Founded in 1952, the company is named for founder Les Schwab and is headquartered in the Central Oregon city of Bend.

Les Schwab founded the company with a single store in Prineville, Oregon, when he bought OK Rubber Welders in 1952.

[2] From 1964 until 2011, the firm offered an innovative February "Free-Beef" promotion,[3][4] to boost sales during slow late-winter months.

[7] As of 2007, the chain operates more than 410 stores[8] in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

In addition to tires, the company sells a variety of other auto parts and auto-related services, including brakes and shocks.