Quick Answer

Yes, Bridgestone does hire people with felonies in 2025. As a major tire manufacturer and retail chain, Bridgestone evaluates applicants individually based on conviction type, time passed, and job requirements. Manufacturing plant positions pay $16-$24 per hour and retail tire technicians earn $14-$20 per hour. Production workers and entry-level technician roles are most accessible. Bridgestone values skilled workers and reliability, often looking past criminal backgrounds for candidates who demonstrate strong work ethic and willingness to learn technical skills.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Bridgestone

3. Does Bridgestone Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Bridgestone

5. Best entry point

6. Background Check Process

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Bridgestone

Bridgestone is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers with operations across the globe. In the United States, they operate manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and over 2,200 retail tire and service locations under names like Firestone Complete Auto Care. The company employs tens of thousands of workers in manufacturing, retail, and distribution roles.

For people with felonies, Bridgestone presents excellent opportunities. Manufacturing plants need reliable workers for production lines and offer union jobs with good benefits in many locations. These industrial positions often care more about your ability to show up consistently and follow safety rules than your criminal history.

Retail tire shops need technicians willing to learn mechanical work, which provides career paths even for people without previous automotive experience. The combination of manufacturing and retail options gives you multiple ways to get your foot in the door with a company that offers genuine career growth.

Does Bridgestone Hire People with Felonies?

Bridgestone does not automatically disqualify applicants with felony convictions. They follow a case-by-case evaluation process that considers the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, the position applied for, and the applicant's overall qualifications.

In practice, Bridgestone regularly hires people with various types of criminal backgrounds, particularly for their manufacturing plants and entry-level retail technician positions. They're part of an industry that faces ongoing labor shortages, which works in your favor.

The type of conviction matters significantly. Non-violent offenses and drug-related convictions are viewed most favorably, especially if you've been clean and trouble-free for several years.

These types of backgrounds rarely prevent employment in manufacturing or tire technician roles.

Theft and fraud convictions can be more challenging, particularly for retail positions that involve cash handling or customer vehicles. However, shop technician roles that focus primarily on physical tire work remain accessible. Manufacturing positions are generally unaffected by theft convictions since you're working with raw materials and equipment rather than finished products or money.

Violent felonies are evaluated carefully but don't automatically disqualify you. Much depends on the specific circumstances, time passed, and the work environment. Manufacturing floor positions and warehouse roles remain realistic options even with violent convictions if sufficient time has passed (typically 5+ years) and you can demonstrate positive change.

Time since conviction is crucial at Bridgestone. Anything over 7 years is viewed much less seriously, and in many states won't even appear on standard employment background checks. If you've maintained clean records for 3-5 years since your conviction, your chances improve dramatically.

The position you're applying for significantly affects your chances. Manufacturing production workers and warehouse positions have the highest acceptance rates. Entry-level tire technician positions at retail shops are also quite accessible. Management roles or positions requiring security clearances face stricter scrutiny.

Location matters. Bridgestone plants in states with ban-the-box laws or those participating in federal second-chance hiring initiatives tend to be more experienced with hiring people who have records. Manufacturing facilities in areas with labor shortages are particularly open to qualified candidates regardless of background.

Available Jobs at Bridgestone

Bridgestone offers numerous positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Production Worker/Operator

($16-$22/hour)

You'll work on tire manufacturing lines, operate machinery, monitor quality, and maintain equipment. Requires ability to work rotating shifts and follow safety protocols. This is the most accessible position for people with records. Manufacturing facilities need reliable workers and prioritize attendance and safety over background. Many plants are union shops with excellent benefits.

Warehouse Associate

($15-$20/hour)

You'll receive shipments, organize inventory, load trucks, and operate forklifts. Requires physical ability to lift 50+ pounds and forklift certification (which they often provide). These positions are very open to people with felonies because the work is straightforward and reliability matters most.

