Gain Traction
Neal Maier and Mike Edge
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The Gain Traction podcast features top automotive entrepreneurs and experts and shares their inspiring stories.
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6 hours ago
A Personal Support System for Independent Auto Shops With George Kingman of Advanced Shop Leadership
George Kingman is Founder and CEO of both Advanced Shop Leadership and BlueSky Tire and Auto Service, a burgeoning chain of stores with five locations in under five years. After beginning his journey in the tire and automotive industry as a teenage tire tech, George took a 17-year hiatus where he managed two businesses and held a senior analyst role focused on enhancing operational processes for one of America's largest banks. His passion for the automotive industry eventually drew him back, leading to a successful run in various roles from stores and districts to corporate positions. After briefly overseeing the original 20 Group, George established ASL with a mission to enhance the quality of life for independent tire and automotive service retailers, emphasizing efficient operations, teammate satisfaction, and financial growth. In this episode…
In an era where independent automotive businesses are easily overlooked, one person has realized the need for a more personal and passionate approach to serving independent automotive businesses — and has acted.
George Kingman founded Automotive Shop Leadership out of a desire to provide a continuously-evolving support system for independent automotive professionals, catering to their unique needs. ASL offers a variety of services including bookkeeping and workshops for store managers, entry-level individuals, and experienced leaders. Its focus is on fostering growth, leadership, and a positive culture within each group. George says ASL’s success lies in the sense of community it fosters, where members become like family, sharing their experiences and understanding the challenges of the automotive industry.
On this episode of Gain Traction, George joins Mike Edge for a conversation about recognizing gaps and common weaknesses for independent businesses in the tire and auto repair industry and creating a service that addresses those. He talks about the areas where consultation and assistance are most often needed, and how his company can help. George also discusses his other business, BlueSky Tire & Auto Service, and shares its origin story. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Why it was urgent for George Kingman to start working at a tire store as a teenager
* Why George is not a believer in implementing a standard system across multiple independent stores
* George explains why he prefers working in the tire and auto repair industry over banking
* BlueSky Tire & Auto Service’s origin story
* Where George first conceived the idea for Advanced Shop Leadership
* The multiple areas of focus and coaching provided by ASL
* Why bookkeeping is often an area in which tire and auto shops need coaching Resources mentioned in this episode:
* George Kingman on LinkedIn
* Advanced Shop Leadership
* BlueSky Tire & Auto Service
* Bridgestone Tire
* Mike Edge on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Nov 29, 2023
Optimizing Performance by Committing to Staff Development With Charles Mesones of Cook’s Tire & Service
Charles Mesones, Partner at Cook's Tire & Service, has been a dedicated professional in the tire and auto repair Industry for over 25 years, following in the footsteps of his father who managed a competing company during the 1980s. Charles' journey began as a teenager, working under his father's guidance, where he learned valuable life and business lessons. Today, Charles proudly continues the family tradition, with his eldest son excelling as a service advisor and his middle son voluntarily contributing on weekends, embodying the family's passion for the industry. In this episode…
How do you get the best out of your employees? What type of culture breeds a hardworking staff that prioritizes excellent service?
According to Charles Mesones of Cook’s Tire & Service, his goal is to create an environment where employees feel they are part of something meaningful — not just earning a paycheck. While he places a high value on stability, Charles prioritizes development and growth even more. He advocates for continual self-improvement, encouraging his team to become better versions of themselves through small, consistent wins and learning from failures. He stresses the importance of humility in leadership, acknowledging mistakes and correcting them, thus fostering a culture of growth and respect within the business.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Charles for a conversation about an effective approach to staff and culture development. Charles talks about how two of his sons are making their way in the auto industry, why he prioritizes affording his team members with beneficial career experience over employee retention, and the value of difficult conversations between leadership and individual contributors. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Charles Mesones describes the culture at Cook’s Tire and Service
* How Charles ensures that everyone who works for his company grows and develops
* Why difficult conversations with employees shouldn’t be avoided by leadership
* Turning points and accomplishments Charles is most proud of from his time with Cook’s
* How a former employee went from facing homelessness to managing a group of competing stores
* Why Charles has read Atomic Habits by James Clear numerous times Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Cook’s Tire & Service
* Atomic Habits by James Clear
* Mike Edge on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Nov 22, 2023
Using Technology To Establish Customer Trust With Keegan Wentz, President of McMahon Tech Center
Keegan Wentz is the President of McMahon's Automotive Technology Center, a family-owned service and repair shop based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His vision and dedication have transformed the company into a pioneering institution for automotive technician training and career development. Under his leadership, McMahon’s has implemented a comprehensive training program that not only imparts technical skills but also focuses on professionalism and ethics. An ASE Master Tech with a rich background in training others in Original Equipment technology, Keegan has significantly enhanced the service quality and customer experience at McMahon's. His commitment to staying abreast of emerging vehicle technologies, including electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems, positions McMahon’s at the forefront of the industry. In this episode…
When a customer brings a vehicle to your shop for repair, do they automatically believe you’ll figure out the problem? How do you establish that trust between customers and repair technicians?
According to Keegan Wentz from McMahon’s Best-One Tire and Auto Care, a Digital Vehicle Inspection serves as a transparency tool, bridging the knowledge gap between the workshop and the people in the waiting area. A DVI is akin to a vehicle's report card, detailing its condition with supportive photos and videos, enabling customers to see exactly what the technicians see. Using DVIs, Keegan points to McMahon's emphasis on openness, using it to document, recommend, and transmit vehicle information to customers via email or text. Keegan notes that it’s part of a broader commitment to professionalism in the automotive industry, aiming to combat its negative reputation by fostering trust and transparency, one customer at a time.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Keegan joins Mike Edge to discuss the importance of establishing trust between the repair technicians and customers — and utilizing technology to build that trust. Keegan reveals his method for maintaining a lean and efficient operation while recognizing deficiencies in his team’s process and fixing or improving them. He talks about the value of technological advancements in tire and auto repair and goals for his company moving forward. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Keegan Wentz shares how he got started in the automotive industry
* When Keegan became interested in technology
* Putting McMahon’s Best-One Tire and Auto Care at the forefront of technological advancements in auto repair
* The methodology Keegan uses for implementing and maintaining a lean, efficient operation
* How deficiencies are recognized and improved at McMahon’s
* Keegan’s goals for McMahon’s moving forward Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Keegan Wentz on LinkedIn
* McMahon's Best-One Tire
* Don Detore on LinkedIn
* Kim McMahon on LinkedIn
* Kaizen
* The 5S method
* Autoflow
* Mike Edge on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Nov 10, 2023
Camaraderie and Passion on Full Display at the 2023 SEMA Trade Show With Mike Edge of Tread Partners
Don Detore is the Editor of Tire Business, an industry trade magazine published by Crain Communications, and has over 35 years of journalism experience.
Geoff Doster is the President of Linglong Tires, spearheading the brand’s North American growth initiatives.
George Kingman is the Founder of Advanced Shop Leadership, a group of consultants focused on improving financials, team culture, training, customer experience, and operational excellence.
Greg Draper is in charge of purchasing at Dunlap & Kyle Tire Company, a tire distribution company who sells to wholesalers and resellers.
Jordan Swerdloff is the Founder of ADV.1 Wheels, and Chief Of Design and Partner at 4PLAY Wheels, making industry leading wheels specifically for trucks.
Melanie White is the CEO of Hellwig Products, a part of her family for four generations, and is the SEMA Chairman-elect.
Michael Mathis is the President of Atturo Tire, a niche brand of private-label tires for the SUV, crossover and 4x4 market.
Robert “Sonny” McDonald is Sr. National Training Manager at Toyo Tires, where he has worked for more than 20 years. He previously served as an aircraft maintenance specialist in the US Air Force.
Troy Coughlin Jr. is the Vice President of JEGS High Performance. He is a retired drag racer and three-time champion of the Pro Mod class.
Wade Kawasaki is Executive Chairman of The Wheel Group and has started and built multiple aftermarket companies. In this episode…
The Specialty Equipment Market Association hosts an annual exposition event. The 2023 SEMA Trade Show was the pinnacle event in the automotive aftermarket industry, drawing thousands of key buyers and decision-makers who were eager to engage with exhibitors.
Participants value the SEMA Trade Show for the unparalleled networking opportunities it provides, facilitating business expansion within a vibrant community. The chairman-elect, Melanie White, highlights the show's growth and SEMA's crucial role in advocating for automotive rights, such as the right to work on one's own vehicle, which resonates deeply with small business owners. SEMA not only represents the largest assembly of small businesses worldwide but also a bulwark protecting the interests of the automotive community.
On this special episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge attends the annual SEMA Trade Show in Las Vegas, where he speaks with ten participants who discuss the value of the trade show, their appreciation for SEMA as an association, and the focus of their respective automotive businesses. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Don Detore talks about what the SEMA trade show means to the Tire Business publication
* What makes SEMA valuable to 26-year industry veteran Geoff Doster?
* George Kingman describes clients’ improved work-life balance after receiving coaching from Advanced Shop Leadership
* Why coming to the trade show is important for Greg Draper to thrive in his role as a purchasing manager
* Jordan Swerdloff reacts to winning the 2023 New Product of the Year award in the wheel category
* Melanie White shares how her great grandfather founded Hellwig Products in 1946
* The SEMA trade show is the biggest gathering of small business owners and executives in the world
* The brand-new tire Michael Mathis and Atturo Tires introduced at SEMA
* Robert “Sonny” McDonald discusses how SEMA promotes the aftermarket
* Troy Coughlin Jr. discusses the types of products available at JEGS.com
* Wade Kawasaki describes the crowd and overall vibe at the SEMA trade show Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Don Detore on LinkedIn
* Tire Business
* Geoff Doster on LinkedIn
* Linglong Tire
* George Kingman on LinkedIn
* Advanced Shop Leadership
* Greg Draper on LinkedIn
* Dunlap & Kyle on Facebook
* Jordan Swerdloff on LinkedIn
* ADV.1
* Melanie White on LinkedIn
* Hellwig Products
* Michael Mathis on LinkedIn
* Atturo Tires
* Robert “Sonny” McDonald on LinkedIn
* Toyo Tires
* JEGS High Performance
* Wade Kawasaki on LinkedIn
* The Wheel Group
* SEMA 2023 Recap
* SEMA 2024
* Mike Edge on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Nov 8, 2023
Recognizing the Good and Fixing the Bad With Randy O’Connor of Dealer to Dealer Development Group
Randy O'Connor is the Owner of Dealer to Dealer (D2D) Development Group, which offers financial and operational consulting for the independent tire and auto service market in North America. The company's primary offering is a business growth strategy rooted in peer-to-peer networks, specifically the 20 Group format. Randy's strength lies in strategic analysis and process improvement. Drawing from varied roles across diverse industries, he's distinguished himself as an adept operator, crafting long-term solutions for sustained positive outcomes. In this episode…
Tire and auto repair shops seem to face increasing difficulty in the way they set up their employee pay structure. As a result, it becomes challenging to explain why an entry-level employee is being paid a certain amount when he or she can drive for Amazon at a higher rate. Does this problem have an easy solution?
According to Randy O’Connor, from Dealer to Dealer Development Group, the situation has been complicated. If you can't explain a pay plan in a matter of five to 10 seconds, Randy says, it's not the right pay plan. People have to understand what and how they're getting paid. Commissions should be administered appropriately for general service workers and tire technicians, he suggests, offering accountability for quick work and professional inspections — not for selling oil filters and alignments, commissions that should be reserved for sales pros.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier welcomes Randy for a conversation regarding the latest trends in the tire and auto repair industry. They talk about both the positives and the negatives, with suggestions for fixing the latter. Randy emphasizes the importance and value of a professional inspection to both the customer and the shop, and he discusses the customer experience advantage independents have over large chains. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Randy O’Connor provides an update on tire industry developments based on recent data
* How base cost is increasing compared to payroll cost in the tire and auto repair industry
* Randy discusses the importance of accurately explaining a pay plan to an entry-level applicant
* What is a reasonable incentive-based pay plan for tire technicians and general service employees?
* How the auto industry could improve its professional inspection process
* Why independent tire and auto repair shops always have a customer experience advantage over large chains
* Randy shares how The One Minute Manager is a helpful book for anyone in leadership Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Randy O’Connor on LinkedIn
* Dealer to Dealer Development Group
* The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
* Neal Maier on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Nov 1, 2023
Reacting to Changes in the Marketplace With Michael Chung of Auto Care Association
Michael Chung is the Senior Director of Market Intelligence at Auto Care Association, where he spearheads market research initiatives for the automotive aftermarket sector. He plays a pivotal role in keeping industry members informed about market trends, primarily through monthly content, the promotion of a comprehensive industry data platform, and the publication of an annual factbook. Before joining the association, Michael co-led a market research consultancy, focusing on client relationships and strategic planning. Outside of his corporate responsibilities, he also serves as an adjunct professor, teaching environmental health and water quality to Master of Public Health students. In this episode…
The tire and auto repair industry has recently encountered some unwelcome marketplace changes: Inflation has increased, interest rates have been hiking up, the cost of capital has risen, and the pandemic led to supply chain issues that have persisted to this day. How does that impact the price of goods and services? Is it all being passed along to the customer?
