ZOHR relocates HQ to Dallas; KC lauded as its test site, but too limiting to grow brand nationally
February 18, 2020 | Tommy Felts
Everything’s bigger in Texas for ZOHR — including the startup’s potential to drive onto the national automotive scene, said Komal Choong.
Photo courtesy of Zohr
“Kansas City has been our test market to prove out key elements of our growth and market expansion strategies,” said Choong, co-founder of ZOHR, confirming Tuesday that the on-demand tire service startup has relocated its headquarters to Dallas. “On the contrary, however, Kansas City has also limited our opportunity to grow into a national brand.”
“We’re getting much more traction with larger partnerships in Dallas compared to Kansas City,” he added.
ZOHR — one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2019 — offers its mobile tire service to customers in the Kansas City and Dallas markets. Its headquarters relocation from the West Bottoms is not expected to impact access to ZOHR’s service across the KC metro, Choong said.
Zohr’s elevator pitch: Zohr – Tires Delivered & Installed is basically a tire shop that comes to you. We sell, deliver, and install new tires at your home or your office. We’re changing the way you change your tires and just making that process as easy as possible for the end consumer.
Other market destinations on the horizon for ZOHR in 2020: Houston, Austin and Denver.
Founded in 2015 by brothers Komal and Anoop Choong, ZOHR previously completed the Y Combinator Fellowship and Techstars Mobility in Detroit. The startup also is a portfolio company of Techstars, the KCRise Fund, Firebrand Ventures and Chicago-based M25.
“Kansas City is our hometown and our early customers gave us the support we needed to grow the business organically,” Choong said.
Click here to learn more about ZOHR’s tire delivery service.
This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.
For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn
Featured Business
2020 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Shop Small: 5 gifts for the Christmas lovers on your list
Editor’s note: This feature is the fifth in Startland News’ five-part holiday gift guide — presented in 2023 by nbkc bank — showcasing Kansas City makers and their products. Check out the featured maker below, then keep reading for five gift ideas to get started. As a Kansas City native, Morgan Georgie finds creative and…
Alchemy Sandbox winners are walking away with more than their $5K prizes, founders say
The latest round of Alchemy Sandbox competitors showcased the perseverance and resilience entrepreneurs need to be successful in the long run, said Charon Thompson, announcing five winners of the small business pitch competition. “Businesses that continue to do well stay ready so they don’t have to get ready,” said Thompson, co-founder of The Porter House,…
Laya Center expands with ‘Herban’ product line; earns top 50 honors from Square
Toyia Mays’ customers feel “like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders,” the co-owner of Crossroads-based The Laya Center said, noting the brand’s physical space and its new Herban product line leave people feeling welcome and at home. “Most people when they walk in the door, they verbally express it but you can just…
Shop Small: 5 gifts supporting creators of color in Kansas City
Editor’s note: This feature is the fourth in Startland News’ five-part holiday gift guide — presented in 2023 by nbkc bank — showcasing Kansas City makers and their products. Check out the featured maker below, then keep reading for five gift ideas to get started. Embracing one’s roots is at the core of ParaMi’s identity,…