In the heart of Hoboken, New Jersey, a story of resilience, compassion, and community impact is unfolding. Jared Kugel, CEO of Tire Agent, has transformed his personal struggles into a mission to give back, dedicating time, resources, and mentorship to the residents of The Hoboken Shelter. Having faced the brink of homelessness himself in 2019, Kugel now serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating similar challenges.

Kugel’s journey from near-homelessness to business success is remarkable. After a decade in traditional tire sales, he left a stable job to launch Tire Agent, an innovative online platform designed to simplify the tire-buying experience — part Amazon, part DoorDash, but tailored to everyday consumers. By 2019, however, his entrepreneurial leap placed him in a precarious position. With savings exhausted, mounting debt, and a New York City co-op heading toward foreclosure, Kugel faced a period of extreme uncertainty. He recalls, “I was living on crackers and jelly, selling things on OfferUp, and just trying to survive. It was a scary time.”

The tides began to turn in 2020 when a small group of angel investors contributed $750,000 to keep his vision alive. As Tire Agent’s presence grew, venture capital firms took notice, eventually investing $10 million. Fast forward to 2025, and Tire Agent has achieved $200 million in annual revenue, with 136% year-over-year growth. The company, now headquartered in Hoboken with stunning views of the Hudson River and New York skyline, has sold over 2 million tires and served more than 500,000 customers across the continental United States.

Yet, despite this success, Kugel has not forgotten the struggles that brought him here. His connection to The Hoboken Shelter is deeply personal and hands-on. Beyond financial contributions, he mentors resident guests, participates in panels on overcoming adversity, and shares his story as a real-life example of resilience. Earlier this year, he donated $20,000 to the shelter, with an additional $10,000 gift for the holiday season, ensuring residents have the resources to thrive during one of the toughest times of the year.

Jaclyn Cherubini, Executive Director of The Hoboken Shelter, speaks highly of Kugel’s contributions: “Jared Kugel’s generosity has touched every corner of The Hoboken Shelter. From sharing his personal story at our Conquering Adversity Panel to supporting our events and donating funds, Jared has strengthened our mission in ways that will be felt for years. He has taken the time to connect with our staff and our guests on a deeply human level, and that kind of leadership creates real, lasting change. We are profoundly grateful for his partnership and his belief in the work we’ve carried forward since 1982.”

The Hoboken Shelter has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding, providing 50 beds nightly, 500 meals daily, and 1,000 showers weekly, along with supportive services that help guests gain employment, achieve independence, and successfully transition into stable housing. Kugel’s involvement exemplifies the type of hands-on engagement that elevates local organizations and inspires both staff and residents alike.

Kugel’s story is also a lesson in empathy and paying it forward. He knows firsthand how tenuous life can feel when stability is lost, and he has turned that experience into a driving force for good. His commitment reflects a broader philosophy that success is measured not only by financial milestones but also by the ability to lift others during moments of vulnerability.

With Tire Agent thriving and a growing presence in Hoboken, Kugel continues to integrate his business acumen with community service, showing that entrepreneurship and social responsibility can go hand in hand. As the holiday season approaches, his work with The Hoboken Shelter reminds residents and observers alike that even in moments of personal struggle, giving back can create a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.

For those interested in learning more about The Hoboken Shelter and its mission to end hunger and homelessness in New Jersey, visit their website for details on services, volunteering, and supporting their ongoing initiatives.

Jared Kugel’s journey — from near-homelessness to leading a multimillion-dollar business while uplifting those in need — stands as a testament to resilience, generosity, and the power of community.