The Auto Care Association has conducted a member survey, according to Market Intelligence Director Michael Chung, asking executive-level managers about excess inventory, inventory management, and price changes. They found that product, customer, and market strategies have shifted quite a bit over the past several years and some had to find different suppliers. Stocking up on key and critical input materials has been common, Michael says, along with the diversification of supply sources.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Michael to chat about the strategic shifts executives and managers in the tire and auto industry have made as a result of increased interest rates, inflation, and supply chain difficulties. Michael shares some key takeaways from a recent survey which revealed changes in consumer driving habits and frequency of service. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Michael Chung discusses his background as an environmental engineer and how he started working at the Auto Care Association
* Who the Auto Care Association advocates for
* How Michael is working to educate lawmakers on issues pertaining to Right to Repair
* Why competition is healthy for those in the tire and auto industry
* Michael lists some benefits of membership with the Auto Care Association
* Key takeaways from a a member survey regarding the impact of inflation, rising interest rates, cost of capital, and supply chain challenges Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Michael Chung on LinkedIn
* Auto Care Association
* Right to Repair
* Giorgio Andonian on LinkedIn
* FOCUS Investment Banking
* Mike Edge on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Oct 25, 2023
The Importance of Trust From Tire Dealers and Customers With Cody Lang of Tire Solutions
Cody Lang is Vice President of Sales at Tire Solutions. He embarked on his journey in the tire industry from a young age, inspired by his father's passion for the trade. From playful childhood memories of "playing tire store" with Matchbox cars to overcoming challenges as a young salesperson in a seasoned industry, Cody’s dedication is evident. His proudest achievement is contributing to the growth of Tire Solutions, a startup that began in 2010 with only five employees and has since flourished, boasting a team of 35 today. In this episode…
If you are a relatively-small family-owned tire business, how do you compete against and differentiate yourself from larger, corporate-owned competition?
According to Cody Lang, Tire Solutions takes a different approach to its business by placing a primary focus on the customer experience. When you pay a visit to one of its locations, in the conference room, you’ll see one thing written across the top of the board: “we can be the best in the world at relationships.” And in today's market, Cody says, it's not just all about tires. He knows there's a lot of big businesses out there, and the amount of small businesses is decreasing, but he believes many people desire to support small businesses above purchasing a product for its price alone.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge visits with Cody about the challenges faced by small business owners in the tire and auto repair industry and the possible ways to overcome them. He discusses the importance of trust in a shop’s relationship with both customers and tire dealers and why going above and beyond can have great value. Cody also explains why offering an additional warranty at no cost to the customer can instill confidence in a product. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Cody Lang describes the makeup of his Tire Solutions team and how it stacks up against similar entities
* Why going above and beyond for the customer can have tremendous value
* How Cody anticipates his brand expanding in the near future
* What tire brands does Tire Solutions offer its customers?
* Why it’s important for a shop to gain trust from tire dealers
* Cody tells a funny story about being drenched by an exploding radiator hose before an important sales dinner Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Cody Lang on LinkedIn
* Tire Solutions
* Giorgio Andonian on LinkedIn
* Sonny McDonald on LinkedIn
* Mike Edge on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Oct 18, 2023
The Value of a Long-Term Exit Strategy With Giorgio Andonian of FOCUS Investment Banking
Giorgio Andonian is the Managing Director at FOCUS Investment Banking. Since joining the company in 2019, he has been instrumental in guiding mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and capital raises for middle-market businesses in the Consumer and Automotive Aftermarket sectors. Prior to FOCUS, Giorgio served as vice president of 55 Inc. in Southern California and has held other roles in the tire industry spanning finance, operations, and supply chain management. He holds a MBA from Pepperdine University and several professional licenses including Series 79, Series 82, and Series 63. In this episode…
Are you considering selling your tire and auto repair shop in the near future, or maybe the distant future? How far in advance should you begin planning your exit?
According to Giorgio Andonian from FOCUS Investment Banking, it’s never too early to start taking the necessary steps because these transactions often take longer than expected. Giorgio says his company recently played a part in a sale that took three years to complete due to the advanced maturity of the tire industry. Among the questions to start considering now: Are you a C Corp or an S Corp? Are you charging yourself fair-market rent? What will management look like when you are no longer the owner?
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Giorgio for a conversation about the many aspects of selling a tire and auto repair shop. He explains why it’s important to know what type of corporation you are, why you should start planning for a potential sale with your accountants years in advance, and the considerations associated with ownership of the property where the shop is located. Giorgio also talks about what he learned while working at his family’s Discount Tire Centers. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Growing up in the tire business as a small child
* How Giorgio Andonian became involved in his family business, Discount Tire Centers of Southern California, as an adult
* Why Giorgio’s inventory management experience in the tire industry has paid off with FOCUS Investment Banking
* Pep Boys’ acquisition of 25 of Giorgio’s family’s 50 Discount Tire Center location
* How Giorgio and his father more than doubled annual retail revenue after scaling down to two locations
* What precipitated Giorgio’s transition into investment banking?
* Advice to shop owners who are considering selling their business Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Giorgio Andonian on LinkedIn
* FOCUS Investment Banking
* Michael McGregor on LinkedIn
* Mike Edge on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Oct 11, 2023
A Reporter’s Journey From Covering Sports to Tires With Don Detore of Tire Business
Don Detore is the Editor of Tire Business, an industry trade magazine published by Crain Communications. Before this, he began his tenure at Rubber & Plastics News in March 2013 as a copy editor and was later promoted to managing editor. With over 35 years in journalism, Don has held significant roles at The Repository in Canton, including sports editor, managing editor, and executive editor. He holds a bachelor's degree in communication arts from Walsh University. In this episode…
When you grow up as a sports fan and eventually become a sports reporter — getting paid to cover historic NFL games, including all-time great basketball players like LeBron James — could you possibly enjoy a job where you write about tires?
According to Don Detore, who spent over 25 years covering sports for Ohio newspapers before transitioning to writing for tire industry publications, the answer is a definite "yes." Since changing direction, Don says he has immersed himself in the industry and fallen in love with it. According to Don, covering the tire industry is fun, interesting, and entertaining mainly because of his relationships with people who have become friends for life.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Don joins Mike Edge to talk about going from covering sports and Hall of Fame athletes to writing about the tire industry. Don takes Mike on his career journey with fascinating stories about constantly trying to get an interview with Fran Tarkenton, being on the field during John Elway's legendary 98-yard drive against the Browns, and a crazy situation he witnessed on the road with a team. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Don Detore discusses covering LeBron James as a sports reporter in Ohio
* How an interview with Fran Tarkenton changed Don’s image of his childhood hero
* Why Don and his wife named their first dog Webster
* Don shares how he transitioned from the newspaper industry to writing and editing for tire publications
* What are Don and his team at Tire Business currently working on?
* Don reveals the hit TV show where his mentor’s daughter was a star Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Don Detore on LinkedIn
* Tire Business
* The Repository in Canton
* Webster Slaughter
* Rubber News
* Lance Bullock on LinkedIn
* Mike Edge on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Oct 4, 2023
Truth and Transparency in the Tire Industry With Frank Frattale of Trimax Tire-Maxon International
Frank Frattale is the Director of Sales at Trimax Tire-Maxon International. With a rich history in the automotive industry, Frank has honed his skills in management, account management, sales, strategic planning, and business development. He is an accomplished sales professional, having previously worked for Fury Tires, NAMA Tires Inc. and NEXEN TIRE. In this episode…
How do you build long-term partnerships or relationships with customers? Treat them the way you’d like to be treated.
According to Trimax Tire-Maxon International’s Frank Frattale, that starts with respect and complete transparency. Many distributors tend to shy away from telling the truth for fear of losing a customer, but Frank says customers respect and appreciate honesty and will stay loyal — even after receiving bad news — if they know you’re being transparent with them.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Frank joins Neal Maier and Matt Peters for a conversation about treating customers in a way that encourages them to partner with you in good times and bad. Frank talks about the importance of transparency and the benefits that can come from it. He discusses his thirty-year journey in the auto and tire industry and shares valuable advice crucial to his success. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Frank Frattale talks about his entry into the auto industry
* Why Frank transitioned from selling wheels to selling tires
* Which brands does Trimax Tire-Maxon International import and distribute?
* How the recent industry struggle with production and shipping affected Frank’s approach to working with customers
* Why complete transparency is an effective method of communication in the tire business
* Frank reveals the best advice he’s ever received Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Frank Frattale on LinkedIn
* Trimax Tire-Maxon International
* Parnelli Jones
* Neal Maier on LinkedIn
* Matt Peters on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Sep 27, 2023
Profits and Product Performance Produce Partnerships With Scott Weeden of Barnwell House of Tires
Scott Weeden is the Vice President of Sales at Barnwell House of Tires. With over two decades in the trucking industry, he previously managed his own freight company and oversaw the New York City market for a commercial tire manufacturer. In his position at Barnwell, Scott has cultivated a team of 22 sales representatives, leading to a 60% increase in revenue. Additionally, he serves on the Tire Industry Association board, contributing to the safety of tire technicians, drivers, and pedestrians. In this episode…
How do you convince potential clients that it’s worth partnering with your company? According to Scott Weeden, who leads the sales team at Barnwell House of Tires, it starts with an efficient process and eliminating mistakes in the transaction paperwork — after that it comes down to the performance of your product. Scott says a refined process combined with reliable product performance drives profits, resulting in partnerships.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Scott talks to Mike Edge about what makes a shop attractive to potential clients. He explains what it means to provide reliable and exceptional service, offer a mistake-free transaction process, ensure product performance, drive profits, and gain partnerships. Lastly, Scott shares a crazy story about a memorable experience with a customer and discusses some classic movie scenes. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Scott Weeden talks about growing up in Seattle
* How Scott began to work at Barnwell House of Tires
* Scott provides insight on some of his major accomplishments in the tire industry
* What sets Barnwell apart from others in the industry?
* Scott’s story about an intimidating experience he had with a customer
* Which scenes from Glengarry Glen Ross and The Usual Suspects are Scott’s all-time favorites? Resources mentioned in this episode:
* Scott Weeden Biography
* Barnwell House of Tires
* Kevin Gorman on LinkedIn
* Jimmy Gorman on LinkedIn
* Mason Hess on LinkedIn
* Purcell Tire and Service Centers
* Mike Edge on LinkedIn
* Tread Partners Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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Sep 20, 2023
Looking Back on 100 Episodes With Neal Maier, David Christopher, and Mike Edge of Tread Partners
Neal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive.
Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call.
David was previously a Partner at 3VE and the Founder of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and operating businesses, including his own family’s auto repair shop.
Mike Edge is in business development at Tread Partners. He has had a lengthy career in his field, having previously been the Owner and Business Development expert for Resource Connection, Inc., Director of Business Development at Upright Communications, and Owner of T.M. Edge, Inc. In this episode…
When Neal Maier, David Christopher, and Mike Edge from Tread Partners first decided to do a podcast fe…
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Sep 13, 2023
Revolutionizing Tire Sales With George Silagadze, Vice President of TireConnect
George Silagadze is the Vice President of TireConnect, a company that has revolutionized the way tires are sold. He founded the company in 2013 and it was acquired by Bridgestone in 2015. George has worked with Bridgestone to transform the tire sales landscape, revolutionizing the practice through direct referrals and online platforms. In this episode…
The true definition of entrepreneurship is the ability to recognize a gap in the marketplace, fill it with your own ideas and abilities to satisfy the desires of the consumer. There’s no better example of this than the story of George Silagadze, who combined his background in digital marketing with his frustration getting quotes on tires for his wife’s car. This led him to launch TireConnect, which started as a website called Get New Tires and quickly evolved into a valuable entity that was acquired by Bridgestone.
On this episode of Gain Traction, George Silagadze, Vice President of TireConnect, joins Neal Maier and Matthew Pete…
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Sep 6, 2023
Relationships Drive Success With JP Gallagher, President of Gallagher Tire
JP Gallagher is the President of Gallagher Tire, a leading specialty tire wholesaler based in the US. Assuming leadership in 2003, JP has expertly guided the company's expansion, establishing warehouses in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Upstate New York and launching online consumer tire sales website Tires4That.com in 2017. Drawing from his vast experience at the forefront of a family business, he emphasizes the importance of both respecting current management practices and being agile in implementing changes for future success. In this episode…
What is the key to long-lasting success in the tire industry? For Gallagher Tire, a specialty tire wholesaler in business since 1968, it’s all about relationships.
According to JP Gallagher, who started his career in the warehouse and worked his way up to the executive level, relationships have enabled Gallagher Tire to find great employees and keep customers coming back for half a century. He says understanding what employees are going t…
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Aug 30, 2023
Growing Customer Awareness With Bill Bainbridge, Former VP of Marketing and Business Development with CJ’s Tire and Automotive
Bill Bainbridge retired in March 2023 after more than 45 years in the tire industry. Bill was Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for CJ’s Tire and Automotive, where he helped grow the brand from 11 to 17 locations. His journey in marketing, communications, and sales involved nearly every area of the tire business from retail to wholesale. During his career, Bill established a track record of creating and managing marketing platforms that generated exceptional return on investment. In this episode…
It seems like there's a new tire brand every time we turn around, and they’re all competing for space in the minds of consumers. What are some unique steps that someone starting a new brand can take to drive awareness?
According to Bill Bainbridge, who recently retired from working at CJ’s Tire and Automotive, sports are a highly effective channel. If he were launching a brand, Bill says he would make a large investment in marketing through motorsports. He urges ne…
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Aug 16, 2023
How Core Values Enhance Credibility With John Repp, Sales Manager for Dunlap & Kyle Co.
