Explore every episode of the podcast Gain Traction
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Oil Changes to Leadership With TJ White of Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:22:27 | |
TJ White is the General Manager of Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care, a company with six locations in the Canton and Akron, Ohio area that specializes in tire and auto repair services. Under TJ's leadership, Tire Source has maintained strong community relationships and a reputation for customer loyalty, stemming from its innovative and efficient service practices. TJ grew up in Akron and has been part of the family business since he was 16, having worked his way up from changing oil and tires to his current managerial role. In this episode…Operating a tire and auto repair business with multiple locations presents an abundance of challenges and opportunities. What are some key strategies that contribute to success and growth? According to TJ White of Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care, the company has several key strategies. Tire Source focuses on being innovative and efficient, staying up-to-date with technology, and investing in training and equipment. It takes a step-by-step approach to implementing new technologies, testing them at one location before rolling them out to all locations. Transparency with employees is a priority, leading to a low turnover rate. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes TJ for a conversation about Tire Source, family history with Goodyear, business growth and strategy, and a memorable story about finding drugs in a spare tire. They also discuss the importance of efficiency and process, as well as the value of transparency and a positive work environment. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Adrenaline, Autos, and Achievements With Cory Brown of Cory's Point S Tire | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:23:57 | |
Cory Brown is the Owner of Cory's Point S Tire in Rapid City, South Dakota. Under Cory's leadership, the business has expanded to two locations, employing 35-40 staff members. Outside of business hours, Cory characterizes himself as an adrenaline junkie who enjoys car racing, snowboarding, motocross, and mountain climbing. In this episode…As any industry veteran can attest, the automotive field is an immensely competitive one. What makes a business thrive in a competitive sector, and how do leaders overcome the challenges posed by rapid growth and changing market dynamics? Cory Brown of Cory’s Point S Tire shares how he tackled these challenges head-on through a combination of grit, dedication, and strategic alliances. Raised in South Dakota, Cory took an unconventional path to success by embracing opportunities to learn and lead from a young age. His story unfolds with trials, triumphs, and the pivotal moment he joined Point S, a cooperative network that transformed his business landscape. Cory’s passion for cars and commitment to excellence, coupled with the support of a like-minded community, helped him build a business that stands out. Cory reveals how the Point S network not only provided tangible business benefits, but fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. In this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Cory Brown to chat about the journey from an independent tire shop owner to a respected member of the Point S network. They delve into the intricacies of growing a family business in the tire industry and provide valuable insights into the power of building relationships, relentless work ethic, and leveraging the support of a cooperative network to achieve business goals. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Transforming the Tire Industry With Ryan Ragan of Automotive Service & Tire Alliance | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:29:49 | |
Ryan Ragan is the Executive Director of the Automotive Service & Tire Alliance, where he focuses on enhancing value to members through innovative programs and training in the tech and tire sectors. Under his leadership, ASTA aims to expand its reach with events and educational initiatives, fostering greater involvement from the tire industry in addition to its strong mechanical service foundation. Ryan's background is rich with experience in international trade associations and nonprofits, and he brings a unique blend of business acumen and passion to his role at ASTA. In this episode…The automotive industry is undergoing significant transformations, with emerging trends and challenges shaping its future. How can industry leaders adapt to these changes to ensure continued growth and success? According to Ryan Ragan, Executive Director of Automotive Service & Tire Alliance, adapting to changes in the automotive industry requires a focus on innovation and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for networking and deal-making, particularly through events that bring together decision-makers and vendors. By facilitating interactions between key players, the industry can foster partnerships that drive growth and address common challenges. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Ryan to discuss the future of the automotive service industry. They explore topics such as the expansion of industry events, strategies for increasing vendor engagement, and efforts to integrate tire services more comprehensively. Ryan shares his vision for enhancing member benefits through educational programs and networking opportunities, aiming to strengthen community ties and support business growth within the sector. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Sticking to What You Do Best With Larry Sutton, President and Founder of RNR Tire Express | 04 Jan 2023 | 00:24:13 | |
