Listen to this interview on the Rapid City Business Journal Podcast RAPID CITY, SD — What began as a local automotive shop has grown into a community-driven effort to shape the next generation of skilled workers. Tenise Chapman, co-owner of Black Hills Tire, said the Rapid City business has prioritized service beyond the shop since opening nearly eight years ago. That includes donating more than $100,000 to local organizations in 2025 and investing in workforce development through education and outreach. “Our goal was always to create a place where we provide the best customer service,” Chapman said. “Service is not just doing your oil change or checking your brakes. It’s being a steward of our community.” Black Hills Tire employs about 15 people and offers a range of services beyond tires, including oil changes, brakes, alignments and diesel work. The shop is also an ASE Blue Seal certified business, a designation requiring all technicians to hold at least one industry certification. Chapman said the company’s commitment to education is central to its long-term goals. Through the state’s Build Dakota Scholarship program, Black Hills Tire helps fund technical education for students entering high-demand fields, including automotive repair. “It’s a no brainer. You are kind of building your bench or building your base,” Chapman said. “You’re getting employees that are excited about the industry. They have some basic knowledge, good basic knowledge.” Black Hills Tire also created the Jim Schneebely Scholarship, a $10,000 annual award honoring a longtime Western Dakota Technical College instructor who mentored Chapman’s husband and co-owner, Weston Chapman. Beyond scholarships, Black Hills Tire has focused on earlier outreach through its Camp Drive program, a two-day hands-on camp for students ages 12 to 15. The camp, now in its fourth year, introduces participants to the automotive industry through interactive sessions such as welding, brake repair and engine work. “Camp Drive is a two day camp for kids ages twelve to fifteen to just come in and see what the automotive industry is all about,” Chapman said. “It’s completely hands on.” Camp Drive will be held June 5-6 this year. The program includes seven hands-on stations, guest speakers and often even participation from local law enforcement and the fire department. Students also learn about career pathways and the evolving, technology-driven nature of automotive work. “There’s nothing like it in the United States,” Chapman said of Camp Drive. “We just wanted to get kids interested. If kids can find something that they’re passionate about and that they’re excited about, they’re going to stay out of trouble.” Chapman said the camp was designed to reach students at a critical age when they begin forming career interests. “We get a lot of kids that come to Camp Drive and they think, oh, this isn’t for me,” she said. “And that’s perfect because that’s how you figure out what you want. We also get a lot of kids that come up to me at the end and they’re like, ‘How old do I have to be to work at Black Hills Tire?’” Some participants have already followed that path. Chapman said one student who attended multiple camps now works part-time at the shop and plans to pursue automotive training after high school. “He sees his path,” Chapman said. The program has grown from 25 students in its first year to 35, with waitlists each summer. Chapman said demand continues to rise, along with interest from other communities looking to replicate the model. “It has taken off more than I can possibly imagine,” she said. The camp is supported by local sponsors and volunteers, including technical instructors and Black Hills Tire staff, who lead sessions throughout the event. Chapman said the success of Camp Drive reflects a broader goal: strengthening the local workforce while giving young people direction. “Every year it comes around and I just think to myself, I don’t even know where this came from, but it’s so amazing,” she reflected. More information about Camp Drive and Black Hills Tire is available at campdrivebht.com or through the company’s website, blackhillstire.com.