John Repp is Sales Manager for Dunlap & Kyle Co., one of the leading tire distributors in the nation. John got his long-sought start in the automotive industry by taking a job at a National Tire Wholesale in Nashville, TN while working a second job to make ends meet. He worked several roles with Bridgestone for nearly 20 years before joining Dunlap & Kyle. In this episode…
What’s the secret to building a long-term foundation of credibility for your business? Start by establishing core values and getting your team to buy in. According to John Repp from Dunlap & Kyle Co., his company’s core values are ingrained into its culture. When team members come to work, they live by the following mantras: Go Big, Champion Your Customer, Give a Damn, Get Your Hands Dirty, and Have Their Back. The mindset gained by upholding these values, John says, has yielded results that keep customers coming back.
On this episode of Gain Traction, John joins Mike Edge to discuss the benefits that come fr…
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Aug 9, 2023
How To Hire a Great Technician With Chris Lawson of Technician Find
Chris Lawson is the Founder of Technician Find, which helps independent automotive and diesel repair shops use creative ads and social media marketing to find good techs faster. He is also a digital marketing strategist with Astute Social Media and host of the Technician Find Office Hours podcast. Chris launched Technician Find in 2017 after he was asked to give a social media presentation for ten independent repair shop owners, nine of which became clients. In this episode…
If you own a tire or repair shop and need to hire an experienced, qualified technician, what is your process for recruitment? Do you post an ad somewhere online? If so, you may be going about it the wrong way — according to Chris Lawson of Technician Find, even if you have a good ad, it’s probably not being seen by a sufficient quantity of qualified people and you may end up hiring just a warm body.
Chris describes the process of finding a good technician as similar to starting out a fishing trip, beginning…
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Aug 2, 2023
Expanding Your Portfolio To Meet Customer Demand With Lance Bullock of OE Wheels
Lance Bullock is President of OE Wheels, where he has worked since early 2006. He has used his background in finance and operations to contribute to the overall modernization, direction, and growth of the company. Under Lance’s leadership, OE Wheels has grown to become the largest independent replica wheel distributor in North America and is the parent company to 4Play Wheels and Defiant Wheels. In this episode…
What should you do when demand outgrows what you have to offer? You expand your portfolio. That’s exactly what OE Wheels did, according to Lance Bullock. He says when wheels started flying off the shelves, OE forged a path to manufacturing: changing finishes, sizes, and some offsets. Eventually, OE Wheels evolved into a bit of an aftermarket replica company and started adding brands. Lance hired a designer and brand manager, and OE Wheels became the parent company to two new wheel brands: 4Play Wheels and Defiant Wheels.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Lance joins Mik…
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Jul 26, 2023
Supplying and Servicing Big Tires in the Mining Industry With Mason Hess of Purcell Tire
Mason Hess is the Director of Global Mining Division at Purcell Tire and an Executive Board Member and past President of the Tire Industry Association. He is a third-generation “tire guy” whose grandfather ran an independent tire store and whose father worked in the tire industry for decades. Mason began working full-time in the tire industry in 1995, joining D&D Tire in 2007 before it was purchased by Purcell Tire. In this episode…
When you think about the tires and the various industries that rely on them, you probably overlook the mining industry — which not only relies on very large and expensive tires, but also depends on a tremendous amount of service from tire professionals. Because of that dependence on service, Purcell Tire’s Mason Hess says there’s a true partnership between the mining and tire industries. Mining professionals purchase expensive tires — which can cost up to $100,000 apiece — before tire professionals go in with intent to add value, extend tir…
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Jul 19, 2023
Roy Littlefield of the Tire Industry Association on Tire Registration and Right to Repair Legislation
Roy Littlefield retired as CEO of the Tire Industry Association in late 2021. He began working there in 2002, and his tire industry career spans over 50 years. As CEO, he grew TIA’s membership from 2,700 to 13,000. He started his career in 1975, volunteering for Sen. Thomas McIntyre, D-NH, and worked for Sen. Barry Goldwater, R-CA, a few years later. His experience in politics taught him the importance of building strong relationships and paying attention to details. Roy earned a Ph.D. and teaches history, politics, and law at Catholic University. In this episode…
The Tire Industry Association is working with government officials, on behalf of its 14,000 members, on two issues that are very important to independent tire and auto repair shop owners: fines associated with tire registration and Right to Repair legislation. Right to Repair allows independent shops and car owners to repair vehicles on their own without requiring that they be taken to a dealership.
According to R…
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Jul 5, 2023
Innovating Software to Accommodate Customer Demands With Dave Vogel, General Manager at ASA Automotive Systems
Dave Vogel is General Manager at ASA Automotive Systems, where he leads all business operations. He has worked for over two decades, previously serving as Executive Vice President and Vice President of Sales. Immediately after graduating from Boise State University in 1983, Dave started his career with Goodyear Tires and worked his way from the ground up. In this episode…
Consumer behavior and inclinations have seen multiple changes in all business sectors, including the automotive industry. Until recently, customer-facing team members at tire and auto repair shops would be somewhat evasive in providing any specific information to a person who was inquiring about a service or part over the phone — the goal has simply been to get the customer to come to the shop.
According to Dave Vogel from ASA Automotive Systems, that customer service mindset is no longer acceptable, especially for younger consumers. Dave says younger customers don't want to leave the house and don't want to tal…
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Jun 28, 2023
Fascinating Insights Into the Production of Automotive TV Shows With Tom Diaz, Coordinating Producer at Bright Bay Creative
Tom Diaz is the Coordinating Producer at Bright Bay Creative, where he contributes to the production of Netflix automotive TV shows. His first experience in the automotive industry was as a co-owner of a muffler shop in 1992. Despite not knowing what a muffler or catalytic converter were — or how to run a business — Tom’s passion for cars helped him to learn quickly. He found his muffler-related niche in import racing, and mufflers from his shop were routinely featured on the cover of Super Street, an import magazine. He then opened an auto accessory store which laid the path toward helping with the sponsorship of a TV show. In this episode…
Were you a fan of the show Pimp My Ride? It aired on MTV for six seasons from 2004 to 2007. Did you notice the difference between seasons 1-4 and seasons 5-6? According to Tom Diaz, who was part of the show’s production team, the show started to go downhill in its fifth season. At that point, he says everything on the show was fake —…
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Jun 14, 2023
A Voice for Independent Tire Dealers With Jason Rook, President and CEO of Independent Tire Dealers Group
Jason Rook is the President and CEO of Independent Tire Dealers Group, where he leads a network of 1,000 independent tire dealer locations across the U.S. Jason specializes in strategic planning, business development, customer relations, and team building. His mission is to provide independent tire dealers with the best products, services, and resources available, while striving to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture within ITDG. In this episode…
Many customers within the tire industry have found the place they go for all their tire-related needs, and it’s often a local mom-and-pop shop they’ve been frequenting for generations. Why? Because they can simply drop the keys on the counter and walk out the door. It’s not a corporate entity, just a place owned by a trustworthy local.
According to Jason Rook of Independent Tire Dealers Group, these small business tire shop owners have a valuable resource available in ITDG. Jason’s group negotiates programs with manufactur…
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Jun 7, 2023
Increasing Sales Through Effective and Thorough Training With Robert “Sonny” McDonald, Senior National Training Manager at Toyo Tires Corp USA
Robert “Sonny” McDonald is the Senior National Training Manager for Toyo Tires Corp USA. He started his sales career in the tire industry as a representative for The Tire Rack, where he worked for over a decade, and has been in his current position for more than 20 years. Sonny has also served as an aircraft maintenance specialist in the US Air Force. In this episode…
As anyone who works in the tire and auto repair industry will tell you, customers don’t come to your shop because things are going well — if their car and tires were in good shape, they wouldn’t be in your shop. So what steps can you take to ensure your customers will stay happy in unhappy situations? How can you get them to trust you enough to come back to your shop the next time they need help?
According to Robert “Sonny” McDonald from Toyo Tires Corp USA, it starts with great training. His philosophy: when you're more comfortable with something, the easier it is to sell. When a customer service provid…
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May 31, 2023
Selling Tires Without a Sales Pitch With Ron Dolan, President at Sailun Tire North America
Ron Dolan is President at Sailun Tire North America. He has a demonstrated history working in the automotive industry with developed skills in negotiation, budgeting, business planning, and sales. Sailun Tires are exclusively distributed by TBC Brands in the US and sells over 30 million tires annually in more than 50 countries worldwide. Ron came to Sailun from Dynamic Tire Corp, where he worked for nearly twenty years. In this episode…
What makes a salesperson great at what they do? According to Ron Dolan from Sailun Tire North America, it’s not a tried-and-true sales process, it’s your ability to connect with people. Ron says if you genuinely like people, tell them the truth, and treat them the way you want to be treated, you’re going to be effective.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Ron joins Mike Edge to discuss the most effective ways to sell tires and retain customers. Ron speaks about his style of selling and how he doesn’t work an angle or come with a sales pitch…
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May 24, 2023
The Value of Experienced and Empathetic Leadership With Kyle Blankenhorn of Ken’s Tire
Kyle Blankenhorn came to Ken’s Tire as a tire changer after serving as a small town Iowa police officer and working for TSA at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. His grandparents founded Ken’s Tire, with three locations in eastern Pennsylvania, and Kyle — who has managed two of the stores — is now helping run the successful third-generation business. He attributes the success of Ken’s Tire to the longevity of the staff and their ability to learn from mistakes. In this episode…
In recent years, staffing and supply chain issues have been prevalent throughout the tire and auto repair industry. According to Kyle Blankenhorn, empathetic leadership is an important factor in overcoming the staffing shortage.
Kyle says Ken’s Tire has recently hired employees coming directly out of high school or vocational school and, like all new employees, they tend to make mistakes. Fortunately, Kyle has been in their shoes and made the same mistakes. That experience enables him to re…
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May 17, 2023
Promoting a Tire Brand by Sponsoring a Sport With Samuel Felberbaum, President at Prinx Chengshan Tire
Samuel Felberbaum is President at Prinx Chengshan Tire. He came to Prinx from Toyo Tires, where he was the Director of Sales for eight years. His passion is in helping companies set up and implement marketing initiatives that increase customer growth, improve retention, and drive revenue. Samuel is a big sports enthusiast, especially when it comes to the New York Yankees. In this episode…
What is the best way to reach your target customer demographic? Is it always through social media, or could there be another effective way? What if it was to be the main sponsor of an event that features an increasingly popular activity?
According to Prinx Chengshan Tire’s Samuel Felberbaum — whose company promotes the Fortune tire brand and targets business-to-business, regional wholesalers — his executive team has recently signed a multi-year deal to be the official tire of USA Pickleball. Samuel said it was a good fit for Fortune and his team is hopeful that this will be a great way to ga…
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May 10, 2023
Eliminating Fear From the Payment Process With Chris Talevi, Vice President of Sales at PayTomorrow
Chris Talevi is Vice President of Sales at PayTomorrow, a fintech company with a unique financing model designed to offer a full credit spectrum platform for businesses to offer to their consumers. Chris was Ticket Office Manager at Davidson College, his alma mater, before becoming a part-time tire changer in NASCAR with Stewart-Haas Racing. He joined PayTomorrow in 2016 as a Senior Account Representative and was promoted to VP in early 2021. In this episode…
If you are a tire or custom wheel dealer, you’ve probably struggled with payments in some form or fashion. Are you afraid your promising new customer will get denied, or afraid you might insult your customer by recommending a certain financing option? According to PayTomorrow’s Chris Talevi, his company’s platform helps solve these problems by evaluating every customer on their specific repayment history and ability to repay, allowing dealers to fine-tune an offer that works for them.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Ne…
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May 3, 2023
Tackling Tire Industry Software With Jay Adams, President of MaddenCo
Jay Adams is President at MaddenCo, widely recognized as an industry leader for tire industry software. He started working in sales there in the late 90s after graduating from Wabash College with a history degree. After two years, Jay left for law school and then worked as an attorney for four years before returning to MaddenCo in 2006. In this episode…
What should tire and auto repair shops consider when implementing or changing their software systems? Should data collection be a primary factor? What hurdles often come with the switch?
According to Jay Adams of MaddenCo, data collection can be an advantage over the competition — but you have to know how much data you want to collect and when. When switching to different software, Jay says it’s most important to remember you’re changing for a reason — so trust your installer, trainer, and the people you signed with.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier and Matt Peters sit down with Jay for a conversation about all…
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Apr 26, 2023
Simply Subscribe to Your Sweet Ride With Immanuel Klaiber and Jürgen Lobach of FINN
Jürgen Lobach is Chief Fleet Officer at FINN, overseeing the acquisition management and remarketing of over 20,000 vehicles. With more than 30 years of experience in the mobility sector, Jürgen is considered a proven and experienced industry expert. He spent almost two decades at Choice GmbH, an automotive provider.
Immanuel Klaiber is Head of Subscription Pricing and TCO at FINN where he is responsible for FINN’s global subscription pricing and US remarketing team, which helps to market and sell FINN’s used vehicles. Immanuel started his career at BMW financial services, where he was part of its US car data science team. He transitioned from BMW of North America in 2022, where he was Head of Omnichannel and Analytics. In this episode…
Don’t feel like owning a car? In a world where you can subscribe to have just about anything delivered to your residence — from razors to meat to coffee to vitamin supplements — you can now subscribe to a service that will deliver a car t…
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Apr 19, 2023
The Fruits of Being a Franchisee With Brian Beers, President at Prenlyn Automotive
Brian Beers is President at Prenlyn Automotive and the podcast host of Business with Beers. He has grown his small family franchise auto repair business into an enterprise with thirty locations. Currently, Brian’s mission is to teach people how to create freedom and build wealth by owning franchises. In this episode…
For those interested in becoming an automotive industry franchisee, what are some initial barriers they’ll have to overcome? What are advantages to becoming a franchisee as opposed to starting your own business from scratch? What do franchisors look for in a potential franchisee?