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 Larry, who says “we're a real proponent of what we call serving our customers, as opposed to just providing service.” Larry says straying from what your shop does well causes your level of customer service to drop from what it could be. Larry and Mike also talk about franchising in the tire industry, generating repeat business, and the best movie of all time. Don’t miss it! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Growing Your Tire Business With Judd K. Shader, Founder and CEO at Leeds West Groups | 28 Dec 2022 | 00:22:44 | |
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’re looking to grow, check out this episode of Gain Traction! On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Judd to discuss the keys to successful scalability for a franchisee in tire and auto repair. Judd shares how his dad gave him the choice between becoming a business owner or pursuing a graduate degree. He ultimately chose to become a franchisee, so his dad helped fund two Midas shops and now Judd and his team have grown their number of stores into the triple digits, with plans toadd more retail locations in markets they already occupy. Don’t miss it! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Building a Positive Work Environment With Al Pridemore, CEO and Co-owner of Pride Auto Care | 21 Dec 2022 | 00:27:14 | |
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. Even if you have a lot of factors working against you, with a people-focused culture, Al says you’ll “parlay that thought and that feeling into the customers — they want to be where they're appreciated, where there's a relationship.” He shares how he’s built that type of culture in his company. Tune in! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Culture Is Everything With Joe Rush, Owner of Rush Automotive | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:22:11 | |
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 employee, the genuineness that I personally have, in my role, with each employee.” Joe has learned that when you care for your people, they care for the customer. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge and Joe sit down for a conversation all about culture. They discuss the keys to building a positive culture and why it’s important for customer relations. They also talk about a healthy culture’s effect on limiting employee turnover. When people come to work for Joe, he says, “this is the last job they’re ever going to have.” Find out how he makes that happen on this episode of Gain Traction! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Implementing a Strategic Process With Randy O’Connor of MTD TEN | 07 Dec 2022 | 00:27:26 | |
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 Traction! On this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier welcomes Randy for a conversation about best strategic business practices for managing a tire and auto repair shop. Randy emphasizes the importance of planning for 2023 a few months before it hits. He also talks about his primary KPI — mix of business — and how understanding it is key. Randy says focusing on gross profit dollars per invoice will allow you to figure out if you need to change a behavior. Gain wisdom by hearing this informative episode! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Working Your Way From Lube Tech to Owner With Brad Updegraff, Owner of Dave's Ultimate Automotive | 30 Nov 2022 | 00:22:31 | |
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 industry for about two years and one day, “I just remember stopping when I was under the hood and realizing that I actually understood more of the mechanics than I had in previous days, and it gave me this confidence that I needed to continue to build on this, and move forward and see what that turned into.” Brad built on his passion for helping people solve their car problems. On this episode of Gain Traction, you’ll hear from Brad, who joins Mike Edge for a conversation about advancing through the automotive industry. He shares how he got his start, gained confidence in his abilities, embraced his passion for helping people, and developed his skills as a leader — “I was the first to show up and the last one to leave. I was accountable for everything” — shaping the culture of his shop. Tune in to hear Brad talk about how a positive environment can impact a customer’s day! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Growing Your Tire Business With Judd K. Shader, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Leeds West Groups | 23 Nov 2022 | 00:22:37 | |
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’re looking to grow, check out this episode of Gain Traction! On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Judd to discuss the keys to successful scalability for a franchisee in tire and auto repair. Judd shares how his dad gave him the choice between becoming a business owner or pursuing a graduate degree. He ultimately chose to become a franchisee, so his dad helped fund two Midas shops and now Judd and his team have grown their number of stores into the triple digits, with plans to add more retail locations in markets they already occupy. Don’t miss it! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Every Phone Call Is Valuable With Jeff Scherer, Founder of Ntelegence | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:23:46 | |
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 Google Business Profile. According to Jeff Scherer of Ntelegence, “the Google Business Profile, hands down, is going to generate more calls than anything else that you do.” He also recommends inserting an IVR to ensure all calls coming into your store are routed to the right department. On this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier sits down with Jeff to discuss everything tire and auto repair shops can do to effectively receive and respond to all inquiries from customers — whether that’s over the phone or via text message. They discuss the importance of tracking missed calls and making sure that customers are called back. “You've got a dealer every two miles down the road,” Jeff told Neal. “So they have a lot of alternatives to click on from their cell phone to call the next guy.” Tune in! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Building a Great Culture with Max Gardner, Founder of Tire Max | 09 Nov 2022 | 00:15:33 | |
