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Does Les Schwab Tire Centers Hire Felons?

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Sometimes

Les Schwab runs background checks, drug tests, and driving-record checks, and hiring of people with records is handled case-by-case and varies by store and by state.

Les Schwab Tire Centers does hire some people with felony records, but decisions are made case-by-case and vary from store to store. Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Bend, Oregon, Les Schwab is one of the largest independent tire retailers in the country, with more than 540 stores and over 7,000 employees across about 15 Western states, including Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Applicants typically go through a background check, a drug test, and a motor-vehicle-record check, since many roles involve driving service and delivery vehicles. Current and former employees report that policies differ by location and that being honest about your record helps. Hands-on roles such as tire technician, service and sales, and warehouse or delivery positions are the most common openings. Les Schwab is known for strong profit-sharing and promoting managers from within, so an entry-level job can grow into a career.

Hiring by Position

PositionFelon Friendly?Background CheckNotes
Tire Technician / Service TechCase-by-caseYes — criminal + often MVRMounting, balancing, and repairing tires. Primary entry-level, hands-on role.
Sales / Customer ServiceCase-by-caseYes — criminal checkFront-counter sales and customer help. Customer-facing; record reviewed individually.
Delivery / Route DriverCase-by-caseYes — criminal + driving recordDrives company vehicles; a clean driving record is usually required.
Warehouse / DistributionCase-by-caseYes — criminal checkStocking and moving inventory. Often more accessible for people with records.
Assistant ManagerCase-by-caseYes — comprehensive checkLes Schwab promotes from within; management is usually an internal path.

Les Schwab Hiring Practices

Les Schwab is a large independent tire and service retailer with more than 540 stores across roughly 15 Western states and over 7,000 employees. The company runs pre-employment background checks and drug tests, and because many roles involve driving service or delivery vehicles, a motor-vehicle-record check is common as well. Whether a felony affects hiring is decided case-by-case, and current and former employees consistently report that it 'varies from store to store' — individual store managers have significant say. Applicants who disclose their record honestly, especially before the background check, report better outcomes. Non-driving, hands-on roles such as tire technician and warehouse work tend to have the most flexibility, while positions that require driving depend heavily on your motor-vehicle record. Les Schwab is well known for generous profit-sharing and a strict promote-from-within culture.

Tips for Getting Hired at Les Schwab

Apply at lesschwab.com/careers or in person at your local store, and remember that the store manager often drives the decision — a strong, in-person impression matters. Target tire technician, warehouse, or service roles if you have a record, since these are hands-on and less likely to hinge on a driving check. Be honest about your history up front; multiple employees report that disclosing before the background check helped them. If a role involves driving, expect a motor-vehicle-record check, so know what's on your record. Highlight any mechanical, tire, automotive, or warehouse experience, and emphasize reliability and a willingness to learn. Because Les Schwab promotes from within and shares store profits, an entry-level job can become a long-term career — so apply at more than one nearby store to improve your odds.

Application Tips for People with Records

  • 1.Apply at lesschwab.com/careers or in person — the local store manager often makes the call.
  • 2.Target tire technician, warehouse, or service roles that don't hinge on a driving check.
  • 3.Be honest about your record up front; disclosing before the background check tends to help.
  • 4.Expect a drug test, and a motor-vehicle-record check for any driving role.
  • 5.Highlight mechanical, automotive, tire, or warehouse experience and reliability.
  • 6.Apply at more than one store, since policies and needs vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Les Schwab hire felons?
Les Schwab hires some people with felony records, but it is case-by-case and varies by store and state. Honest disclosure and hands-on roles improve your chances.
Does Les Schwab do background checks?
Yes. Les Schwab runs pre-employment background checks, and driving roles also include a motor-vehicle-record check.
Does Les Schwab drug test?
Yes. A pre-employment drug test is commonly part of Les Schwab's hiring process.
Where are Les Schwab stores located?
Les Schwab operates more than 540 stores across about 15 Western states, including Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Do I need a clean driving record to work at Les Schwab?
For roles that involve driving company or service vehicles, yes — a motor-vehicle-record check applies. Non-driving roles like warehouse work usually don't require one.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).