According to Brian Beers of Prenlyn Automotive, the benefits of becoming a franchisee in the automotive industry are numerous. For starters, you join a network of other franchisees who have likely experienced and solved the same problems you may face. Additionally, you reap the benefits of national advertising already built in with known brands that offer franchise opportunities. Finally,…
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Apr 12, 2023
Do the Right Thing and Have Fun With Joe McDonald, Vice President of Sales at Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Joe McDonald is Vice President of Sales at Jasper Engines & Transmissions. With more than thirty years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry, Joe is skilled in team building, account management, leadership, planning, and sales processes. He began his career in the rental car industry and has been with Jasper since 1996. In this episode…
How do you build a culture where your customers notice you do the right thing while having fun? In this era of job hopping, how do you regularly keep employees around for not just multiple years, but multiple decades? You’ll learn how Jasper Engines & Transmissions regularly accomplishes both on this episode of Gain Traction!
According to Joe McDonald of Jasper Engines, it starts with leadership. He says when staff members see company executives doing little things like picking up trash off the floor, cleaning sinks in the washroom, and clearing employees’ plates at company meals, it motivates them to not only do a great job, but…
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Apr 5, 2023
Ensuring Customers’ Cars are Safe, Reliable, and Efficient With Craig O’Neill, Vice President of Training at Autoflow
Craig O’Neill is Vice President of Training at Autoflow, formerly Autotext.me. Starting at a young age, Craig gained priceless experience at his family’s transmission shop, serving in a variety of roles including Service Manager, Technician and Business Manager. Craig’s greatest interest is in technology and since 2018, when he joined Autoflow, he has developed training processes to support shops launching digital systems. In this episode…
How can a tire and auto repair shop ensure the safety of a customer’s vehicle while potentially increasing the number of services a customer desires? Is it better to complete a full inspection or simply service the part of the vehicle that the customer says is causing problems? If these questions resonate with you, check out this episode of Gain Traction!
Craig O’Neill, from Autoflow, says he was always against completing full inspections of customer vehicles. He thought it was just an underhanded way for shops to upsell additional serv…
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Mar 29, 2023
Servicing Your Vehicles Wherever With Angie Oleson, Business Lead at Firestone Direct
Angie Oleson is Business Lead at Firestone Direct, the largest mobile tire and service company in the United States. She has led and managed its business operations since it was launched by Bridgestone Americas in 2021. With an ability to translate strategic goals into concrete tactics, Angie has a track record of positively impacting business performance. In this episode…
Is there a business or type of business who stands to benefit from the emergence of mobile vehicle and tire service? How about any business that regularly utilizes a fleet of vehicles? For some interesting perspective on how fleets gain value from mobile vehicle and tire service, Check out this episode of Gain Traction!
According to Angie Olson, from Firestone Direct, mobile vehicle and tire service can help fleets increase their billable hours because fleet members can continue to do their work while a vehicle is being serviced on location. The response from this group, Angie says, is “through the roof positiv…
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Mar 22, 2023
Using Technology To Increase Your Shop’s Efficiency With James Krakower of JMK
James Krakower is the Director of System Development at JMK Computerized Tire Dealer Information System. He has an extensive background in technology, and his operations experience has provided him with the ability to discern what works and what doesn’t work on a day-to-day basis. James started his career in academics leading a graduate course on how to market tires. In this episode…
Are tire and auto repair businesses lagging behind other industries when it comes to the effective use of technology? According to James Krakower from JMK Computerized Tire Dealer Information System, many owners of tire and auto repair shops are not utilizing various forms of technology that would make their lives abundantly easier. How can you utilize technology and the latest software to maximize the efficiency of your operation?
On this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier and Matthew Peters welcome James for a conversation about how available software and technology can benefit tire and auto repa…
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Mar 15, 2023
Tires and Technology in Tandem With Kevin Marley, Managing Director at E-Solution Professionals
Kevin Marley is Managing Director at E-Solution Professionals, who has been developing e-commerce software for the tire industry since 2001. He has worked in the tire industry for more than four decades. Throughout his career, Kevin has worked in positions including store manager, warehouse manager, State Manager for Toyo Tires, and Regional Manager for Goodyear Australia. In this episode…
In an industry that is slow to embrace it, how has the tire business been changed by technology? In what ways will technology continue to change the tire industry moving forward? For some unique insights on tires and tech, check out this episode of Gain Traction!
According to Kevin Marley from E-Solution Professionals, data mobility will be increasingly discussed in the tire industry. He says ESP Solutions continuously transmits data on their clients’ behalf that their clients may not even be aware of. Kevin says there’s a multitude of other ways technology will change the industry.
On this…
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Mar 8, 2023
Successful Franchising With Charles Bonfiglio, CEO at Tint World
Charles Bonfiglio is CEO at Tint World, a privately-owned window tinting and vehicle accessory center. His areas of expertise include leading automotive companies to maximize profits and market share, along with franchising, e-commerce, web design, software development, and financial management. Charles is also Founder of Cars Cafe and Auto Parts Network, and previously served as CEO and Franchise Developer at Meineke Car Care Centers for over 30 years. In this episode…
Have you seen a service in the tire and auto industry that you thought you could turn into a worldwide brand? According to Charles Bonfiglio from Tint World, he purchased a chain of six stores — which focus on tinting car windows — and used his franchising expertise to grow the brand to 120 open locations with about 140 more in development. To hear his amazing story, don’t miss this episode of Gain Traction!
On this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier and Matthew Peters welcome Charles for a conversation abou…
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Mar 1, 2023
Tires Are a People Business With Kent Coleman, Owner at Big O Tires
Kent Coleman is the Owner of eleven Big O Tire stores in northern Utah and various other commercial properties. He has the ability to ask the right questions to get to the root of an issue and solve problems. As a result, even though Kent is not an avid car enthusiast, his Big O Tire stores are some of the highest-producing in the nation. Kent is also author of the book It’s Not About the Mangos. In this episode…
Is it absolutely necessary to be a car enthusiast to be a successful business owner in the tire and auto industry, or do you just have to be able to understand people? To hear from someone who has a definitive answer to these questions, check out this episode of Gain Traction!
If you don’t know the actual size of your car engine, is that a sign you should avoid owning a business in the tire and automotive industry? Not according to Kent Coleman, who owns eleven successful Big O Tire locations and admits that when he bought his first store, he didn’t know there was a…
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Feb 22, 2023
Easy Money for Tire Dealers With Mike Edge, Director of Business Development With Tread Partners
Mike Edge is the Director of Business Development at Tread Partners. He has had a lengthy career in his field, having previously been the Owner and Business Development expert for Resource Connection Inc., Director of Business Development at Upright Communications, and Owner of T.M. Edge, Inc. In this episode…
What is the best group of potential customers a tire dealer could possibly reach out to? According to Mike Edge, who oversees Tread Partners’ Retread program, it’s past customers who haven’t been in the shop for a while. Mike describes those people as “low-hanging fruit that people really don't know how to go after.” The Retread program reaches out to past customers on behalf of tire shops. To understand why the Retread program comes with a guaranteed 10-to-1 return on investment, check out this episode of Tread Partners!
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 about Tread Partners’ Retread program. Mike explains why he…
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Feb 16, 2023
The Benefits of Association Membership With Tony DeSimone, Executive Director at New England Tire and Service Association (NETSA)
Tony DeSimone is Executive Director at New England Tire and Service Association (NETSA) and Business Development Manager at TD Consultants. He has led NETSA to be a well-known, active, and growing association representing thousands of members. Tony previously served as president of NETSA before becoming executive director in February 2018. In this episode…
If you own a tire and auto repair shop, are there advantages to being a member of a tire association? According to Tony DeSimone from the New England Tire and Service Association, there certainly are! Those benefits include regular updates on national and local legislation, the ability to affect legislation that impacts the industry, trade show participation, and other events. For further insight on how these associations are helpful, check out this episode of Gain Traction!
On this episode of Gain Traction, Tony joins Neal Maier and Matthew Peters to discuss what the New England Tire and Service Association does for its members,…
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Feb 15, 2023
Turning Old Tires Into Treasure With John Ward, E-commerce Manager at Allen Rubber Co.
John Ward is E-commerce Manager at Allen Rubber Co and is Owner and President at Ward Media Services LLC. As the owner of a digital marketing agency with a history of working in the automotive industry, John is skilled in store management, inventory management and customer satisfaction. He’s also a lifelong competitive hockey player. In this episode…
Can you make a profit buying and selling discontinued tires? According to John Ward of Allen Rubber Co, that's the focal point of his organization’s operation. For some interesting insights surrounding this profitable business model, don’t miss this episode of Gain Traction!
Which discontinued tires are most preferred? John says Allen Rubber Co. doesn’t discriminate against any type of tire — whether it’s motorcycle tires, ATV tires, lawn and garden tires, earth mover tires, or anything else. Allen Rubber Co. specializes in selling closeout products that other tire shops may have over-ordered and can’t move.
On this epis…
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Feb 8, 2023
Bringing Tires to the People With Jay Condrick, Owner at Boston Mobile Tire
Jay Condrick is the Owner at Boston Mobile Tire. He has worked in sales and marketing for more than 15 years and has owned Boston Mobile Tire, a direct-to-consumer tire business, since February 2020. Jay has been involved in endurance racing and is a racer in ChampCar. In this episode…
Is online tire shopping and service the wave of the future? For customers of Boston Mobile Tire, the future is now. Jay Condrick is a Boston Mobile Tire franchisee who says he only shops online whenever his car needs maintenance. He says several customers go to his website, “hit the buy now button and I show up at their house. They scheduled a service online and I show up and install the tires. They think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.”
On this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier and Matthew Peters welcome Jay to discuss the emergence of online shopping for tires and having the service delivered to the customer’s location. He explains his decision to join the mobile tire business…
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Feb 1, 2023
Building a Culture and Getting Buy-in With Darren McLea, Business Development Consultant at Molloy Business Development Group
Darren McLea is a Business Development Consultant at Molloy Sales Development Group, where he consults with business owners to help identify and implement solutions in their business for training, performance, communication, operational standards, and more. After starting out as a “cleanup kid” changing tires and fixing flats in high school, Darren went on to become the Executive Vice President and a Partner at McLea’s Tire. Prior to joining Molloy, he sold the family business to AAA. His purpose is to help people to exceed their wildest dreams and have a ton of fun along the way. In this episode…
What’s the best way to earn the respect of your team members as a manager or owner of a tire and auto repair shop? According to Darren McLea of Molloy Business Development Group, the answer is simple: walk a mile in their shoes. “All the pushback, hesitations, or resistance that employees have — I've dealt with that, I've been one of those, I've worked through it,” Darren sai…
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Jan 25, 2023
Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch With Kim McMahon, President at McMahon's Best-One Tire
Kim McMahon is the President of McMahon's Best-One Tire, which has five locations, one distribution center and one retread facility. She is one of just a few top female executives at tire dealerships in North America and recently won the Humanitarian of the Year award from Tire Business Magazine. She has a banking and financial background and believes culture is more valuable for a company than strategy. In this episode…
What’s your strategy when your business is expanding, adding locations and entering new markets? What about your strategy when it comes to implementing new services? Is strategy the most important thing, or could the culture of your company trump your strategy? For some great insight on this topic and more, check out this episode of Gain Traction!
According to Kim McMahon from McMahon's Best-One Tire, getting your team members to buy into what you’re doing is more important than strategy. She has a sign in her office that states, “Culture eats strategy for lu…
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Jan 18, 2023
An Appreciation for Hard Work With Quinton Molnar, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Ward Tirecraft
Quinton Molnar is the Director of Marketing and Business Development and the Director of Human Resources at Ward Tirecraft. He’s been a management trainee, marketer, and IT guy for Ward Tirecraft, and his unique set of skills comes from performing similar roles across multiple industries. Quinton prides himself on turning an average customer experience into an exemplary one. In this episode…
As an owner or manager of a tire and auto repair shop, do you have a true appreciation for the work that your employees do? It’s often said that you can’t appreciate what someone else goes through unless you’ve gone through it yourself. Check out this episode of Gain Traction to hear from someone who considers himself a “company swiss army knife” and can speak from multiple perspectives.
Who’s the most important employee in a tire shop? For Quinton Molnar, the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Ward Tirecraft, the answer to that question is easy — “I always say,…
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Jan 11, 2023
Building Long-Lasting Client Relationships With Matthew Peters, Business Development Manager at Tread Partners
Matthew Peters is the Business Development Manager at Tread Partners. He joined Tread Partners in November 2022 after serving in the same role at Tireweb Marketing for more than three years and at Icon Internet Media for nearly two years. Having worked in the tire industry for more than 30 years, Matthew possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience. In this episode…
As a B2B business owner, how do you view your relationships with your clients? Is it a transactional, one-and-done relationship or is it a potential lifelong partnership? For insights on building and maintaining long-lasting client relationships, check out this episode of Gain Traction!