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 owner we can create a culture where people feel wanted, valued, and needed. And if we can do that, I think other things will get easier.” Are you ready to make people feel wanted, valued, and needed? In this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier sits down with Max to discuss the keys to successfully building a local chain of tire and auto repair shops. Max emphasizes a relationship with employees based on trust built over a period of time. He discusses the importance of proper training and the enormous value of a positive, welcoming culture, advising that “you can get people to do things better than you can.” Don’t miss it! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| The Fight for Your Right To Repair With Tim Winkeler, President and CEO of VIP Tires & Service | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:17:21 | |
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 Gain Traction, Mike Edge is joined by Tim to discuss important legislation in the automotive industry called right to repair. Tim is advocating for any repair shop, no matter how small or independent, or any car owner to be able to repair any car. Don't miss this important episode! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| [SEMA Series] At SEMA With Seth Glauberman, Jim Ring, Justin Rae, Brock Swentzel, Mike Graber, and Sonny McDonald | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:17:14 | |
Seth Glauberman is the President of Malco Automotive. A fourth-generation member of the family company specializing in automotive detailing products, Seth has been with Malco Automotive for 20 years. The company focuses on professional-grade products, while also venturing into products for discerning do-it-yourselfers. Jim Ring is the Owner and Partner at Ringbrothers, a company known for creating custom car parts and restoring and modifying cars. Jim and his brother began their company because they had difficulty finding high-quality, unique car parts. Their passion for cars led them from restoring cars to modifying them and eventually to creating the parts they needed. Justin Rae is the CEO and Co-founder of Cinch, a company that provides data science and automation tools for the automotive service and repair industry. Cinch's software helps shops send service reminders, predict needed services, and understand customer value. Justin has attended SEMA five times, and believes it is an important show for anyone in the automotive space. Brock Swentzel is the President of Wholesale at S&S Tire, a company celebrating its 50th anniversary. Brock comes from a family with a long history in the industry, as his grandfather started the company in 1974. S&S Tire is aiming to expand its business in the Southeast region of the United States. Mike Graber is the President and CEO of Toyo Tires. His experience spans across the industry from sales to product development. In addition to a passionate commitment to product quality and customer engagement, Mike believes genuine relationships and people play a significant role in the success of the tire industry. Sonny McDonald is Sr. National Training Manager at Toyo Tires Corp USA. He has held that position for over 22 years, after working for a decade as a sales representative for The Tire Rack. In this episode…The automotive industry is a dynamic landscape where innovation and collaboration are essential for success. How can industry leaders leverage their experiences to foster growth and adaptability in this competitive environment? According to Seth Glauberman from Malco Automotive, Jim Ring from Ringbrothers, Justin Rae from Cinch, Brock Swentzel from S&S Tire, and Mike Graber and Sonny McDonald from Toyo Tire, building strong relationships and embracing innovation are critical to thriving in the automotive sector. They emphasize the importance of networking at events like SEMA, where connections with customers, partners, and suppliers can lead to new opportunities. Additionally, they note the value of adapting to market changes through innovative products and data-driven strategies that enhance customer engagement and service. On this episode of Gain Traction, join host Mike Edge at SEMA, where he talks to Seth, Jim, Justin, Brock, Mike, and Sonny about the significance of networking and collaboration in the automotive industry. The guests share insights on innovative products, custom parts manufacturing, data-driven customer service tools, and strategies for distributor growth. Their conversations highlight how fostering relationships and embracing change can drive success in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| 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 | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:31:28 | |
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 here, and we've been blessed — so we feel like we've been blessed to help other people.” On this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier sits down with Rick to discuss the business and culture elements that have sustained BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors for more than 90 years. Rick says maintaining their family culture can be challenging, but they make it happen by prioritizing events, community, charity golf tournaments, and relationships as highly as selling tires, products, equipment, and supplies. Don’t miss this insightful conversation! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Staffing and Branding a Venerable Company With Kate Speelman, Brand Management and Talent Acquisition Specialist at Rice Tire | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:12:05 | |
