The Gain Traction Podcast features top tire and auto repair professionals, shop owners, industry executives, and thought leaders.
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Davidchristopher Podcasts

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What Happens When a Tire Business Grows Too Fast? with Kamard Johnson of GTT Commercial Tires
32:03
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32:03Kamard Johnson is the President & CEO of GTT Commercial Tires, based in Richmond, Virginia. With a professional background rooted in sales and customer service, Kamard joined forces with his brother to build a company that started with seven used tires in a shed and grew into a multi-location operation recognized on the Inc. 5000 list three years i…
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Overwhelmed to Empowered: How Tire Shop Owners Are Taking Back Control
29:34
29:34
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29:34Tony O’Billovich is the leader of the Master Shop Program for Point S Tire USA. With decades of experience running and growing multiple tire and auto repair locations, Tony has seen firsthand the challenges that overwhelm shop owners and the strategies that turn things around. His focus on profitability, leadership, and people development has helpe…
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Why This COO Believes Scaling Starts With People, Not Profit with Tyler Paparello of AMG
29:20
29:20
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29:20Tyler Paparello is the Chief Operating Officer at AMG, overseeing 28 Midas locations across New England. With a background rooted in sales, Tyler learned early on that while selling can solve short-term problems, it takes leadership, people, and process to scale a business sustainably. Today, he focuses on building systems that empower employees, e…
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How to Scale a Tire Brand Without Losing Community Trust with Christian Seem of Goodturn Tire & Auto
28:55
28:55
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28:55Christian Seem is the President & CEO of Good Turn Tire & Auto, a rapidly growing tire and auto repair company with 55 locations and 16 brands across five states. With nearly 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Christian has worked in big box retail, commercial parts distribution, and tire retail, including leadership roles at TBC Co…
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Why Tire Business Became the Trusted Voice of an Entire Industry with Bruce Davis of Tire Business
31:06
31:06
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31:06Bruce Davis is a veteran journalist and editor who spent 45 years shaping how the tire industry receives its news, data, and insights. As a founding staff member of Tire Business, he helped launch the publication in 1983, transforming it from an ambitious idea into one of the most trusted voices in the global tire market. Over the years, Bruce pion…
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Lessons in Customer Service from a Century-Old Tire Company with Don Barnes III of Belle Tire
25:38
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25:38Don Barnes III is the Chief Tire Guy at Belle Tire, a third-generation leader helping steer one of the oldest and most respected tire retailers in the U.S. Founded in 1922, Belle Tire has grown from a local shop into a powerhouse with over 180 locations across the Midwest. Under Don’s leadership, the company has maintained its century-long reputati…
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How a Farmer Turned a Small Tire Shop into a $26M Business
26:25
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26:25Jesse Wickel is the owner of Wickel Tire Pros in Burley, Idaho. A former farmer with deep roots in agriculture, Jesse built his business from a single tire shop into a multi-location operation generating over $26 million in annual sales. With a hands-on approach, a strong community presence, and a commitment to relationship-driven service, Jesse ha…
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The Council That’s Quietly Shaping the Future of the Auto Industry
17:47
17:47
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17:47Mike Lusso is a seasoned engineer at Coats Company in Nashville, Tennessee, specializing in tire changers, wheel balancers, lifts, and alignment machines. A lifelong gearhead with a passion for modifying cars, Mike channels his love for the automotive space into leadership roles, most notably as Chair of the WTSBC, a leading automotive industry cou…
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Employee Ownership and Rural Market Success With Adrian Rodriguez of Commercial Tire
27:42
27:42
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27:42Adrian Rodriguez is the Vice President of Marketing and Retail Sales at Commercial Tire, a leading tire and auto service provider with over 45 locations across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Utah. Before joining Commercial Tire, he spent a decade with John Deere, sharpening his expertise in marketing and retail strategy. Adrian helped lead Commerci…
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Marketing Strategies To Boost Bay Traffic With Joe Schafranek of Tread Partners
24:08
24:08
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24:08Joe Schafranek is an Account Manager at Tread Partners, a marketing agency focused on the tire and auto repair industry. With roots in Detroit and hands-on shop experience at Firestone and Big O, Joe brings a unique perspective to digital marketing through his understanding of both operations and data. Prior to Tread Partners, he helped grow BAIC a…