What is the benefit of building long-term relationships with your customers? According to Matthew Peters from Tread Partners, it not only results in repeat customers, but new customers as well. “My business, over the last 30 years, has been built on building relationships and a referral system,” Matthew said. “Everything that I g…
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Jan 4, 2023
Sticking to What You Do Best With Larry Sutton, President and Founder of RNR Tire Express
Larry Sutton is the Founder and President of RNR Tire Express, a national tire shop franchise with 155 locations across 26 states. Founded in 2000, the franchise was initially known as Rent-n-Roll. Larry attributes the success of RNR Tire Express to keeping focus on what your shop does well and serving customers — not just providing service. In this episode…
As the owner or manager of a tire and auto repair shop, does your store try to be all things to all people? Or does it stick to what it’s good at? According to Larry Sutton, the President and Founder of RNR Tire Express, a key to his shop’s success and longevity is to keep it “as simple as possible and stay focused on what you do really well.” Larry has discovered that messing around in different areas can take your focus off main business and as a result, you won’t be as good at your main business as you want to be.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge discusses the true meaning of customer service with Larr…
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Dec 28, 2022
Growing Your Tire Business With Judd K. Shader, Founder and CEO at Leeds West Groups
Judd K. Shader is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Leeds West Groups, one of the largest and most-respected leaders in the franchise aftermarket automotive repair space. He founded the company in 2009, when he was a student at the University of Colorado Boulder. Judd is active across various automotive industry boards and organizations and resides in Denver, CO. In this episode…
As the owner of a tire and auto repair shop, what will it take to expand your number of stores? Have you thought about growing from two to four locations? How about double-digit locations in multiple states? According to Judd K. Shader, whose company started with two Midas shops and now consists of a combined 121 Big O Tires and Midas locations, a large part of that growth is driven by process.
“Anytime you're talking retail, it's process-based. And there's no difference here,” Judd said. “We understood quickly to create the scale we wanted, our processes had to be really tight.” If you’…
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Dec 21, 2022
Building a Positive Work Environment With Al Pridemore, CEO and Co-owner of Pride Auto Care
Al Pridemore is CEO and Co-owner of Pride Auto Care. He and his brothers became owners in 2005, starting with two shops before growing to six. Pride Auto Care is a full-service tire and automotive center focused on putting their employees first. Their philosophy is that building relationships and leadership, within all of their ranks, results in great service for the customer. In this episode…
As any tire and auto repair shop owner knows, building a positive workplace culture can be challenging. What about turning a negative workplace culture into a positive one while keeping most of the same staff? According to Al Pridemore of Pride Auto Care, it can be done — his company purchased an existing shop with a negative atmosphere and completely reversed the culture. Are you curious how this happened? Don’t miss this episode of Gain Traction!
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Al for a conversation about building a positive culture in a tire and auto repair shop. E…
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Dec 14, 2022
Culture Is Everything With Joe Rush, Owner of Rush Automotive
Joe Rush is the Owner of Rush Automotive. He opened his first location in Round Rock, TX in 2011 with just three employees. Since then, Rush Automotive has grown to nearly 50 employees across five locations. The motto at Rush Automotive is “Caring for People and Cars.” As a culture-based company, Rush Automotive works hard to live out that motto. In this episode…
People often talk about the culture at their workplace. Is it a positive culture? Is it negative or toxic? Can customers notice the culture the minute they walk through the door? Everybody wants to work in a positive culture, but how do you build one? If you’d like to hear an informative and inspiring conversation about culture building, don’t miss this episode of Gain Traction!
When it comes to building a positive culture in the workplace, multiple factors are in play. According to Joe Rush, of Rush Automotive, it boils down to “the genuineness of the relationship that my leadership team has with each individual…
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Dec 7, 2022
Implementing a Strategic Process With Randy O’Connor of MTD TEN
Randy O'Connor is the Executive Director of MTD TEN. He is a strategic specialist with a talent for analyzing and improving process and procedure. Randy has held a variety of roles in the tire business, from retail to distribution. He maintains a long-range perspective and thrives when he’s in position to handle a problem. In this episode…
How are you preparing your tire and auto repair shop for 2023? In the past two years, we’ve seen record-breaking car counts, revenues, and units sold. Unfortunately, according to Randy O’Connor, Executive Director of MTD TEN, “not every independent takes the time to sit down this time of year and make sure they're working through the system of business planning for 2023.” He continued, “if you don’t take the first steps forward, you’re never going to get there.” Randy says it’s time to have meetings with vendors and figure out where your biggest gaps and opportunities are. Hear more of his perspective on this episode of Gain Tr…
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Nov 30, 2022
Working Your Way From Lube Tech to Owner With Brad Updegraff, Owner of Dave's Ultimate Automotive
Brad Updegraff is the Owner of Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, which has six locations in Texas. He started as a lube technician in a small, Austin-based gas station and repair shop in 1998, and moved into the front office as an advisor in 2001. Brad worked his way up to being manager, acquired his ASE certification and started working for Dave’s Ultimate Automotive as an advisor in 2010. He bought the original location in 2012 and expanded to six locations by 2016. In this episode…
If you’re an employee at a tire and auto repair shop, you probably enjoy what you do. Have you ever thought about moving up within the industry? Are you a good technician? Do you like communicating with people? If so, you may have what it takes! To hear the story of someone who successfully navigated his way to the top, check out this episode of Gain Traction!
Brad Updegraff of Dave’s Ultimate Automotive started as a lube technician and now owns six locations. He said he had been working in the indu…
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Nov 23, 2022
Growing Your Tire Business With Judd K. Shader, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Leeds West Groups
Judd K. Shader is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Leeds West Groups, one of the largest and most-respected leaders in the franchise aftermarket automotive repair space. He founded the company in 2009, when he was a student at the University of Colorado Boulder. Judd is active across various automotive industry boards and organizations and resides in Denver, CO. In this episode…
As the owner of a tire and auto repair shop, what will it take to expand your number of stores? Have you thought about growing from two to four locations? How about double-digit locations in multiple states? According to Judd K. Shader, whose company started with two Midas shops and now consists of a combined 121 Big O Tires and Midas locations, a large part of that growth is driven by process.
“Anytime you're talking retail, it's process-based. And there's no difference here,” Judd said. “We understood quickly to create the scale we wanted, our processes had to be really tight.” If you’…
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Nov 16, 2022
Every Phone Call Is Valuable With Jeff Scherer, Founder of Ntelegence
Jeff Scherer is the Founder of Ntelegence, which offers affordable communication solutions to help manage multi-rooftop businesses. Jeff is a pioneer in communication solutions for the automotive industry. As a thought leader, writer, blogger, and industry speaker, Jeff specializes in digital marketing, lead acquisition and management, LMS/CRM, business process improvement, call tracking, and process management. In this episode…
As the owner or manager of a tire and auto repair shop, do you know if your customer service staff is communicating with every customer who reaches out? If your staff is busy, how many calls are they missing? Do those customers call back or do they call the shop down the street? What about customers who would rather text than speak over the phone? If these are questions you should consider, don’t miss this episode of Gain Traction!
A recommended place for tire and auto repair shops to start is to put a unique tracking number on their website and their Goo…
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Nov 9, 2022
Building a Great Culture with Max Gardner, Founder of Tire Max
Max Gardner is the Founder of Tire Max, which has six retail locations in North Carolina. He has been in the tire business for almost 40 years and opened his first Tire Max location about 20 years ago. Max believes in building a culture that employees feel comfortable in, which in turn translates to customers feeling comfortable in-store. In this episode…
If you own or manage a tire and auto repair shop with multiple locations, how do you keep everyone on the same page? How do you build a welcoming and positive culture that customers sense the minute they walk through the front door? What do your customers expect from you when they let you take care of their vehicle? If any of these questions resonate with you, you’ll want to listen to this episode of Gain Traction!
According to Max Gardner of Tire Max, the most important thing to have in your shop is a great culture where employees feel comfortable working and in turn make customers feel comfortable. Max says, “as a business o…
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Nov 2, 2022
The Fight for Your Right To Repair With Tim Winkeler, President and CEO of VIP Tires & Service
Tim Winkeler is the President and CEO of VIP Tires & Service. He is a people-focused leader whose teams are high-performing, with a track record of exceeding expectations. Tim advocates for "right to repair" legislation, which is vital to the continued success of the tire and auto repair industry. In this episode…
Where will you take it for repair when your car inevitably needs something fixed? Is there a preferred location, or do you prefer to fix it yourself? What if you couldn't choose where and who could fix your vehicle and your only option was to take it to the dealership or the manufacturer?
According to Tim Winkeler, the President and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, the modern technology in a newer car makes it possible that you'll no longer have the opportunity to make that decision — putting your ability to fix your car and many small independent repair shops at risk. If this sounds concerning to you, be sure to listen to this episode of Gain Traction!
On this episode of G…
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Oct 26, 2022
Family and Fun + Tires and Cars With Rick Benton II, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors and Black’s Tire and Auto Service
Rick Benton II is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BTS Tire & Wheel distributors and Black’s Tire and Auto Service. Rick is in charge of wholesale distribution, logistics, and purchasing, among many other responsibilities. Rick and his brothers, Ron and Jeremy, are second-generation tire dealers. In this episode…
As anyone who has been in the tire and auto repair business for a considerable period of time can tell you, it’s not easy. It takes a special place with a unique culture to sustain a tire and auto business through multiple generations. How can that type of culture be built and sustained? Tune into this episode of Gain Traction to find out!
At Black’s Tire and Auto Service in Whiteville, NC, a family culture is what you’ll find when you first walk through the front door. According to Rick Benton II, who has worked there in some capacity since he was five years old, “at the end of the day, we really care so much about family, we want to help. We've been put…
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Oct 19, 2022
Staffing and Branding a Venerable Company With Kate Speelman, Brand Management and Talent Acquisition Specialist at Rice Tire
Kate Speelman is Brand Management and Talent Acquisition Specialist at Rice Tire, a fourth-generation family-owned independent tire dealership that began as a gas station in 1929. She previously served as Rice Tire’s Marketing Coordinator for 10 years. Before joining the automotive world, Kate worked as a Graphic Design Specialist for Engage USA. In this episode…
How does a tire dealer stay in business for nearly a century? How does that business, with 12 different locations managed by 12 different people with 12 potentially different branding messages, stay united over the long term? To hear from Kate Speelman, who manages branding and talent acquisition for Rice Tire, check out this episode of Gain Traction!
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Kate to discuss the challenges of finding talented employees to work at 12 different tire locations. Kate shares how each location employs different branding and messaging while staying united through the core value…
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Oct 12, 2022
The Joy of Selling Your Own Tires With Michael Mathis, Founder and President of Atturo Tire Corp.
Michael Mathis is Founder and President at Atturo Tire Corp. He grew up around the tire business working in wholesale, retail, and selling aftermarket wheels. Atturo was among the first to market with a hybrid off-road tire — today, their tires are distributed in nearly 30 countries worldwide. Michael graduated from Webster University with a degree in management and then sold commercial insurance for 12 years, insuring several import tire brands. In this episode…
If you were an experienced insurance salesman with a passion for tires, how would you try to break into the tire industry? Maybe you’d try to work for a tire dealership and sell tires? Would you ever consider actually manufacturing the tires before you tried to sell them? If you want to hear from someone who jumped from selling insurance to the tire industry by designing and manufacturing his own tires, this episode of Gain Traction is for you!
You know you love the tire industry when you are willing to abandon a lifes…
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Sep 28, 2022
Minimizing Headaches and Maximizing Efficiency With Crissy Zellers of Accelerate Personalized Sales Solutions
Crissy Zellers is the Owner of Accelerate Personalized Sales Solutions, which helps tire dealers succeed with retail tire programs. She uses unique tracking tools and detailed program knowledge to help retailers stay focused on their weekly goals, maximize their earnings and prioritize their purchases. Crissy started her own business in September 2020, after 11 years of working in management and sales for tire distributors Max Finkelstein and Tire Centers. In this episode…
As a tire dealer, have you found yourself managing multiple programs at once with a particular distributor? What about multiple programs with multiple distributors? If so, your email inbox has probably been flooded with messages and you’ve faced the unenviable challenge of remembering where each distributor is on every program. If you have more than one retail location, the headaches are multiplied. What if there was a way to streamline that process and stay on track? Crissy Zellers of Accelerate Personalized S…
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Sep 21, 2022
Profit Sharing Increases Caring With Dick Erickson, Founder of Sun Tire and Author of How the Rubber Meets the Road.
Dick Erickson is the Founder of Sun Tire and author of How the Rubber Meets the Road: A Blue-Collar Roadmap to Success for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs. He opened his first Sun Tire store in Orange Park, Florida in 1981, and added ten more stores over the next few decades. Dick sold the business to a national chain of tire stores in 2018. His book details his journey from rural North Dakota to flying helicopters in the Marine Corps in Vietnam and covers four key business topics: customer service, profit sharing, mentoring, and profitable growth. In this episode…
How do you motivate your customer service team to reach the highest levels of service possible? What are the best ways to keep frontline staff motivated and pushing in a positive direction? If you own a tire and auto repair shop, you’ve probably asked yourself these questions more than once. For insight on this topic, don’t miss this episode of Gain Traction!
Can profit sharing among employees positively affect cus…
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Aug 31, 2022
How and When To Sell Your Auto Shop With Michael McGregor
Michael McGregor is Managing Director at Focus Investment Banking. His experience includes fifteen years of advising on business transfers, capital raises, and management buyouts for middle market businesses. He has been a founder or co-founder of three automotive-related businesses. Michael is author of the book Buy, Build, Fix, Sell, which helps tire and service dealers build better businesses and get maximum value when they decide to sell. In this episode…
If you own a tire and auto repair shop and are planning to retire, have you thought about a succession plan? Are you thinking about selling the business? There are often lots of matters to get in order before selling which shouldn’t be overlooked. What’s your exit strategy? Check out this episode of Gain Traction for some valuable advice!