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 values espoused by the company. You’ll also hear about the ownership history of the company, which has been in business since the late 1920’s. Don’t miss it! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| The Joy of Selling Your Own Tires With Michael Mathis, Founder and President of Atturo Tire Corp. | 12 Oct 2022 | 00:18:35 | |
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 lifestyle that allows you to play golf twice a week to start your own tire manufacturing company. According to Michael Mathis, who gave up golf to start Atturo Tire Corp, “I felt like selling insurance was just delivering a stack of papers. And while those are certainly important to business, I really wanted that challenge of trying to sell a hard product — and there was nothing I knew better at that time, and still today, than trying to sell a tire.” On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Michael to discuss his transition from being a successful insurance salesman to becoming a tire manufacturer. Michael shares how he stumbled onto a winning formula and found a path forward by building a brand name and a quality product with a mix of tread patterns and sizes. He talks about how he worked with the owner of a knife company to come up with designs, and much more. Don’t miss this interesting conversation! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Minimizing Headaches and Maximizing Efficiency With Crissy Zellers of Accelerate Personalized Sales Solutions | 28 Sep 2022 | 00:12:14 | |
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 Sales Solutions has a solution on this episode of Gain Traction! On this episode of Gain Traction, Neal Maier welcomes Crissy to discuss the all-inclusive program management tool she developed to make life easier for tire retailers who are managing multiple different programs from multiple distributors. Crissy explains how this new technology keeps managers at tire dealerships on track with what can be an overwhelming amount of information, allowing them to stay on track on a weekly basis. Her tool reports goals, numbers, and potential payouts. Don’t miss it! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Profit Sharing Increases Caring With Dick Erickson, Founder of Sun Tire and Author of How the Rubber Meets the Road. | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:26:04 | |
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 customer service? Dick Erickson says he implemented profit sharing for every employee and it changed how everyone behaved at work. They treated the equipment with more care and the quality of customer service went “above and beyond.” In this episode of Gain Traction, Dick joins Mike Edge for a captivating conversation about what he learned from attending a Les Schwab training program for 19 consecutive years and how his Sun Tire stores benefitted after he implemented profit sharing among all employees. Dick speaks on the topic of profit sharing and how it revolutionized the culture at Sun Tire. Tune in to hear how profit sharing could potentially change your business! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| How and When To Sell Your Auto Shop With Michael McGregor | 31 Aug 2022 | 00:21:53 | |
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 Michael McGregor, author of Buy, Build, Fix, Sell, when planning to sell, shop owners need to make sure their shops are maximally profitable. This includes documenting expenses and making sure their pricing is right to earn a reasonable profit. In this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Michael for a conversation about the important matters that should be addressed before tire and auto repair shop owners consider selling their businesses. They also discuss the importance of marketing the business, how much of the budget should be dedicated to marketing, and the best methods to reach the right customers. Michael says a shop’s clean and updated appearance is a big part of marketing. Don’t miss it! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Never Stop Evolving With Dwayne Myers, Co-Owner and Managing Partner of Dynamic Automotive | 24 Aug 2022 | 00:22:21 | |
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 his shop’s operation and culture. “I worked Saturdays for thirty years and didn’t realize what I was missing,” he said. Dwayne was reluctant to change his hours of operation for years, but says the pandemic caused a reduction in hours and the benefits have outweighed the negatives ever since. On this episode of Gain Traction, you’ll hear from Dwayne, who tells Mike Edge about the positive outcomes from making operational changes such as working hours, community involvement and programs for retaining employees. He talks about his long journey in the automotive industry and the ways he never stops learning. You don’t want to miss this interesting and informative episode! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Providing Great Customer Experiences Regardless of Circumstances With Sally Thomas, Co-Owner of J.P. Thomas & Company | 17 Aug 2022 | 00:20:13 | |
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. “I wish we sold ice cream,” said Sally Thomas, Co-owner of J.P. Thomas & Company. “I always say, ‘listen, we didn’t buy it, we didn’t build it, we didn’t break it’.” In this episode of Gain Traction, Sally joins Neal Maier for a discussion anyone in the tire and auto repair industry can relate to: how to provide a positive experience for the customer despite the negative circumstances. Sally shares how she keeps her staff upbeat, the importance of transparency in all aspects of vehicle repair, and explains how the appearance of both the inside and outside of the shop can affect the customer experience. Don't miss it! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Generating Loyalty and Avoiding Complacency With Steven Stamey, Operations Manager at Maxi Auto Service Centers | 10 Aug 2022 | 00:23:09 | |
