Gabriel and Beatriz (Betty) come from a line of small business owners. They both spent years working at the tire shop Betty’s parents owned in Goshen, Indiana. It was there that the Alconcers learned the tricks of the trade and what it would take to venture out on their own.

Opening a business of their own was important to the Alcocers. They wanted financial freedom, a flexible schedule, and most importantly, Gabriel wanted to provide jobs in their community. In 2012 they packed up their family, moved to South Bend and put it all on the line to start their own shop.

According to Betty, “We decided to sell everything we could to come up with the money to invest.” Then, they were full speed ahead on making their dream happen. Five years later, Betty’s Tires is a thriving business located near the corner of Sample and Harris Street in South Bend.