The family tire business all started with Richard Zimmerman Sr.  He started in the tire industry in 1962 as a full service Texaco gas station in New Orleans, LA.  Shortly after that in 1965, Fleet Tire was founded.  Fleet Tire was located in New Orleans, LA and was a commercial and retail tire location as well as a recap shop for large 18 wheeler tires. 

With much ambition, he founded Big Four Tire Distributors.  Big Four was the wholesale division.  Big Four sold tires to the independent tire stores, like Zim's tire specializing in Dayton, Bridgestone and Firestone tires.

After years of growth, Richard Sr sons became interested in the business.  Scott Zimmerman opened up a tire retail store in Kenner, La. He operated the store for many years while servicing the Kenner Area.  Rick Zimmerman Jr, found himself owning and operating the wholesale division, Big Four Tire Distributors.  Richard ‘Richie’ Zimmerman III, started working in the family business at a young age. He used to go to work with his dad and unload trailer loads of tires and also deliver tires to the customers. After years in the wholesale business Richie transitioned into the retail division in 2006.  He was responsible for a retail store in Lafayette, La. This store was called T-Boys Tire and Automotive.  After a few short years, Richard III expanded to two more locations in the Lafayette area.  Then after running these locations, the family was approached by a large company out of New York to sell their locations in 2019.  Although Richard III wasn't ready to sell his company, at the young age of 38, the family sold their companies and it resulted in the ability of Scott Zimmerman and Richard Jr to retire.

About 6 months after the act of sale,  in June 2020 Richard III found out he had a spinal tumor that was growing  towards his brain.  After a successful surgery, the doctor had to leave about 15% of the tumor on the spinal cord.  After many prayers for a miracle, God gave us the miracle we all hoped for.  After the first MRI after surgery, the MRI revealed that there was NO tumor anymore.  God is great and has blessed us with a miracle.  Going through his surgery and recovery, Richie always knew he would eventually go back into the tire business.

Fast forward to 2023.  Nick Zimmerman, the son of Richard Jr and brother of Richard III wanted to try his hand at the family business. Nick graduated from LSU with a degree in Human Resource Management and also has his own investment company.  Nick and Richie decided to open up a tire store in Prairieville, LA together.  With the assistance of his big brother Richie, they haven't looked back and know that they made the best decision to open a store at 16553 Airline Hwy.  When choosing a name for their store, it was an easy decision. Zim’s Tire, keeping it with the family name.

So what is the reason and goal of Zim’s Tire? It is simple, to provide honest, respectful quality work to the people of Prairieville.  The values that these guys operate with are impressive and they never waiver from it. They are honest and always strive to treat people the way they deserve to be treated.