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An Open and Honest Approach to Marketing With Dan Kahn of Kahn Media
33:16
33:16
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33:16Dan Kahn is the Founder and CEO of Kahn Media, a public relations and marketing agency based in Los Angeles specializing in the automotive aftermarket. A lifelong car enthusiast, Dan began his career at age 16 by pitching and landing magazine features on a Mustang he restored with his father. Before founding Kahn Media in 2008, he worked as an auto…
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Legacy and Innovation With Dennis Feldman, Keleyah Miller and Justin Pursell of ITDG Next Gen
24:17
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24:17Dennis Feldman is the Chair of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and a third-generation operator at Performance Plus Tire, a family-owned business in Long Beach, California which specializes in classic car tires and aftermarket wheels. Keleyah Miller is the Vice Chair of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and part of the third generation at Main Street Tire in …
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Secrets to Scaling Your Auto Service Business With Joe Tomarchio Jr. of FOCUS Investment Banking
31:59
31:59
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31:59Joe Tomarchio Jr. is a Managing Director at FOCUS Investment Banking, where he specializes in helping auto service businesses scale and prepare for acquisition. Before joining FOCUS, Joe co-founded and scaled a 26-location tire and auto service chain, generating over $50M in revenue before selling it to Monro. With over 65 major acquisitions under …
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Driving Success as a Family Business With Steven and Susan Moss of Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive
36:57
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36:57Steven and Susan Moss are the owners of Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive, a three-location tire and automotive repair business in Burlington, North Carolina. Steven, who took over the business from his father in 2009, brings a hands-on background in automotive repair and business operations. Susan, after managing military contracts in her family's h…
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Why Racing and Auto Shops Go Hand in Hand With Rob Howden of USF Pro Racing
23:37
23:37
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23:37Rob Howden is the Director of Business Development and Series Announcer for USF Pro Championship Racing. Known as “The Voice of the Series,” he has been a fixture in motorsports media for over 30 years. He’s also the founder of Howden Media Group and eKarting News, where he continues to cover karting events across North America. Rob’s passion for r…
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How To Build a Culture While Scaling Fast With Logan Leslie of Main Street Auto
31:05
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31:05Logan Leslie is the Founder and CEO of Main Street Auto, a fast-growing network of tire and auto repair shops across the United States. After serving over eight years in the military, Logan pursued a joint law and business degree, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures. He launched Main Street Auto in 2021, starting with a singl…
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How SEMA Supports Tire Shops and Small Businesses With Mike Spagnola of SEMA
37:29
37:29
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37:29Mike Spagnola is President and CEO of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), a leading trade organization in the automotive aftermarket industry. With over 50 years of hands-on experience in the automotive world, Mike has been deeply involved in everything from car builds to legislative advocacy. Before leading SEMA, he built a career roote…
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From Food Service to Repair Shop Ownership With Nathan Rhodes of Total Automotive
25:09
25:09
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25:09Nathan Rhodes is the Owner of Total Automotive, an independent auto repair shop based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With a background in machining and welding, Nathan’s passion for cars began as a teenager maintaining his own vehicle. After working his way up from an installer at Pep Boys to a skilled technician, he eventually opened his own shop in 2…
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Right To Repair With Roy Littlefield IV, VP of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association
23:57
23:57
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23:57Roy Littlefield IV is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association. In his role, Roy leads advocacy efforts across state and federal levels to support independent tire and auto repair shops. With deep roots in the industry — his father also served in TIA leadership — Roy has been involved in policy from a young age. He…
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From One Shop to a Regional Auto Empire With Brian Bates of EAS Tire & Auto
37:55
37:55