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 can accomplish when they just find belief.” In this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Steven to discuss the ways in which building from within can benefit your tire and auto repair shop. He talks about the gains Maxi Auto Service has made from expanding its existing stores rather than adding new stores. Steven shares the ways he gets his employees involved through consistent communication and training. Don’t miss this conversation! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Finding the Right Customers for Your Shop With Neal Maier, Co-Founder of Tread Partners | 03 Aug 2022 | 00:13:18 | |
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! In this episode of Gain Traction, Chad interviews Neal about all things related to marketing your tire and auto repair shop. Neal establishes his marketing and industry knowledge before discussing strategies tire and auto repair shops can use to reach new customers and reconnect with existing customers. If you’re interested in increasing the customer base for your shop, tune in! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| [SEMA Series] Roy Littlefield IV, Sam Felberbaum, Lance Bullock, Norris Marshall, and Michael Mathis | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:17:05 | |
Roy Littlefield IV currently serves as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association. He currently works on both state and federal legislation and has testified and submitted testimony on a variety of issues impacting the industry. Roy also helps to publish a variety of legislative newsletters for the Tire Industry Association. Sam Felberbaum is the President of Prinx and Fortune brand tires. He has over 20 years of experience helping companies grow and improve customer retention and revenue. He has spent the last two years in his role at Prinx Chengshan Tire and previously worked for eight years at Toyo Tires. Lance Bullock is the President of OE Wheels, 4PLAY Wheels, and Defiant Wheels. Lance has contributed to the modernization, direction, and growth of OE Wheels for over two decades. The company’s Defiant Wheel recently won a SEMA design award. Norris Marshall is Co-founder of Blueprint Engines and serves on the board for SEMA. His company manufactures crate engines for a variety of makes and models and strives to make it easier for enthusiasts to modify their vehicles. Michael Mathis is the President of Atturo Tires. Atturo had a record-breaking year, increasing brand awareness through sports sponsorships and a national TV campaign. The company is launching the Trailblade HT, a new all-weather tire, and adding 20 new sizes to their A810 performance tire. In this episode…The automotive aftermarket industry is facing challenges and opportunities as technology evolves and consumer preferences shift. How are industry leaders addressing issues like right to repair, product innovation, and market expansion? According to Roy Littlefield IV, Sam Felberbaum, Lance Bullock, Norris Marshall, and Michael Mathis, the industry is actively working on several fronts. They emphasize the importance of right to repair legislation, with efforts being made at both state and federal levels to ensure independent repair shops can access vehicle repair information. Product innovation is also a key focus, with companies developing new tire designs, wheel styles, and engine solutions to meet changing consumer demands. Additionally, these leaders highlight the significance of trade shows like SEMA for networking, showcasing new products, and building relationships with customers and partners. On this episode of Gain Traction, join host Mike Edge at SEMA, where he talks to Roy, Sam, Lance, Norris, and Michael about right to repair legislation, new product launches, the importance of face-to-face interactions at trade shows, sports marketing strategies, and the value of industry associations like SEMA. They also discuss market trends, product innovations, and strategies for growth in the automotive aftermarket industry. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Finding the Best Tires at the Best Price With Tim Shaffer, CEO and Co-Founder of Search Tires | 27 Jul 2022 | 00:22:33 | |
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 other markets soon. Are you ready to change how you shop for tires online? In this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Tim for a conversation about searchtires.com, a website where you can find the right tires for your vehicle at the lowest price. It helps you find the right size tires, shows where they’re offered near you, and displays the price at each location. Tim talks about how he came up with the idea, the process for a tire customer to find the right fit, and how Search Tires makes sure it has the most accurate and up-to-date information at all times. Tune in! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Providing Great Car Care in Tough Economic Times With Brian Sump, Owner and President of Urban Autocare | 20 Jul 2022 | 00:23:06 | |
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 psychiatrist because in difficult times, people are hurting emotionally and spiritually. They need their cars but may not be able to afford the cost of repairs. What’s an auto repair shop owner to do? In this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Brian Sump of Urban Autocare for a thoughtful discussion about what customers really want. They may say they want things like trust, quality, and integrity, but Brian says they really want two things: to not have come to a repair shop and to not get ripped off when they do. He talks about the importance of communicating with customers the consequences of not getting a repair, and a game plan for efficient use of their vehicle. Tune in! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Thriving in Difficult Times With Doug Miller, President of St. Lucie Battery & Tire | 13 Jul 2022 | 00:25:31 | |
