Midway Tire and Auto builds on strong foundation in Lee County

Midway Tire and Auto is continuing its tradition of trusted service in Lee County under new ownership, as business partners Ryan Shahan and Charlie Fulton take the reins and look toward the future.

Though new to ownership, Ryan and Charlie are not new to leadership or service. The two first met in 2014 through mutual friends and later reconnected through their shared service in the U.S. Army and work together on their local Homeowners Association board. Over the course of several years working side by side, they discovered a shared vision for business ownership and a complementary set of skills that made partnership a natural next step.

In early 2025, they began a focused search to acquire a small business with strong community roots. They found that opportunity in early September 2025 with Midway Tire and Auto—a well-established shop with a loyal customer base and a reputation for honest, dependable work. Though the government shutdown impacts on the SBA delayed their closing, they officially took ownership in December 2025.

Midway Tire and Auto builds on a strong foundation in Lee County
New owners of Midway Tire and Auto, Charlie Fulton (left) and Ryan Shahan.

Ryan brings more than 22 years of military experience in the U.S. Army, where he served in a wide range of leadership and operational roles. Now serving as a Department of the Army Civilian, he continues to apply those skills in support of national service. With a degree in Business Administration focused on Entrepreneurship, Ryan is driven to improve systems, develop teams, and create operational excellence. At Midway, he focuses on daily operations and ensuring the shop runs efficiently while supporting the technicians and staff.

Charlie, an active duty Infantry Officer with 15 years of Army service, brings a foundation in engineering management and mathematics, having earned his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. His experience has centered on organizational leadership, problem-solving, and strategic growth. At Midway, he focuses on financial management and long-term planning, helping position the business for sustainable growth.

Together, the two owners emphasize a shared philosophy shaped by their military experience: people come first. Their approach centers on valuing both their team and their customers as the foundation of the business.

Since acquiring the business, Charlie and Ryan have taken a measured approach—focusing first on strengthening internal systems, improving consistency, and supporting their team. Rather than making sweeping changes, their goal has been to build on what already works while positioning the shop for long-term success. As part of these efforts, they recently completed a full remodel of the front office and waiting area.

Customers can expect the same core values Midway has long been known for: honest communication, quality workmanship, and fair and transparent pricing.

Looking ahead, the owners plan to gradually expand services and capabilities while continuing to invest in their team and facility. Future plans include offering accessories and customization work, with a long-term vision to grow Midway into a business that not only serves the community today, but continues to do so for years to come.

The new ownership remains committed to honoring the strong foundation built before them while continuing to improve and evolve the business. Midway Tire and Auto remains dedicated to serving drivers across Lee County with reliable automotive repair and maintenance. Charlie and Ryan encourage both longtime customers and new members of the community to stop by, meet the team, and be part of the next chapter.

About Midway Tire and Auto 

Midway Tire and Auto is an independent full-service automotive repair shop located in Lee County. With eight service bays and an experienced team, the shop provides diagnostics, maintenance, tire services, and repairs for a wide range of vehicles. Midway is committed to honest service, dependable workmanship, and keeping customers safely on the road.

Feature photo: New owners of Midway Tire and Auto, Charlie Fulton (left) and Ryan Shahan.

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