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37:55Brian Bates is the President and Founder of EAS Tire & Auto, a growing chain of auto repair shops with 21 locations in the Denver metro area. After serving in the military, Brian entered the automotive industry, eventually opening his first shop in 2004. His company has expanded rapidly through strategic acquisitions and a partnership with Straight…
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Building a Franchise Empire With Gus Herlong of Palmetto Garage Works
36:54
36:54
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36:54Gus Herlong is the CEO and Co-owner of Palmetto Garage Works, a multi-location auto service franchise group based in South Carolina. Starting with five distressed Midas stores in Columbia, he has grown the company to 34 locations across multiple states. His leadership has earned him recognition including the Tire Business Humanitarian of the Year A…
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Racing, Risk, and Resilience With David Schardt of Forgeline Motorsports
19:52
19:52
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19:52David Schardt is the President and CEO of Forgeline Motorsports, a premier manufacturer of custom, lightweight forged wheels for high-performance and racing applications. In 1994, David co-founded Forgeline in Dayton, Ohio alongside his twin brother, Steve Schardt — their passion rooted in the family’s long-standing involvement in the wheel busines…
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One-Stop Tire and Accessories Shopping with Richard Balan, President of RTA
29:37
29:37
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29:37Richard Balan is the President of RTA Holdings, a company specializing in aftermarket vehicle outfitting, particularly commercial vehicles and off-road accessories. Notably, Raven Truck Accessories, under Richard's leadership, has successfully integrated with Trail Tire to create one-stop locations for customers, leveraging Trail Tire's extensive n…
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A Unique Approach to Business Growth With John Teddy, CEO of Straightaway Tire & Auto
34:48
34:48
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34:48John Teddy is the Chief Executive Officer of Straightaway Tire & Auto, bringing over 15 years of leadership experience in consumer retail and services. Before joining Straightaway, he served as Vice President of Take 5 Oil Change and held senior roles at Driven Brands, including Chief Commercial Officer. His career also includes strategic positions…
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Tim Szabo is the Owner of Trail Tire Edmonton Groat Road, with over three decades of experience in the automotive industry. Alongside Fixed Operations Manager Kasey Wood, Tim is dedicated to ensuring every customer departs fully satisfied with their experience. Ian McDonald is Manager at Kirks Trail Tire Auto Centers Northern Edge. He is a valued m…
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Selling a Repair Shop for Maximum Profit With Giorgio Andonian of FOCUS Investment Banking
21:47
21:47
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21:47Giorgio Andonian is the Managing Director at FOCUS Investment Banking, where he specializes in mergers and acquisitions within the Consumer and Automotive Aftermarket industries. He joined FOCUS in 2019, bringing over 15 years of operational experience, including his role as Vice President of a regional tire chain in Southern California, where he o…
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The Art of Building Relationships With Scott Bishop of Sailun Tires Americas
32:23
32:23
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32:23Scott Bishop is the Vice President of Passenger and Light Truck Tire Sales for the independent channel at Sailun Tire Americas, which specializes in offering a diverse range of tire brands. He has a wealth of experience in the tire industry, having worked his way up through other reputable companies like Bridgestone and Falken Tire over the years. …
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Automotive Excellence With 2024 AAPEX Technician of the Year Johnathon Bemis
25:52
25:52
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25:52Johnathon Bemis is the Lead Master Technician at VIP Tires & Service, known for its comprehensive tire and auto repair services in the New England area. Notably, Johnathon is the recipient of the prestigious 2024 AAPEX Technician of the Year Award, recognizing his exceptional skills and dedication in the industry. Johnathon's automotive journey hig…
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From Oil Changes to Leadership With TJ White of Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care
22:27
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22:27TJ White is the General Manager of Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care, a company with six locations in the Canton and Akron, Ohio area that specializes in tire and auto repair services. Under TJ's leadership, Tire Source has maintained strong community relationships and a reputation for customer loyalty, stemming from its innovative and efficient se…
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Adrenaline, Autos, and Achievements With Cory Brown of Cory's Point S Tire
23:57
23:57
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23:57Cory Brown is the Owner of Cory's Point S Tire in Rapid City, South Dakota. Under Cory's leadership, the business has expanded to two locations, employing 35-40 staff members. Outside of business hours, Cory characterizes himself as an adrenaline junkie who enjoys car racing, snowboarding, motocross, and mountain climbing. In this episode… As any i…