Many tire and auto repair shop owners plan to sell their shop when they’re about to retire, but many don’t realize everything they need to do to make it profitable. According to Micha…
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Aug 24, 2022
Never Stop Evolving With Dwayne Myers, Co-Owner and Managing Partner of Dynamic Automotive
Dwayne Myers is Co-owner and Managing Partner of Dynamic Automotive, an independent automotive repair business with five locations in Frederick, MD. He has spent his career of over 30 years in the maintenance and repair industry, ranging in size from lawn mowers to U.S. Army tanks. His skill set includes negotiation, market planning, team building, business planning, and operations management. Dwayne's greatest passion is enriching the lives of others through philanthropic endeavors and community involvement. In this episode…
As the owner or manager of a tire and auto repair shop, are you resistant to change? Maybe things are going fairly well — but could they be better with a few adjustments? What’s keeping you from trying something different? If these questions resonate with you, you don’t want to miss this episode of Gain Traction!
Dwayne Myers, Co-owner and Managing Partner at Dynamic Automotive, has been in the industry for 27 years and is still making changes to improve…
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Aug 17, 2022
Providing Great Customer Experiences Regardless of Circumstances With Sally Thomas, Co-Owner of J.P. Thomas & Company
Sally Thomas is Co-owner of J.P. Thomas & Company. She is most-commonly associated with Thomas Tire & Automotive, a family-owned and operated full-service repair shop that’s been in business since 1981. With 10 retail and commercial service centers in North Carolina, Thomas Tire & Automotive’s mission is to be the first and only choice for all automobile-related needs. In this episode…
Tire and auto repair can be a tough business. Shop employees not only need to be skilled at diagnosing problems and repairing vehicles, but also have the ability to communicate those problems to a customer who may not be ready to hear about them — or the cost to fix them. How can you build rapport and trust with your customers to ensure satisfaction in a potentially negative situation? Tune into this episode of Gain Traction to find out!
Nobody likes to tell customers who may be experiencing difficult sessions in life that their car has problems that need fixing — and how much it’ll cost.…
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Aug 10, 2022
Generating Loyalty and Avoiding Complacency With Steven Stamey, Operations Manager at Maxi Auto Service Centers
Steven Stamey is Operations Manager at Maxi Auto Service, which has eight locations in the Chattanooga, TN area. He started his career at a Chevrolet dealer in 1999. Steven is also a former college level instructor with ASE L1, L2, and L3 Master Certification. In this episode…
What motivates your staff? Is it strictly financial compensation or are there other, less tangible factors? Do your employees stick around for decades or are they here today and gone tomorrow? If you own a tire and auto repair shop and these are some questions you find yourself wrestling with, this episode of Gain Traction is for you!
Making your employees feel involved and important through communication and teamwork can be just as effective as wages when it comes to motivating and generating loyalty. According to Steven Stamey, Operations Manager at Maxi Auto Service Centers, “once you get everybody singing the same song, the same tune – and they’re interested in winning – it’s amazing what they…
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Aug 3, 2022
Finding the Right Customers for Your Shop With Neal Maier, Co-Founder of Tread Partners
Neal Maier is Co-Founder of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency that helps auto repair and tire shops drive success through coordinated marketing strategies. He is a skilled negotiator, salesperson, and business planner with expertise in Search Engine Optimization and Customer Relationship Management. Tread Partners has designed a full-scale reengagement program called ReTread that brings old customers back into auto repair and tire shops. In this episode…
Are you an owner or manager of a tire and auto repair shop that could benefit from seeing more customers walk through your doors? Or maybe you’d like to reconnect with some great customers you haven’t seen in a while? While you may be an expert in tire and auto repair, finding people willing to pay for your expertise can be a tricky process. Luckily, Neal Maier and his colleagues at Tread Partners have expertise in doing just that — he shares his insights with Rise25’s Chad Franzen in this episode of Gain Traction!…
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Jul 27, 2022
Finding the Best Tires at the Best Price With Tim Shaffer, CEO and Co-Founder of Search Tires
Tim Shaffer is Co-Founder and CEO of Search Tires, also known as searchtires.com, the world’s first price comparison search engine. He is also President of YENT, a subsidiary of Prepared Patriot Brands. Tim is a leader, an innovative thinker, and a trusted advisor who excels at guiding businesses from multimillion-dollar start-ups to established companies. In this episode…
Have you ever tried shopping for tires online? Did you just find the first set you found or do you search on different sites to compare prices? What if you could find the right tires and get them for the lowest price all at one site? If you’d like to learn more about a website that allows you to find the best deals on tires, don’t miss this episode of Gain Traction!
What if there were a legitimate site where you could find the best deals on tires in the same way Priceline helps you find the best deals on travel? According to Tim Shaffer of Search Tires, that service exists in Florida and is likely headed to…
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Jul 20, 2022
Providing Great Car Care in Tough Economic Times With Brian Sump, Owner and President of Urban Autocare
Brian Sump is the Owner and President of Urban Autocare, Klasse Auto Rentals, and Avalon Motorsports. His passion is to transform the automotive industry through innovation and training and to create opportunities for his team to grow. Brian has an engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines, played for the St. Louis Rams, and is currently a Co-pastor at a church in Westminster, CO. In this episode…
If you own or manage a tire and auto repair shop, what’s your biggest challenge? Is it overcoming mistakes — dealing with customers? What do you do when you tell customers that the cost of necessary repairs are higher than what they can afford? If these are questions that resonate with you, you won’t want to miss this episode of Gain Traction!
Difficult customers are often not particularly difficult people, according to Brian Sump of Urban Autocare — they’re just people who may be going through a difficult time. It can be necessary to play the role of psychologist or…
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Jul 13, 2022
Thriving in Difficult Times With Doug Miller, President of St. Lucie Battery & Tire
Doug Miller is President of St. Lucie Battery & Tire, which has 15 locations on the central east coast of Florida. He has taken over operations from his father, Joey — the founder of the company. Doug looks to expand St. Lucie Battery & Tire, which has been in business for more than fifty years, with a focus on integrity and serving the community with honesty and reliability. In this episode…
Are you a tire and auto repair shop owner whose business has been affected by the pandemic or supply chain issues in today’s economy? Are you taking a lean approach to inventory or are you heavy on inventory? If these are scenarios you deal with on a regular basis, you’ll want to hear this episode of the Gain Traction podcast!
In this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Doug Miller for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues facing auto repair, battery, and tire shops in today’s marketplace. Doug talks about how St. Lucie Battery & Tire has survived a fire, navigated its…
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Jun 23, 2022
Get Your Old Customers Back with Neal Maier, Co-Founder at Tread Partners
Neal Maier is Co-Founder at Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency that helps auto repair and tire shops drive success through coordinated marketing strategies. He is a skilled negotiator, salesperson, and business planner with expertise in Search Engine Optimization and Customer Relationship Management. Tread Partners has designed a full-scale reengagement program called ReTread that brings old customers back into auto repair and tire shops. In this episode…
If you are the owner of an auto repair or tire shop, have you noticed that you haven’t seen several of your quality, loyal customers in the last 18 months? Maybe it’s time to help them realize they haven’t seen you either! What if there were a way that was almost certain to bring them back to your shop? If you’re ready to start serving your best customers again, you don’t want to miss this episode of the Gain Traction podcast!
Just because it’s been a while since you’ve seen someone who was once a regular cus…
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Jun 15, 2022
The Incredible Value of Telling Your Shop’s Story with Patrick Egan, Founder and CEO of Spark Interactive
Patrick Egan is a senior marketing executive and the Founder and CEO of Spark Interactive. Spark Interactive fuses the power of storytelling with professionally-produced video to help business owners attract a high volume of the right customers. Patrick takes a pragmatic approach to product management, marketing and team building, with a focus on the execution of technological vision. In this episode…
Are you looking for a way to attract more of the right people to your tire and auto repair shop? Does your shop have a great story behind it? Now may be the time to leverage your shop’s story through video. If you’re seeking more loyal customers or great, long-term employees this episode of Gain Traction is for you!
In this episode of Gain Traction, Patrick Egan tells Mike Edge about the tremendous value that storytelling through video can bring to the owner of a tire and auto repair shop. Patrick explains how he interviews shop owners, employees and loyal customers, then combines…
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Jun 8, 2022
Maximizing Customer Retention with Clare Hetherington of DriveRightData
Clare Hetherington is the Marketing Manager at DriveRightData. She is a data-driven marketer who is passionate about customer relationship management and the results that strategic marketing and marketing automation can deliver. At DriveRightData, Clare takes ownership of all global marketing activities from branding, strategy, and value proposition building to lead generation and data insight. In this episode…
Are you a tire manufacturer or tire retailer with a website showcasing your products? Do you include product and pricing information on your website, or do you ask that the customer call you to find out that information? If you require a call, you’re probably costing yourself business. Check out this episode of Gain Traction to learn more!
Buyer behavior is always evolving and has changed even more drastically since the start of the pandemic. As people have shifted to working from home, more and more shopping is being done online. According to Clare Hetherington from Drive…
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May 25, 2022
Communicating With Customers About Car Repair
Chan Patel is Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Autotext.me. His passion and energy is focused on making Autotext.me the leader in digital inspections and workflow solutions for the automotive industry. The company has been experiencing record growth — Chan’s deep experience and proven track record has been the catalyst behind that success. In this episode…
As an owner or manager of an auto repair shop, do you find it frustrating communicating with your customers about recommended service after they’ve dropped their car off? Do they take forever to return your call? Do they trust you when you recommend certain repairs? If these are questions you can relate to, you don’t want to miss this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast!
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Mike Edge welcomes Chan Patel for a discussion about the multiple ways Autotext.me can make communication between auto repair shop owners more detailed and efficient while increasing the am…
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May 18, 2022
Growing and Sustaining a Family Business
Brian Lenhardt is the Owner and Vice President of Operations at Fat Boys Tire & Auto in Wyoming. Fat Boys has provided services to the tri-state area for over 50 years and now operates five locations.
Brian is the third generation in the business and has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old. He now has 17 years of experience in the industry and oversees corporate, national, and government accounts while managing Fat Boys’ outside sales team. Brian lives in Wyoming with his wife and four kids, and he loves fishing, playing softball, hockey, and golf. In this episode…
Many companies don’t succeed past the third generation when it comes to family businesses. Do you have what it takes to bring your family business to the next level?
Gain your insights from Brian Lenhardt, a true family man with a trusted family business. As a third-generation business owner, Brian is committed to ensuring that his company, Fat Boys Tire & Auto, can continue to expand while providing…
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May 11, 2022
Introducing Floww Digital
Keith Heavilin is the President of YellowFin Digital, a full-service creative design and digital marketing agency based in Texas that provides comprehensive website and digital marketing services. Keith is also the Co-founder of Floww Digital, a company that provides digital marketing solutions for independent auto repair and tire shops across the United States. Keith’s management portfolio includes the development of four unique businesses in four distinct industries, which he led from initial startup to maturity and acquisition. In this episode…
Are you an independent tire and automotive repair shop hoping to achieve straightforward yet powerful marketing solutions?
Floww Digital believes there are a thousand different ways to spend money on digital marketing to increase traffic. You've got to do paid ads for the small, one-man, or one-location shop because that's the fastest and most impactful way to get a return. Later, you can take the profits you’ve made, put them into yo…
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Apr 27, 2022
Updating Your Tire Data Solutions
J.P. Brooks is the Chief Revenue Officer at Fitment Group. He’s spent over 15 years in the automotive aftermarket with a focus on the tire and wheel industry. J.P. has worked on many levels within this industry, including software sales, business development, partnership, management, and product development.
J.P. lives in Duluth, Minnesota with his wife and daughter. He enjoys spending as much time outdoors with his family as the weather permits. In this episode…
The tire industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technology. But how can new data tools benefit your business?
There are many advantages: stocking the right tire sizes and brand models, retail price analysis, and e-commerce strategies. With a stronger online presence, customers are more likely to walk in the door. And if they’re walking in the door — you better make sure you have the product they need at the right price. So, how do you get started?
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Mike Edge i…
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Apr 20, 2022
Building Outstanding Business Relationships
Chris Pazderny is the Vice President of Operations at Caliber Auto Care in Texas. He has been in the automotive industry for 30 years, starting at age 16. Chris began his career as a part stocker at a Ford dealership in Texas. Eventually, he was hired to get Service First Automotive off the ground, opening the first shop in July 2011. He helped develop multiple stores until 2017, when they signed a joint venture agreement with Caliber. Since then, they have expanded to 32 locations in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio.
Chris and his wife Melinda have four kids, ages 10 to 27. When Chris isn't working, he enjoys hunting, fishing, beach vacations, and disc golf. He and Melinda also love eating out and enjoying a nice bottle of wine. In this episode…
Relationships should be one of your top priorities when it comes to business, even in the auto industry.
That includes relationships with other business owners and with your customers. Would you be willing to fly to another st…
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Apr 6, 2022
Cultivating a Culture of Growth
Beth Barron is the CEO of Chabill’s Tire & Auto Service based in southern Louisiana. Under Beth’s leadership, Chabill’s has grown into a market force with 17 retail locations. Before becoming CEO, Beth spent 26 years as the Vice President for Chabill’s. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Northwestern State University. In this episode…
Many business owners are focused on the bottom line. They worry about numbers and work employees to the ground trying to keep the business alive. But not Chabill’s Tire & Auto Service.
Chabill’s knows that their employees are their greatest asset. That’s why they make life-work balance a priority. If you take care of your people, they’ll take care of the business. And it shows for Chabill’s — they’ve got 17 retail locations and counting.