Entry-Level Tire Technician

($14-$18/hour)

You'll mount and balance tires, perform basic maintenance, and assist experienced technicians. No previous experience required—they train you. Physical work requiring lifting and working with tools. This is an excellent entry point into automotive work even with a felony. Once you learn the trade, opportunities expand significantly.

Maintenance Technician

($20-$28/hour)

You'll repair and maintain manufacturing equipment, troubleshoot issues, and perform preventive maintenance. Requires technical/mechanical aptitude or trade school training. If you have these skills, felony convictions rarely matter—skilled trades workers are in high demand.

Material Handler

($15-$19/hour)

You'll move materials between work stations, load machines, and maintain supply flow. Requires physical stamina and attention to safety. Another very accessible position for people with backgrounds because it's entry-level industrial work.

Quality Control Inspector

($16-$21/hour)

You'll inspect tires for defects, measure specifications, and document issues. Requires attention to detail and basic computer skills. Good option for people who prefer less physical work but still want manufacturing pay.

Tire Installer/Automotive Technician

($15-$20/hour starting)

You'll install tires, perform oil changes, brakes, and other automotive services at retail shops. Requires willingness to learn mechanical work. As you gain certifications and experience, pay increases significantly. Many people with felonies have built good careers starting in these roles.

Best entry point

Production Worker at a manufacturing plant offers the strongest combination of good pay, benefits, and acceptance of people with criminal backgrounds. If you prefer working with your hands in a retail environment, Entry-Level Tire Technician provides excellent training and career growth potential.

Background Check Process

Understanding Bridgestone's background check process helps you prepare appropriately and avoid surprises that might derail your opportunity.

Bridgestone conducts background checks after making a conditional job offer. This means they interview you, decide they want to hire you, and then check your background. This approach gives you the opportunity to make a positive impression before your criminal record is reviewed.

The typical background check covers seven years of criminal history for most positions. This is standard for manufacturing and retail roles. Some positions, particularly those requiring security clearances or working with sensitive equipment, may look back further. The recruiter will explain the specific requirements for your position.

The process usually takes 3-7 business days to complete. During this time, you may also be required to complete a drug screen. Nearly all Bridgestone positions require pre-employment drug testing, and many locations conduct random testing after hire. Be prepared for this—the company prioritizes safety in both manufacturing and automotive service environments.

If something appears on your background check that concerns Bridgestone, they must provide you with a pre-adverse action notice before making a final decision. This gives you 5-10 days to review the report and dispute any errors. Take this opportunity seriously. If information is incorrect, immediately gather documentation and contact both Bridgestone HR and the background check company to file a dispute.

Geographic differences matter at Bridgestone. In ban-the-box states, they cannot ask about criminal history on the initial application. They can only inquire after determining you're qualified for the position. This works in your favor by letting your skills and work ethic speak first.

The type of facility affects the process somewhat. Manufacturing plants may have more standardized processes governed by union contracts. Retail tire shops may have slightly more flexible approaches depending on the location and store manager. However, all Bridgestone facilities follow corporate guidelines that ensure fair evaluation of candidates with criminal backgrounds.

Application Tips

1. Apply directly on Bridgestone's career website at bridgestoneamericas.com/careers or firestonecompleteautocare.com/careers for retail positions. Create a complete profile and apply to multiple positions to increase your chances.

   
   

2. Target manufacturing plant positions first if you want the best pay and benefits. These facilities actively hire and often work with local workforce development programs that help people with criminal backgrounds.

   
   

3. For retail tire shops, visit locations in person after applying online. Introduce yourself to the manager and express strong interest. Retail automotive shops value people who show initiative and willingness to learn.

   
   

4. Don't mention your felony on the initial application if you're in a ban-the-box state. Answer honestly if asked, but don't volunteer unnecessary information upfront.

   
   

5. Emphasize any mechanical, manufacturing, or physical labor experience. Even if it's informal—like fixing your own car or helping with construction—it shows relevant aptitude.

   
   

6. Be completely honest about your conviction when the question comes up. Prepare a brief explanation that takes responsibility, explains what you learned, and focuses on moving forward. Practice it until it sounds natural.