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 way through the pandemic and overcome supply chain issues that are common throughout the industry. He also shares how long-term customer relationships can end up being your best marketing source. You’re sure to learn something from this discussion! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Get Your Old Customers Back with Neal Maier, Co-Founder at Tread Partners | 23 Jun 2022 | 00:21:51 | |
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 customer at your shop doesn’t mean you never have to see them again. According to Neal Maier from Tread Partners, good customers often get sidetracked by traveling, quick oil changes, and coupons. It’s not that they don’t like your shop anymore — they just need a gentle reminder that you’re still there for them. In this Gain Traction episode, Neal joins Mike Edge to introduce ReTread, Tread Partner’s reengagement program to win back previous customers. Neal guarantees that any shop owner who uses ReTread to bring old customers back through their doors will see an income of ten dollars for every one dollar spent. Tune in to hear how you can serve some familiar faces once again! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| The Incredible Value of Telling Your Shop’s Story with Patrick Egan, Founder and CEO of Spark Interactive | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:20:03 | |
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 their thoughts with compelling footage and edits them into documentary-style videos that serve as marketing tools like nothing else can. Your shop has a story that people will want to be a part of. Tune in to learn how to make it happen! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Maximizing Customer Retention with Clare Hetherington of DriveRightData | 08 Jun 2022 | 00:20:49 | |
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 DriveRightData, customers who are willing to call for information only constitute about half of the average customer base. The other half is searching for information online, and if they have to make a call to find it they’ll probably just shop somewhere else. Are you keeping as many online customers as possible? On this episode of Gain Traction, Clare joins Neal Maier for a discussion about buyer behavior among those shopping for tires. They talk about customers who are and are not interested in calling about information. Many online customers want information immediately. If those online customers can’t easily find the product and pricing information they’re looking for, it’s likely they’ll go elsewhere to do their shopping. Don’t miss this informative episode! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Communicating With Customers About Car Repair | 25 May 2022 | 00:21:27 | |
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 amount of trust a customer has in service recommendations. Chan tells Mike where the idea for Autotext.me came from and how it gives customers the confidence to succeed. Tune in! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Growing and Sustaining a Family Business | 18 May 2022 | 00:19:53 | |
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 customers with superior service and high-quality tires. Listen in as Brian shares the key to Fat Boys’ success over the course of 50 years.
On today’s episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, host Mike Edge sits down with Brian to talk about the history and expansion of Fat Boys Tire & Auto. Brian talks about his journey within the company, the future growth of Fat Boys, and the importance of employee loyalty and customer trust in growing and sustaining a family business. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Introducing Floww Digital | 11 May 2022 | 00:26:56 | |
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 your website and SEO, and grow the overall size of your operation. You also have to understand what drives traffic and moves your business. If you follow these simple yet highly effective digital marketing tips, you’ll be successful.
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Neal Maier is joined by Keith to introduce Floww Digital and the marketing services they offer. Keith explains how Floww Digital was formed, its core services, the proper process to follow when undertaking digital marketing, and the challenges Floww Digital is facing as a marketing agency in the automotive industry. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Updating Your Tire Data Solutions | 27 Apr 2022 | 00:17:33 | |
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 is joined by J.P. to talk about modern data solutions for your business. J.P. describes the evolution of Fitment Group, the tools they provide that can benefit your customers, and why it’s important to stay up to date with new technology. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| [SEMA Series] Connecting Tire Leaders with Don Detore, Clint Young, Doug Kershaw, Melanie White, and Scott Bishop | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:19:37 | |
Don Detore, Editor at Tire Business, oversees the daily editorial operations of Tire Business, the leading trade magazine for the tire industry published by Crain Communications. Don also has experience as a managing editor, adjunct professor, and executive editor. Clint Young, President and Chief Operating Officer at Point S Tire and Auto Service, has been with the company for almost 10 years. Clint's role focuses on creating growth and improving the member experience at Point S Tire, which has more than 350 points of sale across the US. Doug Kershaw is Head of Operations at Ferentino Tire USA, with a proven history of developing and executing strategic initiatives. He previously served as Executive Vice President of KAL Group and as President - USA of BKT Tires, where he generated over $700K in sales in the first 2 months. Melanie White, CEO at Hellwig Suspension Products, is the fourth generation leader of the family-owned business. She also serves on industry committees, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to the automotive aftermarket sector. Scott Bishop, Vice President of Independent