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Balancing Tradition and Growth With Ryan Thueson of Clair and Dee’s Tire
22:25
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22:25Ryan Thueson is the Owner of Clair and Dee's Tire, a family-owned business in Rexburg, Idaho, specializing in tire services and auto repair as part of the Point S network. Clair and Dee's Tire has expanded from a single store to five locations in the past three years, showcasing its growth and dedication to customer service. Ryan, representing the …
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Jim Richards is the National Co-op Recruitment Manager at Point S, travelling extensively throughout the US to meet with independent tire dealers with the goal of educating them on the benefits of joining Point S — increased buying power and support from a national network. Mickie Segotta is the Owner of Point S American Tire in Gallup, New Mexico.…
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Tire Shop Lessons With Dustin Dobbs, Hunt Demarest, Walter Lybeck, Steven Fafel, and Ron Dolan
15:02
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15:02Dustin Dobbs is the President of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, a family-owned business headquartered in St. Louis. Under his leadership, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers has expanded to over 50 locations across Missouri, Illinois, and Texas. Dustin was immersed in the family business from a young age, instilling in him a strong work ethic and commitment to t…
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Revolutionizing Auto Repair Using AI With Linda Gray of Mastertech.ai
25:52
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25:52Linda Gray is Co-founder of Mastertech.ai, an innovative company that is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to transform the auto repair industry. Linda brings a wealth of experience from her time at Microsoft, where she was a principal engineer and led teams on major products like Outlook, Teams, and Xbox Live. Now, Linda is applying …
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From Tires to Touchdowns With Jack Limbaugh, President of Jack’s OK Tire Service
27:29
27:29
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27:29Jack Limbaugh is President of Jack's OK Tire Service, a family-owned tire service business based in Algona, Iowa. Under his leadership, the company has expanded significantly, now operating multiple locations and providing exceptional customer service to agricultural and commercial customers. Jack is passionate about college football, with a rich f…
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Rolling Into the Future: The East Bay Tire Legacy and Vision With Joseph Pehanick
28:48
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28:48Joseph Pehanick is the Co-owner and incoming CEO of East Bay Tire, a family-owned independent tire distributor and commercial service provider for over 75 years. Under his leadership, East Bay Tire has expanded its reach with multiple locations in California, Arizona, and Hawaii and has been recognized for its low employee turnover rates and robust…
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Core Values Drive Success With Dave Christopher, Co-founder and Co-owner of Tread Partners
24:52
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24:52Dave Christopher is Co-founder and Co-owner of Tread Partners, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in tire and auto repair operations with locations spanning from five to hundreds. Under his leadership, Tread Partners’ success and reputation has flourished over the past 14 years. Dave grew up immersed in the automotive industry, as his …
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Revolutionizing Tire Service With Derek Naidoo, CEO of USA GoMobile
23:26
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23:26Derek Naidoo is the Founder and Owner of USA GoMobile, a company that offers convenient mobile tire, oil change, and battery services to customers at their preferred locations. Since its inception in 2018, GoMobile has expanded to 48 franchises, overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues, and establishing a signific…
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Transforming the Tire Industry With Ryan Ragan of Automotive Service & Tire Alliance
29:49
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29:49Ryan Ragan is the Executive Director of the Automotive Service & Tire Alliance, where he focuses on enhancing value to members through innovative programs and training in the tech and tire sectors. Under his leadership, ASTA aims to expand its reach with events and educational initiatives, fostering greater involvement from the tire industry in add…
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[SEMA Series] At SEMA With Seth Glauberman, Jim Ring, Justin Rae, Brock Swentzel, Mike Graber, and Sonny McDonald
17:14
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17:14Seth Glauberman is the President of Malco Automotive. A fourth-generation member of the family company specializing in automotive detailing products, Seth has been with Malco Automotive for 20 years. The company focuses on professional-grade products, while also venturing into products for discerning do-it-yourselfers. Jim Ring is the Owner and Par…
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[SEMA Series] Roy Littlefield IV, Sam Felberbaum, Lance Bullock, Norris Marshall, and Michael Mathis