   
   

7. Highlight your reliability and safety consciousness. Bridgestone prioritizes attendance and safety. Give specific examples of your dependability from any context—previous jobs, volunteer work, or other commitments.

   
   

8. Be flexible with shift work for manufacturing positions. Plants often run 24/7 with rotating shifts. Willingness to work nights, weekends, or rotating schedules makes you much more attractive.

   
   

9. Get forklift certification before applying if possible. This inexpensive certification (often available through workforce development programs) immediately makes you more valuable for warehouse and material handling positions.

   
   

10. Check if your local American Job Center or workforce development program has relationships with Bridgestone. Some facilities actively recruit through these programs and may have dedicated pathways for people with criminal backgrounds.

    
    

11. Dress appropriately for your interview. For manufacturing positions, clean, professional casual is fine. For retail tire shops, showing up neat and clean demonstrates you understand professional standards in customer-facing environments.

    
    

12. Bring references who can speak to your work ethic and reliability. Former employers, volunteer coordinators, instructors from any training programs, or even probation officers can provide valuable character references.

    
    

13. Research Bridgestone's products and values before your interview. Showing genuine interest in the company and understanding what they do demonstrates you're serious about the opportunity.

    
    

14. Be ready to start within a week or two. Many positions need workers quickly. Having flexibility with your start date makes you more attractive, especially if other candidates have longer notice periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my drug conviction prevent me from working at Bridgestone?

Drug convictions, even felonies, are common among Bridgestone employees and rarely prevent hiring. However, you must be able to pass a drug test now and stay clean while employed. Bridgestone tests pre-employment for all positions and conducts random testing, especially in manufacturing plants where safety is critical. If your conviction was for distribution rather than possession, be prepared to explain it honestly. If you're in recovery, emphasize your sobriety and commitment to staying clean. Time since conviction helps—if you've been clean for 2+ years, most hiring managers view that very positively.

Does Bridgestone do drug testing?

Yes, Bridgestone requires pre-employment drug testing for virtually all positions. Manufacturing plants, retail tire shops, and distribution centers all test because the work involves heavy machinery and vehicle safety. Testing typically screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Some locations in states where marijuana is legal may have different policies, but don't count on it. Manufacturing facilities also conduct random drug testing of employees. If you're in recovery and on prescribed medications that might appear on the test, disclose this to the testing facility ahead of time with proper documentation.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to Bridgestone?

You can apply to Bridgestone immediately after your conviction. However, your chances improve with time. If your conviction is less than a year old, you'll face more scrutiny but can still potentially get hired, especially for manufacturing positions in areas with labor shortages. After 3 years of clean records, your options expand significantly. After 7 years, many convictions won't appear on standard background checks in most states. The important thing is demonstrating you've stayed out of trouble since your conviction. Don't wait if you need work now—apply and see what happens.

Can I work at Bridgestone while on probation or parole?

Yes, absolutely. Many Bridgestone employees work while on probation or parole. Having steady employment often satisfies supervision requirements and looks good to your probation officer. Be upfront with the hiring manager about any restrictions you have, such as travel limits, curfews, or required check-ins. Manufacturing shift work usually accommodates these requirements easily. Retail shops can typically work around check-in schedules. Some hiring managers even coordinate with probation officers to confirm employment. Being honest about your situation is always better than hiding it.

Will violent felonies disqualify me from Bridgestone?

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you, but they do create more challenges. Bridgestone evaluates the specific circumstances—what happened, how long ago, and your record since then. Manufacturing positions where you're working on equipment rather than directly with the public remain quite accessible, especially if 5+ years have passed. Retail tire shop positions involving customer interaction face more scrutiny, but back-shop technician roles are still possible. Time matters enormously—a 10-year-old assault conviction carries much less weight than one from 18 months ago. Be prepared to discuss what happened honestly and show evidence of positive change.

What if I have theft or fraud convictions?