Channel Sales at Sailun Tire Americas, has over 20 years of experience in the tire industry. Scott joined Sailun in August 2024 after spending five years at Falken Tire in various sales roles. In this episode…The automotive industry thrives on relationships, innovation, and timely information. How do industry leaders leverage events like SEMA to strengthen their businesses and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market? Don Detore from Tire Business, Clint Young from Point S Tire and Auto Service, Doug Kershaw from Ferentino Tire USA, Melanie White from Hellwig Suspension Products, and Scott Bishop from Sailun Tire Americas all agree that SEMA serves as a crucial hub for networking, showcasing products, and staying informed about the latest trends. They emphasize the importance of face-to-face interactions with partners, customers, and peers from around the world. This annual event provides a unique opportunity to establish new connections, reinforce existing relationships, and gain insights into emerging technologies and market demands, all of which are vital for business growth and adaptation in the automotive sector. On this episode of Gain Traction, join Mike Edge at SEMA, where he chats with Don, Clint, Doug, Melanie and Scott about the importance of industry relationships, the global reach of tire organizations, the role of trade shows in product showcasing, and the value of timely industry news. They discuss how SEMA facilitates networking, product launches, and staying updated on automotive trends. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Building Outstanding Business Relationships | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:17:36 | |
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 state to help a client with a broken-down truck? How about buying a rotisserie
That includes relationships with other business owners and with your customers. Would you be willing to fly to another state to help a client with a broken-down truck? How about buying a rotisserie chicken for a lady whose car stalled on the way to the grocery store? Whether your actions are big or small, going the extra mile can differentiate between a one-time customer and a customer-for-life.
In this episode of the Gain Traction podcast, Mike Edge is joined by Chris to talk about the importance of building relationships. Chris shares examples of going above and beyond for customers, how they build consumer trust, and his vision for the future of Caliber Auto Care. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Cultivating a Culture of Growth | 06 Apr 2022 | 00:21:45 | |
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 employees’ well-being a priority — including closing on Saturdays, how she navigated the pandemic, and how to maintain momentum forward. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| The Advantages of Automated Software | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:18:26 | |
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.” So how will you make sure you always have the right parts for your customers? How can you keep an accurate customer history that stays up-to-date with their needs? The answer lies in your software.
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, host Mike Edge is joined by Tere to discuss the advantages of automated software in the automotive industry. Tere talks about the recently expedited progress of automotive software, how it simplifies employee training, and his journey within the industry. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| [Year in Review] Connecting Pioneers Across the Automotive Industry | 23 Mar 2022 | 00:35:15 | |
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 week.
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Rise25 Co-founder Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with hosts Neal and Mike to discuss their favorite past episodes and purposeful conversations. Together, they discuss the importance of community, marketing, and education in the auto industry, cultivating a workplace based on mutual respect, and some of the challenges owners and customers face. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Picking the Right Location for Your Shop | 16 Mar 2022 | 00:13:01 | |
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 for success?
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Neal and David share advice for finding the best new home for your business. They talk about locating a place with good visibility and clear signage, tips for merging your company culture with an existing location, and why the demographics of the surrounding area matter. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| How To Smoothen Your Acquisition Process | 09 Mar 2022 | 00:25:33 | |
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 by a large and expanding company?
As a leader, you want to give your employees a place where they can spread their wings and grow and provide your clients with quality service at the same time. Acquisition by a larger organization with the resources and finances can be a unique way to better serve your clients, employees, and business. But what’s the best way to go about the acquisition process?
In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Neal Maier and Mike Edge are joined by Chris and Tommy to discuss how to have a smooth acquisition process in the automobile industry. Together, they talk about the strategies used to acquire other companies, employee opportunities that come with a company acquisition, and how long an acquisition process takes. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Turning Missed Maintenance Into Sales Opportunities | 09 Feb 2022 | 00:19:13 | |
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 customers and see who needs tires and hasn't had an alignment in the last year? It's easy to pick up a phone and remind your customers that you're thinking of them and want their car in the best condition. Plus, it's good for your business.