17:05
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17:05Roy Littlefield IV currently serves as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association. He currently works on both state and federal legislation and has testified and submitted testimony on a variety of issues impacting the industry. Roy also helps to publish a variety of legislative newsletters for the Tire Industry Associat…
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[SEMA Series] Connecting Tire Leaders with Don Detore, Clint Young, Doug Kershaw, Melanie White, and Scott Bishop
19:37
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19:37Don Detore, Editor at Tire Business, oversees the daily editorial operations of Tire Business, the leading trade magazine for the tire industry published by Crain Communications. Don also has experience as a managing editor, adjunct professor, and executive editor. Clint Young, President and Chief Operating Officer at Point S Tire and Auto Service,…
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Focusing on Helping Independent Tire Dealers With Mike Burns of ITDG
31:34
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31:34Mike Burns is the Sales Director at Independent Tire Dealers Group, a company that supports independent tire dealers across the US by providing competitive buying power and networking opportunities. Under Mike's leadership, ITDG has achieved a 40% increase in locations over the past four years, expanding to 1,174 points of sale. Originally from New…
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Work Ethic and Success With Dustin Dobbs of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers
25:42
25:42
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25:42Dustin Dobbs is the President of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, a family-owned business headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, specializing in tire and auto repair services. Under his leadership, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers has expanded to over 50 locations across Missouri, Illinois, and Texas, continuing the legacy started by his grandfather in 1976. D…
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Empowering Leadership and Family Legacy With Reed Parman of Big Chief Tire
31:56
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31:56Reed Parman is the President and Owner of Big Chief Tire, a company specializing in tire sales and auto services with five locations in Jacksonville, Florida. Big Chief Tire was founded in 1961, and Reed’s leadership has helped maintain its reputation for excellent customer service and long-term employee retention. Reed grew up in the tire business…
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Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges With Jared Kugel of Tire Agent
30:51
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30:51Jared Kugel is the CEO and Founder of Tire Agent, an innovative e-commerce platform revolutionizing how consumers purchase and install tires across the US. Tire Agent has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies, ranking #936 on the Inc. 5000 list, with Jared himself being a 2024 finalist in the New York area's Ernst & Young Entrepre…
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Navigating the Road to Trust With Kermit Pridemore of Smoky Hill Auto Service
28:34
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28:34Kermit Pridemore is Co-owner of Smoky Hill Auto Service in Aurora, Colorado, bringing years of family business experience into his own venture. Kermit's approach to business is heavily influenced by his father's lessons on identifying important priorities, championing impeccable customer service and trust-building in the automotive industry. With a…
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Steering the Wheels of Change With Chris Barry of Independent Tire Dealer Group
31:26
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31:26Chris Barry is Vice President of Sales at Independent Tire Dealer Group. Since 1998, Chris has significantly contributed to the company's growth. He started his career selling incense door-to-door and later managed an athletic shop frequented by celebrities in Southern California. Chris transitioned into the tire industry with AKH Discount Tires, g…
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Tires Transformed For Sustainability With David Brandenstein and Mark Kinkelaar of Prism Worldwide
29:58
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29:58David Brandenstein is the Key Account Manager at Prism Worldwide. Originally from Evansville, Indiana, David boasts a rich background in the chemical materials industry. He retired a few years ago before being lured back into the workforce by Prism. His career has been dedicated to supplying raw materials for daily-use products, leading him to purs…
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It’s All About The People With Eric Gill at Gills Point S Tire & Auto Service
24:18
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24:18Eric Gill is the President and CEO of Gills Point S Tire & Auto Service. A seasoned entrepreneur, Eric masterminded the expansion of Gills Point S Tire & Auto Service from a solitary tire store to 71 locations across 24 years. His background includes a marketing and accounting degree, state tax return filing for Weyerhaeuser’s corporate department …
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