Ten questions with Cameron Fahl

Cameron Fahl is the store manager at Les Schwab Tire Centers in Sioux Falls. He has been with the company for 16 years, working across three states and five different stores. Cameron values the company’s commitment to taking care of people, which is one of the reasons he enjoys working there. He is excited to be in Sioux Falls, a community with strong values that resonate deeply with him. Cameron looks forward to meeting more people and becoming an integral part of the community.

1. Why did you choose to build your career in Sioux Falls?

As our company continues to grow and expand, there are a lot of opportunities ahead of us. Upon looking into Sioux Falls, my wife and I were excited to find that not only is Sioux Falls a beautiful place overall, but the academics, athletics and community involvement opportunities are all top-notch. From a personal and company standpoint I take pride in youth development and community growth. As Sioux Falls continues to grow, I look forward to and am excited to be a part of it.

2. What is a piece of advice you’ve received that has served you well?

Over the years I have had a lot of great mentors and have received a lot of great advice. Something that has stuck with me and served me well is do not shy away from being uncomfortable. It is when we put ourselves in those uncomfortable situations that we can grow.

3. How would you describe Sioux Falls to people who don’t live here?

Sioux Falls is captivating. It is one of the largest cities I have lived in, but still has a small-town feel. The community is extraordinarily inviting and welcoming. There are endless opportunities for entertainment for all ages. Overall, it is a great place to live and raise a family.

4. What is one community or non-profit organization that you support? Tell us about it and why it is important to you.

There are a lot of organizations that I enjoy and look forward to being a part of. One of my favorites is our Toy Drive. It is one of Les Schwab’s signature events in every community I have been in I enjoy doing what I can to make it a success. It is an amazing feeling to know that we can help bring joy to local children.

5. What cold-weather activity are you looking forward to this winter?

With winter approaching, one of my favorite things to do is load the family and dogs in my truck with snacks and drinks and go for a long drive on snowy roads until we find a spot where we can all get out of the truck and let some energy out playing in the snow. It is great family time and for me, driving in the snow is peaceful.

6. Name a tool you could not live without. Why?

Working in the automotive field, I use a lot of different types of tools but there is one that I use daily. That would be my pocket-knife. There is not a day that I do not use it at work or at home. It especially comes in handy during holidays and my children’s birthday parties, as everything is wrapped or packaged heavily.

7. What is something you are optimistic about?

I am a very optimistic person. I am currently optimistic about growth in terms of self, community and business. The City and community of Sioux Falls is growing and expanding, as well as our company, and I am optimistic that both will continue to be prosperous. My personal growth will come from reaching out and trying new things and putting myself in uncomfortable situations, which will make me a more well-rounded person.

8. Who inspires you?

Someone who inspires me would be the founder of our company, Les Schwab. He was a humble, forward-thinking and respected man who cared highly about taking care of everyone, from his family to the communities that we are in and his employees. I try to align myself with Les and do what I can to take care of people because doing the right thing matters.

9. How do you approach challenges?

As there are always continuous challenges that present themselves in life, I approach them all with an open mind. I try to weigh the options and possible outcomes to better decide on the correct action to take in order to have the best outcome. Being open-minded when challenges are presented allows me to be patient and clearheaded.

10. What is your go-to form of caffeine and how much do you consume in a day?

There are a lot of different types and forms of caffeine available. My go-to on a daily basis is straight coffee with no sugar or cream. I enjoy starting the day with a cup at home and then once I get to work I enjoy another. It’s a great way to warm up and relax in the morning. There are some days, especially when it is colder, that I may have a few more cups of coffee.