Buddy Fisher takes the helm at Montana Muffler in Butte
There is a simple reason Buddy Fisher bought Montana Muffler and Supply. He loves Butte, particularly Uptown Butte.
The automotive supply business has changed hands a few times in its 47 years since Wayne Hendrixson opened it in 1975, and Fisher decided it was time to revamp the business.
Buddy Fisher, the new owner of Montana Muffler and Tire, is photographed in front of the shop at 441 S. Montana St. in Butte. Fisher is in the middle of a full remodel of the shop that has a long history in Butte.
Meagan Thompson, The Montana StandardSo, he called owner, Mark Lisac, and asked, “So, do you wanna sell?”
Soon, the keys to the shop were turned over to Fisher and the business officially was renamed Montana Muffler and Tire. The automotive shop will continue to specialize in mufflers, brakes, shocks, tires and more.
“We closed on April 26 and opened on the 27th,” explained Fisher.
Except for a brief stint in Missoula, Fisher has lived in Butte since he was 8.
Mack Schaeffer, a mechanic with Montana Muffler and Tire, works on a 1967 Mustang in the shop on Wednesday morning in Butte. The shop has a long history in Butte and the new owner, Buddy Fisher, says his plans to remodel the shop including new lifts and automatic doors, and adding a new heating and air conditioning system will make the old building pop. "This is my home and this is my family," says Fisher. "We want to treat Butte right."
Meagan Thompson, The Montana Standard“I always come home,” he said. “Butte is just one big family.”
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As a kid, Fisher would help to unload mufflers at Montana Muffler, so he feels right at home as its new owner. He plans to renovate everything from the interior to the exterior and admits there’s plenty of work ahead at 441 S. Montana St.
Since taking the helm, plenty of people — from retired employees to former and present customers — have stopped by to give the new business owner a few pointers.
This 1978 advertisement was 'no laughing matter.'
Montana Standard archivesFisher appreciates the advice.
“We’re going to work diligently,” he said. “I want to update everything.”
Renovation, by the way, is Fisher’s field of expertise.
The Montana Muffler ad was featured in 1982.
Montana Standard archivesThe Butte man owns Fisher Built LLC and he and his team have helped upgrade numerous Uptown Butte buildings, including Taco del Sol, 146 W. Park St., and the Pita Pit, now at 140 W. Park St. The company also built the new Dairy Queen at 64 W. Mercury St. At present, he and his team are renovating 1 N. Montana St., which housed the Pita Pit until recently. It will soon be home to Cantina Taco Bell.
“I have always worked with my hands, whether it be mechanical or construction,” he explained. “This is a perfect fit.”
Montana Muffler remains located at 41 S. Montana St.
Montana Standard archivesFor the past few weeks, it’s been a bit busy with just cleaning up the area. He’s also planning on fencing the property to better secure the facility, and work has already begun next door on a parking lot for his customers.
“It’s a priority to me,” he said.
Montana Muffler and Supply opened on Aug. 31, 1975.
Montana Standard archivesNew flooring is one of the first interior upgrades planned, along with newly painted walls.
“Inside and outside, it will have a totally new look,” Fisher said.
Construction is the Butte man’s first love and he plans to continue making that his priority. Once work has been completed at Montana Muffler, he will leave the business in the capable hands of his experienced manager, Larry Schnell.
“I will work every Friday,” laughed Fisher.
A customer checks out the work done on his car at Montana Muffler and Tire. "This is what we do. We work on everything from very old models to new cars to work rigs and everything in between," says new owner Buddy Fisher.
Meagan Thompson, The Montana StandardGet local news delivered to your inbox!
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