Theft and fraud convictions create challenges at Bridgestone retail locations where you might access customer vehicles, tools, or money. However, manufacturing plant positions are much less affected because you're working with raw materials and production equipment. Be completely honest about your conviction and emphasize if it was a one-time mistake made years ago. If you've had stable employment since without any issues, highlight this. Manufacturing facilities in particular look more at your recent work history and reliability than old theft convictions. Some managers will give you a chance if you're honest and they need reliable workers.

Does Bridgestone hire people with sex offense convictions?

Sex offense convictions are very challenging for employment at Bridgestone. While not officially impossible, these convictions raise significant concerns, especially for retail locations that involve customer interaction. Manufacturing plants may have slightly more flexibility depending on the specific offense and time passed, but opportunities remain limited. If you have this type of conviction, manufacturing positions represent your best chance. Be completely honest from the beginning—attempting to hide this information will result in immediate termination when discovered during the background check.

Can I advance to better positions despite my felony?

Absolutely. Once you're hired and establish yourself as a reliable worker, your felony becomes much less relevant. Bridgestone promotes from within regularly. Production workers move up to machine operators, lead positions, and eventually supervisory roles based on performance. Tire technicians can become master technicians, shop foremen, and store managers. Your work record with Bridgestone matters more than your criminal record for internal advancement. Many people with felonies have built solid careers at Bridgestone by starting in entry-level positions and proving themselves over time.

What should I do if my background check contains errors?

Act immediately if your background check shows incorrect information. Federal law requires Bridgestone to send you a pre-adverse action notice before making a final decision based on background check results. You typically have 5-10 business days to dispute errors. Contact both Bridgestone's HR department (the contact info will be in the notice) and the background screening company to file a formal dispute. Gather documentation proving the errors—court records, certificates of disposition, or documents showing charges were dismissed or expunged. Follow up every 2-3 days to ensure your dispute is being processed. Don't let this deadline pass.

Are Bridgestone manufacturing plants or retail shops better for people with felonies?

Manufacturing plants generally offer better opportunities for people with felonies. They pay more ($16-$24/hour vs. $14-$18/hour starting), offer better benefits, and are often less concerned about criminal backgrounds because the work is industrial rather than customer-facing. Plants also have more structured hiring processes and may work with workforce development programs. However, retail tire shops are excellent if you want to learn a trade—automotive technicians with experience and certifications can earn $25-$35/hour or more. If a manufacturing plant is available in your area, start there. If not, retail tire technicians offer good career paths too.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Bridgestone doesn't work out or you want to explore more options in manufacturing and automotive sectors, consider these companies:

Goodyear Tire: Direct competitor to Bridgestone with similar manufacturing plants and retail shops. They have comparable policies toward hiring people with criminal backgrounds.

Michelin: Another major tire manufacturer with plants throughout the U.S. Known for good manufacturing jobs and reasonable hiring practices for people with felonies.

Discount Tire/America's Tire: Large tire retail chain focused on tire sales and installation. They hire entry-level technicians and often give second chances to people with records.

Pep Boys: Automotive service chain offering tire and mechanical services. They regularly hire people with various felony convictions for technician and shop positions.

Monro/Mr. Tire: Automotive service company operating multiple brands. They hire entry-level technicians and have been known to work with people who have criminal backgrounds.

Final Thoughts

Bridgestone offers solid opportunities for people with felony convictions, particularly in their manufacturing plants and entry-level technician positions. The company needs reliable workers and values technical skills and work ethic over perfect backgrounds.

Your best strategy is being honest about your past while demonstrating your commitment to showing up and working hard.

Start today by applying at bridgestoneamericas.com/careers for manufacturing positions or firestonecompleteautocare.com/careers for retail tire shop roles. Apply to every relevant opening within reasonable distance. If there's a manufacturing plant nearby, make that your priority—these jobs offer the best combination of pay, benefits, and acceptance of people with criminal records. With persistence and the right approach, you can build a genuine career at Bridgestone.