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Neal Maier is joined by Beth to discuss how to cultivate a culture of growth. Beth shares how she makes employ…
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Mar 30, 2022
The Advantages of Automated Software
Tere Hardin is an automotive software expert with over two decades of experience. Currently, he is an Enterprise Account Executive for Shop-Ware. Previously, Tere was a Product Specialist for Automotive Management Solutions and ran the National Accounts for Progressive Automotive Systems. Born and raised in South Texas, he joined the Marines when he was 17 and left a small farm to repair navigation equipment aboard a Navy helicopter carrier.
Tere spends his free time riding his Harley Davidson and fixing things as needed. Tere and his wife love to travel light and spontaneously. In this episode…
Most people don’t associate tire shops with customer service. But when you think about it, isn’t that what the automotive industry is all about?
Most customers who walk through your door won’t know the difference between a transaxle and a transmission. They won’t understand a word you say about gears or U-joints. But they will hear, “Yes, we have the right parts; we can fix it.…
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Mar 23, 2022
[Year in Review] Connecting Pioneers Across the Automotive Industry
Neal Maier is the Co-founder of Tread Partners; a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive. Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call.
Mike Edge is in Business Development at Tread Partners. He has had a lengthy career in his field, previously being the Owner and Business Development expert for Resource Connection, Inc., Director of Business Development at Upright Communications, and Owner of T.M. Edge, Inc. In this episode…
How can your brand be a model for growth and employee respect in an industry that is changing?
For Neal Maier and Mike Edge, interviewing pioneers in the auto industry provides the opportunity to connect with others. Neal and Mike highlight innovative ways to improve marketing tactics, customer interactions, and employee relations this…
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Mar 16, 2022
Picking the Right Location for Your Shop
Neal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners; a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive.
Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call.
David was previously also a Partner at 3VE and was the Founder of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and operating businesses, including his family’s auto repair shop. In this episode…
Choosing a new location for your shop is a big decision. How can you tell which area will be best for business?
First of all, you have to decide if you’re going to construct a new building or acquire an existing one. Then you have to check out the demographics of the area, competitors nearby, and the existing customer base (if you are acquiring). What are the key indicators f…
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Mar 9, 2022
How To Smoothen Your Acquisition Process
Chris Garman is the Vice President of Business Development at Sun Auto Tire & Service. Sun Auto Tire & Service is the leading provider of quality aftermarket automotive repair, maintenance, and tire service in the Southwest. Chris oversees Sun Auto Tire’s merger and acquisition activities. Before being acquired by Sun Auto, he was the President of his family’s automotive store, GB Auto in Phoenix.
Tommy Gaynor is the Pacific Northwest Market Director at Sun Auto Tire & Service. Tommy was the General Manager at Gaynors Automotive before joining Sun Auto Tire & Service. He is an accomplished leader with a proven track record of winning in multiple business units. He is also an entrepreneur and innovative problem solver with cross-functional skills and adaptability across various industries. In this episode…
Are you running an automotive shop, making some money, but stuck in the same position and not growing? Have you thought of the opportunities that would come with acquisition b…
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Feb 9, 2022
Turning Missed Maintenance Into Sales Opportunities
Patrick Murphy is the CEO and Co-founder of SideKick360. SideKick360 is a web-based reporting platform that provides on-demand reporting and operations tools for shop management systems. Patrick is also the Founder and Head Coach at Retail Tire & Service Solutions. He focuses on solving operational, data, and people challenges faced by auto repair shops at both companies. In 2014, he founded MyCarCareRewards, now BAYiQ, which brought real-time integrated loyalty marketing to the tire and auto repair industry. His current project is developing distributor and manufacturer "value add" programs that increase loyalty and improve the sellout capabilities of B2B clients. In this episode…
When business slows down, most companies put their energy into acquiring new customers. But what about your existing customers?
Instead of offering deals and coupons to bring in new traffic, how about finding ways to serve your current clients? For example, wouldn't it be nice to look across your custome…
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Feb 2, 2022
Inspiring Success by Sharing Stories
Bryce Evans is the Vice President of Content and Events at 10 Missions Media. Bryce oversees the company’s six national brands, Auto Service Professional, ADAPT, FenderBender, Modern Tire Dealer, National Oil & Lube News, and Ratchet+Wrench. He also takes care of the live events, marketing department, and additional products. An award-winning journalist, Bryce has produced work in dozens of national and regional publications. In this episode…
Starting a business isn’t easy — but it helps to learn from others who have endured similar challenges.
That’s why Bryce Evans is working hard to showcase inspiring stories of automotive business leaders through publications like Ratchet+Wrench. Generous shop owners open up about their journeys and share the solutions and strategies they’ve cultivated over the years. The goal is to help others find the same success, build their businesses, and make improvements.
In this episode of Gain Traction Podcast, Mike Edge is joined by Bryce…
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Jan 26, 2022
Top-Notch Training for Hybrid and EV
Craig Van Batenburg is the CEO and Chief Technical Officer of ACDC Hybrid EV Training Resources. Craig has worked as a tech since 1968, a shop owner since 1977, a management trainer since 1997, and a technical trainer since 1999. In 2014, he added a research and development center to his facility. He's deeply interested in the EV space and training those curious and willing to learn. In this episode…
Electric cars might seem like a mystery if you've been working on traditional vehicles for years. Where can you learn the secrets of the trade?
ACDC Hybrid EV Training Resources has the answers you need. Founder and CEO Craig Van Batenburg says he's not an automotive instructor — he's a trainer. What's the difference? His job is to do three things: make you faster, better, and safer as quickly as he can. He's not just helping people learn how to work on cars — he's helping employees in the trade upgrade their abilities.
In this episode of Gain Traction Podcast, Mike Edge is joined…
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Jan 19, 2022
From A Mall Basement to Multi-Location Tire Business
Rob Eskew is the Co-founder and Co-owner of TRUE Automotive in Atlanta, Georgia. Rob has been in the repair business since 2005 — before graduating high school. He performed service and upgrades on BMWs and other European models during college at UGA. After college, he worked in commercial construction, but his true passion was working on cars. This led him to co-found TRUE Automotive in 2012. Rob’s goal is to have over 50 locations by 2030.
Rob is passionate about self-improvement, discipline, and personal growth. He’s an avid reader, race car driver, instructor, and world traveler. In this episode…
It’s not easy to leave a comfortable job and follow your passion. How can you begin to build the business you’re dreaming of?
It doesn’t matter where or how you start — all that matters is that you start. When Rob Eskew first began TRUE Automotive with his business partner, they operated from the basement of an out-of-business strip mall. They own multiple storefronts ac…
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Jan 12, 2022
Continuing Education for Tire Employees
Scott Blair is the Founder of T.R.A.C.K. Auto Training & Network, which is poised to soon be the premier tire, rim, and chassis training center in the US. Their team serves both the mobile tire industry and traditional tire stores with customers ranging from one-store family-owned to multi-state national chains.
As a 28-year veteran of the tire and custom wheel industry, Scott is passionate about everything related to tires and wheels. He is the Managing Partner of 2U Tire of Alabama, Co-founder of 2U Mobile Solutions, and Inventor of the Wheel Fit and GRYPR System. Scott is also the Creator and Host of T.R.A.C.K. Auto Training & Network on YouTube and Author of the T.R.A.C.K. Auto Training custom wheel and non-OE tire certification program. In this episode…
High turnover rates are making hiring and training a challenge for business owners. How can you quickly onboard employees without slowing down your workflow? Once employees are trained, how do you ensure they’ll stay with th…
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Jan 5, 2022
Building a Unified Team Culture
Tim Winkeler is the President and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, with 63 locations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Tim is an accomplished, people-focused leader with a track record of building high-performance teams that exceed expectations and are hyper-focused on customer needs and feedback. Tim thrives in helping organizations succeed through strategy, development, and execution. Tim is originally from St. Louis, Missouri but grew up in Oklahoma before moving to Maine. In this episode…
There's often an unspoken division between a tire company's office and service teams. Is it possible to help them connect and understand one another?
Tim Winkeler has spent the last decade unifying the team at VIP Tires & Service — and the difference is enormous. He's worked to help people in the office understand the struggles that the store employees go through, and the store employees understand the efforts from the office to support them. He even has everyone in the office…
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Dec 29, 2021
Attracting Customers Through Interactive Videos
Patrick Egan is the Founder of SPARK Interactive. SPARK Interactive fuses the power of storytelling with the technology of professionally produced video to help business owners attract their target customers. Patrick has over 10 years of experience in the automotive industry, primarily focusing on marketing. Previously, he was the Vice President of Marketing at Kukui Corporation and the Digital Marketing Director at AutoServe1. In this episode…
It can be difficult to introduce your automotive shop to potential customers online. Wouldn’t it be nice to give them a chance to tour your store — without having to leave their couch?
SPARK Interactive creates virtual 360 videos of automotive stores to give potential customers an inside look. Customers can check out your shop, the employees, and the surrounding neighborhood. And, if they like the look and feel of your store online, they’re as good as sold when they walk through your door.
In this episode of Gain Traction Podcast, Mik…
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Dec 22, 2021
Establishing Credibility Through Social Media
Duncan Alney is the Founder and CEO of Firebelly Marketing, a social media marketing agency that makes brands more likable and profitable. Duncan juggles the roles of catalyst, program overseer, problem solver, and strategist within the organization. He also hosts The Firebelly Social Show, which features food and beverage brands on a mission to make the world better, and he’s a member of the Digital Agency Elite (Agency Owner Mastermind).
In his free time, Duncan enjoys spending time with his son, playing vinyl on vintage stereo equipment, amateur DJing, cooking, and sipping on Italian-style espresso drinks.
In this episode…
Everybody needs tires, and there are countless store options to choose from. In a world of intense competition, how can you establish credibility with consumers so they’ll choose your store over and over again?
Establishing an authentic social media presence is one of the best things you can do for your business’ reputation. These days, consumers aren…
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Dec 15, 2021
Building Up the Automotive Community with Tricia Sauls of ASTA
Tricia Sauls is the Executive Director of Automotive Service and Tire Alliance (ASTA). Her breadth of experience lays within the fields of data management, finance, and branding, specializing in social media and creative marketing. Previously, she was the Office Admin of Marketing for Unity of the Triangle and a Project Manager for Atlanta Business Technology. In this episode…
It’s easy to feel isolated as a small business. Day after day, you see huge companies reaching new pillars of success and wonder, “Will I ever get there?”
The truth is, people at the top got "there" by supporting each other. Successful people band together with ideas to make things happen. While you certainly can accomplish great feats on your own, it doesn’t happen as easily when you're forced to wear too many hats. When you join a group where everyone is excited to see new ideas come to fruition, you’ll find yourself growing in ways you never thought were possible.
On this episode of the Gain Tra…
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Dec 8, 2021
Stop Merely Getting Sales and Start Building Customers
Steve Ferrante is the Founder and CEO of Pinnacle Performance Training. Steve helps elite auto shops sharpen their sales and customer service skills through consistent education. He’s now recognized as a leading sales and customer service trainer in the tire and automotive service industry and has been the contributing “Selling Smart” columnist for Tire Review magazine since 2010.
In this episode…
Your business is carried on the shoulders of your employees. How can you develop a team culture that provides a service-first experience for customers?
It boils down to employee training and development. It’s just like a workout — if you don’t make it a routine, you won’t see any lasting change. Employee education has to be consistent rather than sitting them down for a one-time, five-hour training event. The energy you invest into the people you hire will spill out on the sales floor and into consumers. Instead of just getting sales, you’ll be building customers.
In thi…
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Dec 1, 2021
Building Better Together with Michael Chung of Auto Care Association
Michael Chung is the Director of Market Intelligence at the Auto Care Association. Michael has worked in molecular biology research, environmental consulting, marketing and communications, and market research. He writes about industry trends and key factors influencing the health of the automotive aftermarket to help businesses throughout the supply chain make better decisions. In this episode…
So much has happened in the auto industry in the last year and a half. How can you make sense of all the information and figure out how it will affect the market?
The Auto Care Association takes care of that. Members across the organization gather relevant research that will help people in every corner of the auto industry. They have parts manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers, representatives, retail operations experts, and more on their team. The Auto Care Association creates an opportunity for collaboration. Together, you can help drive the industry forward.
On this episode of the G…
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Nov 24, 2021
Creating a Work Happy, Values-Based Culture with Marc Pons of Chapel Hill Tire
Marc Pons is the President of Chapel Hill Tire, a multi-location tire dealer based in North Carolina. Thanks to Marc’s leadership, Chapel Hill Tire has become one of the nation’s premier tire shops by focusing on its customers, staff, and core values.
Chapel Hill Tire was founded in 1953 by Sion Jennings and was purchased in 1964 by Marc’s father, Al Pons. Marc worked in the tire shop as a teenager but began his professional career as a Sales Assistant for Chase Manhattan Foreign Exchange in New York. When his father unexpectedly passed away in 1996, Marc moved back home to help operate the family business and has been successfully growing the company ever since. In this episode…
Hiring and retaining employees today seems more challenging than ever. How can you create a work environment where employees can grow and thrive and customers are guaranteed to receive excellent service?
Marc Pons, President of Chapel Hill Tire, recommends taking a good, hard look at your company cu…
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Nov 17, 2021
Creating an Inclusive Automotive Business with Jody DeVere of AskPatty.com
Jody DeVere is the Founder and CEO of AskPatty.com, a training program for automotive retailers on attracting, selling, retaining, and marketing to women. AskPatty.com has been featured by The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, O, The Oprah Magazine, and Woman’s Day. Jody is also a Professional Speaker for the National Automobile Dealers Association, the COO of Women’s Automotive Association International, and a Founding Member of the Board of Directors of the Women in Automotive Conference.
