2017 Under the Radar: ZOHR changing tires, traditional mindset on roadside aid

Editor’s note: Startland News picked 10 early-stage firms to spotlight for its annual Under the Radar startups list. The following is one of 2017’s companies. To view the full list, click here.
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Nearly anyone with a car can relate to the chore of replacing bald tires or the frustration of a flat.

Not only will you likely have to shell out a few Benjamins, but also find the time to wait for a busy mechanic whose hours are often only during the workday.

It’s this conundrum that Kansas City-based ZOHR aims to soothe with its on-site tire replacement services.

Half tech firm, half automotive servicing shop, ZOHR allows one to schedule a variety of tire services from a phone or computer to be completed at your home, office or stranded on the roadside. Working around your schedule,  ZOHR mechanics swoop in like superheroes — but instead of the Batmobile, it’s a teched out van that can mount, balance, plug and rotate your tires.

Now in business for about two years, the company has grown to five staffers and has serviced more than 5,000 tires in the Kansas City area, ZOHR co-founder Komal Choong said. The firm is growing at a rate of about 15 percent month over month, he added. The company — which for now services only the Kansas City metro — also was a part of YCombinator’s Fellowship program, connecting it to mentors and many resources to grow.  

Paired with steady growth, ZOHR has ambitious national expansion plans. ZOHR aims to be a household name for automotive services across the country within 10 years, Choong said. The firm is now looking to expand its services to eventually include on-site oil changes and car washes and subscription-based tire rotations.

Fun fact: About 18 months ago, Startland News shared the 1 Million Cups stage with ZOHR. Check out both of the presentations here.