ??

Well I better get to work...We are Open 8 until Noon in Marquette today. Ishpeming has been closed on Saturdays for a while now.

Give us a call if you need us and I will get you an appointment as soon as possible !!

Have a Great Weekend !! - Scott Sr. - Your Local Tire Guy !!

Good Morning Everyone !! Well I woke up to 50 degrees this morning and it was raining pretty good. The rain stopped wh...
08/28/2026

Good Morning Everyone !! Well I woke up to 50 degrees this morning and it was raining pretty good. The rain stopped when I made it to Ishpeming but it looks like it rained in Marquette also.

Traffic was pretty heavy this morning but everything was flowing smoothly.

They still have Wright St. all ripped up but we are Open at the Willey's Tire Shop & Auto Repair - Marquette Location. The street is one lane but you can get to us.

Well this morning...the main thought in my mind was my knee and my dogs....

Of course there is a connection....lol.

My Dogs are funny characters. They know when I get home they are getting a tasty treat. They get fed around 6 and that is usually the time I walk in the door. Now my girls are very food driven. I grab their bowls and they are already shaking and sometimes even drool a bit. They will moan like I am taking to long as I scoop out the food.

Well last night I put their bowls up while I was getting Blue our old boy his food. We feed him can food because...well he is so old now he has a hard time eating anything else...so I put the girls dishes up while I am getting his ready. I have to kind of separate them because the girls will eat up all their food and try to take his.

Well I get Blue behind the gated area to eat his and I head back to get the girls and they are running around like crazy...I mean they look like the road runner buzzing around the room they are so excited....and then....Boom Ethel runs right into the side of my leg...taking my knee out and down I go. I have a bad knee...the left one...full of arthritis...it hurts everyday and is always swollen....well as luck would have it...she nailed the good one. So today I am hobbling around looking like I am drunk...lol.

The other funny thing...Ethel nailed me...walks around like nothing happened...while Enid her sister hides in the corner as if she was in trouble.

Everything turned out ok though...no dogs were hurt during this collision....can't say the same for me though...oh....love getting older...lol.

Well Today's Question of the Day !! Do you have a dog or a pet you love ?? I have a bunch !!! Haha

I better get back to work. We are still short handed in Marquette with Karl and Wyatt off...so I better get going.

Remember We are Open 8 until 5 today and We Are Much More Than Just a Tire Store !!

Have a Great Day Everyone !! - Scott Sr. - Your Local Tire Guy !!

This was the look I got from the girls...Ethel seemed ok with taking me out...Enid on the other hand hid from me as if she was in trouble...lol.

08/27/2026

Good Morning Everyone !! Well I woke up to 58 degrees this morning. There was no rain but the grass was once again wet and there was a damp feeling in the air.

Traffic was heavy again this morning. Everything was flowing smoothly on the way to Marquette. Wright St in front of our Willey's Tire Shop & Auto Repair - Marquette location is ripped up but you can still get to us and we are Open !!

So today on my ride to work...well I should say everyday I always look up at the casino signs and look to see if there is any upcoming music acts or comedians coming. I am not sure why...I have never really ever went to one but I always look...lol. I guess that isn't 100 percent true...Terri and I did go see Def Leppard at a casino downstate...but we didn't actually go into the gaming part. It was the Best Concert I have ever attended.

I started thinking about casinos a little more...and truth be told...I have only ever went to a casino 1 time and tried gambling. This was years ago as I was in my early 20's. My cousins decided for whatever reason they were going to take me out for my birthday and....the casino in Christmas Michigan is where we ended up.

I walked in and of course your first impression can be a little overwhelming. Lots of lights, noise, people everywhere...I walked around and looked at all the different games going on. My cousins were into gambling and they immediately go to the Black Jack tables. I stood behind watching for a bit...like I said...I have never been in one of these places and I didn't really know how to play the games. I have never played poker, black jack or well anything except cribbage....but of course there was no cribbage tables there...lol.

My cousin turns and gives me a $20 bill...tells me Happy Birthday and pretty much pushes me away. I walked around a bit and ended up at the bar where they gave me a Free drink for my birthday. I got a Coke...the young lady was like...it is your birthday and you want a Coke ?? Yep, so I sat there for a while sipping on my drink. She asked me a lot of questions...it is your birthday and you are here alone not doing anything. So I told her about my cousins playing Black Jack and after a while I started thinking this young gal is talking to me feeling sorry for me sitting alone on my birthday...so I said Thank You to her and quietly moved...I felt like it was becoming a pity party...lol.

I went to a slot machine. I figured why not...I took out the $20 bill and played. I won some...lost some...and played for what seemed hours. I would just get to the point where I was almost broke and ready to quit and I won again. I looked over and my cousins were still playing. They had a bunch of chips in front of them so I figured they must have been doing good. I played for quite some time and then decided I had enough. When I decided to quit I think I won maybe $40 total so I came out $20 a head. My cousins...not so lucky. They were up $100's and lost it all. They came over to me all defeated and we started to head home. My one cousin told me he lost everything. He was winning and kept betting more and more until it was all gone. I felt sorry for him...he had no money and non of us had anything to eat that night...so I gave him my $20 gift he gave me back. I really didn't need it since I didn't spend all my money. I kid you not...we almost got in a fist fight over this as he wanted to head back and " win " his money back. Yep...that didn't happen...I kept driving and brought him home...he was pretty upset with me...haha.

So Today's Question of the Day !! Did you or do you go to the casinos ?? If so do you have a favorite game ?? I think I was playing a nickel or a quarter slot machine. It had a button you could push or a arm to pull down. I remember getting the jackpot a couple times but I only got like $20 for it. All and all I guess it was a good time until the fight in the car...lol.

Well I better get to work. We are Open at both stores 8 until 5 today !!

Remember We Are Much More Than Just a Tire Store !! Brakes, Alignments, Bearings, Shocks, Struts, Tie Rods, U-joints, CV Axles, and more !!

Have a Great Day Everyone !! - Scott Sr. - Your Local Tire Guy !!

Address

221 E Pearl Street
Ishpeming, MI
49849

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm

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