Les Schwab Restructures Staffing, 70 Positions Impacted

(Update: statement from Bend Chamber of Commerce)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Les Schwab Tires confirmed Monday it is restructuring portions of its Central Oregon headquarters in Bend, a move that will impact about 70 positions.

In a statement to KTVZ News, Chief Administrative Officer Jodie Hueske said the decision was difficult and affects employees who have contributed to the company’s long-standing presence in the region.

“Saying goodbye to coworkers who have contributed to the company is never easy, and we recognize the impact this has on employees and their families,” Hueske said. She added that affected employees will receive transition support, including severance and extended benefits.

Company leaders say the changes are part of a broader effort to align resources as the business continues to expand. Les Schwab has grown to more than 600 locations and 9,000 employees, including adding 100 stores in four new states over the past three years. The company also plans to open another 30 locations this year.

Hueske emphasized the restructuring is not tied to short-term business challenges but is intended to support continued growth and operations.

The Bend-based headquarters has long been a key part of the company’s footprint in Central Oregon. Les Schwab was founded in nearby Prineville in the 1950s and remains one of the region’s most recognizable employers.

Local business leaders say the impact will be felt across the community, even as the broader economy remains stable.

“Anytime a local employer makes the difficult decision to reduce staff, the first thing we think about is the people,” said Sara Odendahl, CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce. “These are employees, families, and community members who are directly affected, and we know this kind of transition can be incredibly hard.”

Odendahl said the restructuring appears tied to growth and operational changes rather than economic decline, but noted the ripple effects are real for impacted workers.

“I don’t think one announcement like this should be viewed as a signal that Bend’s economy is weakening overall,” she said. “What it does show is that businesses, even strong and growing ones, are navigating change.”

She added that the situation highlights the importance of workforce support and economic diversity in Central Oregon. The Bend Chamber is pointing impacted employees to resources such as the Central Oregon Business Response Network, a program through East Cascades Works that helps workers and businesses during transitions.

Les Schwab leaders say the company remains committed to its founding principles of customer service and supporting employees, even as it adjusts its internal structure to meet future needs.

June 8, 2026 - Published at 1:43PM

Les Schwab Tires informed KTVZ News on Monday their company is restructuring staffing at their Central Oregon headquarters, impacting 70 positions.

Below is a statement from Jodie Hueske, Chief Administrative Officer:

Les Schwab Tires made the difficult decision to restructure portions of its headquarters team in Bend. These changes affect about 70 headquarters roles.

Saying goodbye to coworkers who have contributed to the company is never easy, and we recognize the impact this has on employees and their families. Employees leaving the company as part of these changes are being provided transition support, including severance and extended benefits.

This restructure is part of a broader effort to better align resources around serving stores, supporting customers, and supporting the company’s continued growth. As Les Schwab Tires has expanded to more than 600 locations and 9,000 employees, we continue to evaluate how work is organized and where targeted investment is needed.

These changes are not driven by short-term business performance challenges. Les Schwab Tires has added 100 locations in four new states over the past three years and plans to open another 30 locations this year. The restructure will ensure the company remains positioned to support stores and customers while continuing to invest in capabilities needed for the future.

Les Schwab Tires remains deeply committed to the principles established by its founder, including taking care of customers and supporting the people who serve them every day.

Les Schwab has locations throughout the mountain west and pacific northwest. The company has a large presence in Central Oregon due to its founding in Prineville in the 1950s.