In this episode of Gain Traction Podcast, Neal Maier is joined by Patrick to discuss how his business, SideKick360, is helping shop owners save time and drive sales. Patrick talks about the inspiration that started SideKick360, how the software works, and why your phone is your best marketing tool. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Inspiring Success by Sharing Stories | 02 Feb 2022 | 00:21:40 | |
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 Evans, Vice President of Content and Events at 10 Missions Media, to discuss how he is inspiring automotive business owners by sharing stories. Bryce talks about his background in journalism, major milestones for 10 Missions Media, and future opportunities in the industry — including the ADAPT Summit. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Top-Notch Training for Hybrid and EV | 26 Jan 2022 | 00:20:02 | |
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 by Craig to discuss why he created ACDC Hybrid EV Training Resources and how he's saving the planet one car at a time. Craig talks about why he loves electric vehicles, how he's helping mechanics across the country, and what he teaches at ACDC. This episode is a must-listen if you're not up to speed on hybrid and EV! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| From A Mall Basement to Multi-Location Tire Business | 19 Jan 2022 | 00:19:05 | |
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 across Georgia, with more locations in the works. How did they get to where they are today?
In this episode of Gain Traction Podcast, Mike Edge is joined by Rob to discuss the journey of building TRUE Automotive. Rob talks about why he fell in love with the automotive industry, why he quit his job to pursue his dream, and how he persists when the going gets tough. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Focusing on Helping Independent Tire Dealers With Mike Burns of ITDG | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:31:34 | |
Mike Burns is the Sales Director at Independent Tire Dealers Group, a company that supports independent tire dealers across the US by providing competitive buying power and networking opportunities. Under Mike's leadership, ITDG has achieved a 40% increase in locations over the past four years, expanding to 1,174 points of sale. Originally from New Jersey, Mike's career in the tire industry began at a Pep Boys store. He now resides in Houston, Texas with his wife and four daughters. In this episode…In an industry where competition is fierce, how does one independent tire dealer stand out and thrive? What strategies can turn a set of challenges into stepping stones for growth? Is there a way to leverage collective experience and resources while maintaining one's independence? Mike Burns, the Sales Director for the Independent Tire Dealer Group, offers insights into these questions by sharing his own journey from dishwashing at Boston Market to a leadership role in the tire industry. Through his career progression — from working at Pep Boys and Bridgestone Firestone to eventually joining ITDG — Mike underlines the importance of real-world experience, networking, and continuous learning. He emphasizes how ITDG helps independent dealers by providing a platform for growth, offering competitive programs, and fostering a network of like-minded professionals to share knowledge and support. The discussion also delves into the importance of balancing professional demands with personal growth, highlighting how skills learned in retail environments can translate to executive management. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge talks to Mike Burns about empowering independent tire dealers. They discuss ITDG's growth strategy, the significance of next-gen initiatives, and how Mike advises and supports ITDG members. The conversation paints a vivid picture of the tire industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships, adaptability, and strategic growth. With anecdotes from his personal and professional life, Mike highlights the value of community and collaboration in a competitive market. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Continuing Education for Tire Employees | 12 Jan 2022 | 00:24:39 | |
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 the company?
Give the employees what they want most: growth. By providing clearly outlined training, employees will thrive. They’ll be up and running in your shop more quickly, they’ll be excited about learning, and they’ll become a valuable asset to your business. How can you find the best training for your employees?
In this episode of Gain Traction Podcast, Neal Maier is joined by Scott to discuss how T.R.A.C.K. Auto Training & Network is empowering employees and businesses. Scott talks about the importance of continuing education, how the T.R.A.C.K. training system works, and why you should never stop learning. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Building a Unified Team Culture | 05 Jan 2022 | 00:22:43 | |
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 wear the store uniform one day a week to remind everyone that they're all on the same team.
In this episode of Gain Traction Podcast, Mike Edge is joined by Tim to discuss how to create a unified team culture. Tim talks about why he decided to move across the country to join the VIP Tires & Service team, how the company has transformed since he started, and the future of the automotive industry. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||
| Attracting Customers Through Interactive Videos | 29 Dec 2021 | 00:15:55 | |
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, Mike Edge is joined by Patrick to discuss helping shop owners attract more customers through the power of video. Patrick talks about his experience in the automotive industry, why he decided to focus on creating videos, and the difference it can make for shop owners. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
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. | |||