The first thing a customer may notice about the owner of the recently opened Yukon Tire and Suspension is his unmistakable confidence.   

“I’m the most experienced tire [and] suspension guy that you’re going to find," Bill Mueller said.  

Given his successful track record as a business owner, the confidence is well-earned. Mueller brought years of tire and suspension experience to Evergreen when he opened his business in April. The shop's four service bays handle everything from new tires to routine tire services, but Mueller said the business is best known for its suspension lift kit installations, custom wheels and alignments.  

Mueller acknowledges that he faces stiff competition in the Flathead Valley, but he believes customers appreciate his hands-on style. While larger companies are often managed from the office, Mueller can be found in the service bay, working alongside his crew and ensuring quality service at competitive prices.  

“If I’m not working on it, I’m about four feet from it," he said.  

Mueller said that he isn't in the practice of aggressive marketing either.  

“I normally end up generating enough business. I don’t have time to be hard selling," he said.  

Yukon Tire and Suspension stands out for its extensive experience with lift kits, a specialty Mueller developed while operating shops in Idaho.  

"It’ll get to where we’re doing one a day. I did one yesterday,” he said. “Even at Sandpoint, I lifted so many rigs for so long that I probably did 90% of what’s in that town.”   

Although Yukon Tire and Suspension has been open for only four months, Mueller is no newcomer to the industry. He got his start in the tire business at age 15, working for Les Schwab in Idaho.  

Looking to capitalize on North Dakota's oil boom, Mueller moved there in his 30s and eventually opened Elite Tire and Suspension in 2015. A year later, he expanded to his hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho and opened additional locations in Coeur d'Alene and Bonners Ferry.  

After selling his business, Mueller arrived in Kalispell in November to start his next venture.  

“I could have retired after the sale of the other ones, but it kind of seems like a waste of knowledge and ability just sitting around doing nothing," Mueller said.  

Yukon Tire and Suspension currently has one dedicated tire specialist and two mechanics, but he intends to hire a few more employees in time for winter. 

His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the tire business as well. He opened a coffee kiosk on the property and is launching an energy drink company.  

Yukon Tire and Suspension is located at 1192 U.S. 2, Kalispell. The business can be reached at [email protected] or 406-871-3861. For more information, visit yukontireandsuspension.com.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.

    Yukon Tire & Suspension in Evergreen on Wednesday, July 15. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider   

    Calib Johnson works on set of truck tires at Yukon Tire & Suspension in Evergreen on Wednesday, July 15. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider   

    Calib Johnson works on set of truck tires at Yukon Tire & Suspension in Evergreen on Wednesday, July 15. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider