Dustin Laizure, manager of Les Schwab Tire Center in Aberdeen, demonstrates how to change a tire to five 4-H members from Brown County and the surrounding area. Les Schwab is partnering with 4-H on its Beyond Ready initiative, a national effort geared toward teaching youth life and career skills. (SDSU Extension photo)
Brown County 4-H members learned how to change a tire and other aspects of the automotive industry at Les Schwab Tire Center as part of a partnership between the two organizations.
Meghan Meyers, with National 4-H Council, said Les Schwab has long been a strong 4-H supporter in local communities, but is now a supporter at the national level through the Beyond Ready initiative.
“We are excited to grow Les Schwab’s support at the national level,” Meyers said.
To launch that partnership, Les Schwab hosted 4-H members at three locations in three states, including Aberdeen, South Dakota. Dustin Laizure, store manager, hosted five local 4-H members on Oct. 5, 2026. He said Les Schwab’s values of hard work and integrity align closely with what 4-H members learn through participating in things like livestock projects, shooting sports and community service.
“What Les Schwab really stands behind is people, not just a dollar sign,” Laizure said. “Take care of each other. Look for ways to help.”
After a tour of the tire center and overview of the company, Laizure gave a demonstration on how to properly change a pickup tire. After his demonstration, Laizure gave 4-H attendees the opportunity to try it for themselves.
Tate Dosch, a sophomore at Frederick High School, volunteered and changed the tire under Laizure’s supervision. Dosch participates in 4-H Shooting Sports and the poultry project, along with volunteering at various 4-H events. Growing up on a farm, Dosch said he already knew the basics of changing tires but appreciated the safety reminders Laizure provided.
“Using blocks for the tires was a good reminder,” he said.
Beyond Ready is 4-H’s initiative to prepare young people for work and life, no matter what path they choose. One of the goals of Beyond Ready is to expand 4-H’s impact from 6 million youth annually to 10 million by 2030. Meyers said connecting youth with local career opportunities is one way to help youth achieve that readiness.
“Hands-on learning is a huge part of 4-H,” Meyers said. “Our partnership with Les Schwab introduces youth to opportunities, allowing them to explore careers in automotive and retail, while learning life skills.”
SDSU Extension news release
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