As a social media guru who is an expert in marketing to women - as well as a skilled journalist, car care expert, and safety spokesperson - Jody’s primary goal is to promote, mentor, and support careers for women in the automotive industry. She has more than 25 years of achievement as a successful entrepreneur focused on sales and marketing leadership to assist her in this quest. Jody is a champion for women in the automotive industry, and her company serves as the first p…
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Oct 20, 2021
Acquisition for Exponential Growth with Jeffry Gardner of Sun Auto
Jeffry Gardner is the Vice President of Marketing for Sun Auto Tire & Service. Jeffry came to GB Auto Service Inc., which is now rebranded to Sun Auto Tire & Service, with the first acquisition of BRAKEmax in late 2017. Since then, he has taken responsibility for the marketing of the entire company and all acquisitions. Before Sun Auto, Jeffry was the Director of Marketing for BRAKEmax and a Store Manager for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Outside of work, Jeffry loves cycling and cheering for the Denver Broncos, the Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, the Rockies, and all other University of Arizona teams. In this episode…
Acquiring businesses can be complicated, so how can you smoothly transition ownership without losing your reputation and valuable talent?
Sun Auto has a thriving pattern of acquiring automotive businesses. What started as just 30 stores in two locations has grown into a flourishing chain of over 213 locations across the western US. By preserving each location’s uniq…
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Oct 13, 2021
Expanding Your Automotive Chain with Jenn Mello of Tire Outlet
Jenn Mello is the Project Manager at Tire Outlet, a 13 store chain in Jacksonville, Florida. Jenn handles social media, email marketing, website design, strategic management, brand management, promotions, market research, and public relations. Jenn started at Tire Outlet as a Marketing Manager in 2017 and expanded her role as the company grew. Previously, she was a Training Advisor at New Horizons Computer Learning Center and an Advertising Intern at Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center. In this episode…
Growing a chain of businesses is a unique challenge. From finding the proper marketing channels to utilize to researching new location opportunities, what are your strategies when it comes to expanding your automotive empire?
Jenn Mello joined the Tire Outlet team when they had just seven locations. Since then, she’s helped them grow into a fleet of 13 stores across Florida. Whether it’s an acquisition or building a brand new location, she helps Tire Outlet market to the local com…
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Oct 6, 2021
What is the Transformers Institute? Meet Their VP, Fernando Miranda
Fernando Miranda is the Vice President of Transformers Institute. Transformers Institute brings together automotive shop owners to leverage each person’s knowledge and experience to improve the industry. Fernando brings a wealth of automotive expertise to the Transformers organization through his 24 years of management experience. Previously, he was the Vice President of Professional Sales at Advance Auto Parts and the District Manager for O’Reilly Auto Parts. Fernando was also the Regional Vice President of the International Car Wash Group. In this episode…
Running your own automotive business isn’t easy. Do you ever wish you had a group of common minds where you could ask questions and find out how others navigated the same path?
Luckily, these groups exist at Transformers Institute. Their purpose? To bring together shop owners to leverage the collective knowledge and experience of the group for the benefit of everyone. If you can learn from someone else’s mistakes, you c…
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Sep 29, 2021
Preparing for an Exit with Dennis McCarron
Dennis McCarron is a Partner at Cardinal Brokers. Cardinal Brokers offers full brokering services with a focus on the tire, service, and automotive-related industries. Their partners have over 40 years of combined experience working in the tire and automotive service industry at nearly every level of the business.
Dennis is widely known for his teaching on finance, sales, and leadership, as well as his contributions to Modern Tire Dealer magazine. Previously, Dennis was the Executive Director for the DSP Twenty Group and the Senior Development Instructor for Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC. In this episode…
Most independent tire and automotive dealers are experts at selling or fixing cars. But often they're missing the education piece when it comes to exiting their business. So when you’re ready to hang up your keys and retire in Florida, how do you start preparing to sell your business?
Dennis McCarron is an expert at helping automotive business owners get the best offer for…
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Sep 22, 2021
Building a Thriving Startup with George Fandos
George Fandos is the Managing Partner of The James Agency, a business consultancy that helps startups and established B2B businesses innovate and bring new ideas to life. They offer strategies, plans, and hands-on assistance for operations, pricing, financial modeling, and more.
George has over 30 years of experience as a customer-facing executive and strategic consultant. He brings a unique combination of strategy and practical execution to every situation. In addition to his work at The James Agency, George currently holds executive and leadership roles at Pixmettle, Achieve Health Management, and Blackstone and Cullen. In this episode…
Many new companies fail. Sometimes, it’s just the market or the competitors — but more often, it has to do with how a founding team gets started. So, how can you avoid common pitfalls and find success when establishing your business?
George Fandos has been helping startups and B2B businesses launch, expand, and thrive for over 10 years. He te…
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Sep 15, 2021
Hiring and Retaining Quality Employees with Mike Allen
Mike Allen is the CEO of Carfix, a growing group of auto repair shops in North Carolina. A third-generation tire dealer, Mike grew up working in his father’s auto repair shop and has since grown his own shop into a three-location business. Carfix has been named one of the 10 ‘Top Shops in America’ by Motor Age Magazine twice.
Mike is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Service Consultant and is also the Director of the Independent Garage Owners Association of North Carolina. Before Carfix, Mike was an Auto Advisor for Auto Pro to Call. In this episode…
Are you struggling to hire and retain employees? Are you constantly scheduling interviews, only to find that people either don’t show up or receive a better offer at the last minute?
Let's be real - hiring has changed a lot over the last 10 years. In years prior, most employees felt satisfied with just their paycheck and the feeling of being competent at their job. Now, employees expect benefits like paid time o…
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Sep 8, 2021
Changing the Money Conversation with Jeff Tucker
Jeff Tucker is the CEO of Triple T Tire and Tapps. Jeff grew his family’s tire business from a single location specializing in tires to three full-service auto repair and tire shops. Jeff also developed the Tapps App to help retailers implement payment plans for their customers. Using data, analytics, and customization, the Tapps App helps to improve consumer engagement which allows businesses to flourish.
In addition to his roles at Triple T Tire and Tapps, Jeff is also a Business Development Consultant at Molloy Business Development Group. Outside of the tire world, Jeff loves to be at home with his wife, Julie, or outdoors off-roading with family and friends. In this episode…
It’s no secret that car repairs often come with a hefty price tag. Unfortunately, most people don’t plan to spend $2,500 on car repairs every month, leaving them woefully unprepared to meet this expense if their vehicle is in need of serious repairs. So, how do you help your customers get the repairs…
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Sep 1, 2021
How to Take Strategic Business Risks with Jarid Lundeen
Jarid Lundeen is the President of Tires Plus of North Dakota. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, Jarid started his career in the hospitality industry. Now, he’s been in the tire industry for over 20 years and currently operates a total of four tire locations and two stores.
Outside of the tire world, Jarid enjoys spending time with his family of six children and coaching youth football. In this episode…
Are you curious about trying a new career path but feeling fear about leaving the old one behind? Do you have an excellent idea for a business, but you’re not sure if the risk will be worth the potential rewards?
Meet Jarid Lundeen, President of Tires Plus of North Dakota. He started in the hospitality industry, transitioned to managing restaurants, and moved into the banking industry before deciding to land in the tire industry where he’s been for the last 20 years. How did he leverage his skills to thrive in three totally differen…
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Aug 18, 2021
The Recipe for a Successful Website in the Tire Industry with Matt Peters of Tireweb Marketing
Matt Peters is the Business Development Manager at Tireweb Marketing, a full-service agency that creates retailer and e-commerce websites, as well as software, for the tire and automotive industry. Matt has been in the tire and marketing industries since 1999 and uses his expertise to craft websites that succeed.
Before joining Tireweb Marketing, Matt was the Business Development Manager at Icon Internet Media, Inc. and the Division Director at E-Solution Professionals. In this episode…
Websites are one of the most important marketing tools a company can use to gain customers, revenue, and get their brand out there. However, there is one facet of the automotive industry that often overlooks the power of websites: wheel and tire dealers. Matt Peters is here to fix that.
Matt knows a thing or two about what it takes to maintain a successful website. He is the Business Development Manager at Tireweb Marketing, a full-service web agency that specializes in websites for the tire, wheel…
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Aug 11, 2021
Developing Trust in the Automotive Industry with Tommy Gaynor of Gaynor’s Automotive
Tommy Gaynor is the President and CEO of Gaynor’s Automotive, a full-service auto repair facility located in Vancouver, Washington. The business started with his parents, and now there are five locations across the state.
He has over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry and has a proven track record of being a multi-business entrepreneur, problem solver, and leader. When Tommy is not spending time with his family, he can be found drag racing. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Tommy Gaynor talks about how automobiles have been a major part of his family
* Tommy discusses the growth and development of Gaynor’s Automotive
* How the pandemic strengthened employee bonds
* The importance of a good reputation as an employer and a business
* Tommy talks about the automobile market in Vancouver, Washington
* Tommy and Mike discuss some of their favorite movies In this episode…
Are you struggling to retain employees? Are you aware of how much employ…
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Aug 4, 2021
Customer Satisfaction, Franchising, and Marketing in the Auto Care Industry with Andy Fiffick of Rad Air
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Mike Edge talks with President and CEO of Rad Air Complete Car Care, Andy Fiffick, about all aspects of the auto care industry from a management level. They discuss how to ensure customer satisfaction, the benefits of franchising, tips for marketing your auto care company, and much more.
For the last 35 years, Andy Fiffick has been the President and CEO of Rad Air Complete Car Care, an auto shop that provides quality auto repairs and was rated number one in Ohio for car repair and customer service.
In addition, Andy is also the President and CEO of Rad Air Franchise Systems, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide, and a Board of Directors Member of the Cleveland Better Business Bureau. Before joining Rad Air, Andy was the President and CEO of A/C Specialty Cars. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
* Andy Fiffick discusses customer satisfaction in the auto care industry
* Why you shou…
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Jul 19, 2021
Franchising in the Auto Care Industry with Bill Snow of Rad Air
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Mike Edge talks with Vice President of Marketing and Franchise Development at Rad Air Complete Car Care, Bill Snow, about franchising in the auto care industry. They discuss tips on crafting an impactful customer experience, the trade secrets behind franchising, building your network in the industry, and much more. Buckle up and stay tuned!
For many years, Rad Air has provided quality auto repairs for customers and was rated number one in Ohio for car repair and customer service.
Prior to joining Rad Air in 2014, Bill worked at companies including Sprint Nextel, Robert Half International, and XO Communications. He has also volunteered at Neohio Region’s Sports Car Club of America and the Ohio Bicycle Federation. Bill is a car enthusiast, and when he’s not working, you can find him at the racetrack or spending time with his family. In this episode…
What does franchising look like in the auto care industry? Why is it beneficial to ex…
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Jul 19, 2021
Achieving Successful Sales Strategies with Dan Molloy of Molloy Sales Development Group
Dan Molloy is the President and CEO of Molloy Sales Development Group, a company that teaches and implements successful strategies to achieve growth and gain more sales from the top down. Dan started Molloy Sales in 2001 when he was a Partner and Owner of ProCare Automotive, and realized sales were at the core of every successful business.
Dan has been in the sales and automotive industries since the start of his career, spanning more than four decades. In this episode…
On this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Neal Maier sits down with Founder and CEO of Molloy Sales Development Group, Dan Molloy, to talk about everything that revolves around sales strategy. They discuss the importance of effective communication, how sales rely on more than just inbound leads, making the most of phone calls, and much more. Stay tuned!
For over four decades, Dan Molloy has been a key player in the sales and automotive industries. He knows the ins and outs of generating more revenue from inboun…
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Jul 19, 2021
Who is the Real Competition to Tire Dealers and Auto Shop Owners?
Neal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive.
Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call.
David was previously also a Partner at 3VE and was the Founder of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and operating businesses, including his own family’s auto repair shop.
Mike Edge is in Business Development at Tread Partners. He has had a lengthy career in his field, having previously been the Owner and Business Development expert for Resource Connection, Inc., Director of Business Development at Upright Communications, and Owner of T.M. Edge, Inc. In this episode…
When it comes to your website, you may think you have it all figured out. You’ve checked a…
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Jul 19, 2021
Starting an Agency and Finding Your Niche with Neal Maier and David Christopher of Tread Partners
Neal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive.
Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call.
David was previously also a Partner at 3VE and was the Founder of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and operating businesses, including his own family’s auto repair shop. In this episode…
How did a car lover and an aspiring tax attorney come together to start a digital marketing agency? What’s the biggest challenge when entering the marketing industry? How can you ensure repeat customers for your business? Listen to this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast to find out!
Neal Maier and David Christopher’s paths converged through a mutual friend in 2015.…
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Jun 17, 2021
How Action Gator Tire Increased Leads by Over 276.45%
Neal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency focused on marketing, strategy, and branding for tire dealers and auto-repair shops to help them grow and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE, which rebranded into Tread Partners in 2021. In addition to having owned and operated repair shops, he’s helped to market and grow shops all across the country.
David was also previously a Partner at 3VE and was the Founder of TexTivia, which later rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and operating businesses, including his family’s collision shop. In this episode…
Does your business need a website redesign and updated, consistent brand standards? Are you struggling with generating leads and searches from your marketing efforts? Want to know how you can increase your leads by nearly 300%? Neal Maier and David Christopher are here to tell you.
Neal Maier and David Christopher are…
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