Gain Traction

Auteur(s): Neal Maier and Mike Edge
  • Résumé

  • The Gain Traction podcast features top automotive entrepreneurs and experts and shares their inspiring stories.
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Épisodes
  • Focusing on Helping Independent Tire Dealers With Mike Burns of ITDG
    Nov 13 2024
    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: [01:34] Meet Mike Burns: a voice made for radio[04:21] Mike’s unlikely journey from New Jersey to Texas[05:57] How Bridgestone shaped Mike’s future[17:05] Preparing future leaders in the tire industry[19:26] ITDG membership: listening and offering the right solutions[29:06] Mike’s golden rule for success: treating people right Resources mentioned in this episode: Mike Burns on LinkedInIndependent Tire Dealers GroupPep Boys Robert Everett on LinkedInBridgestone Americas Mike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: "You learn how to manage people. You learn how to manage your expenses. You learn how to handle customers.""Our mission is about enabling them to make the best possible decisions for their business.""Buy like you have 1,100 stores. We're like an equalizer.""Our story for as long as ITDG has been around is really one of growth.""Treat people the way that you would want to be treated, because it all comes back to you in the end." Action Steps: Build strong industry relationships: Networking with peers and industry leaders can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.Seek continuous education and training: Pursuing further education, such as a MBA, or engaging in industry-specific training programs can enhance leadership and business management skills.Utilize technology for efficiency: Implementing technology and digital tools can streamline operations and improve customer service.Embrace a customer-centric approach: Focusing on customer satisfaction and service quality can lead to business success.Engage in next-generation leadership programs: Preparing the next generation to take on leadership roles ensures the continuity and success of the business. Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays. We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. So, what are you waiting for? Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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    32 min
  • Work Ethic and Success With Dustin Dobbs of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers
    Nov 6 2024
    Dustin Dobbs is the President of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, a family-owned business headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, specializing in tire and auto repair services. Under his leadership, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers has expanded to over 50 locations across Missouri, Illinois, and Texas, continuing the legacy started by his grandfather in 1976. Dustin was immersed in the family business from a young age, instilling in him a strong work ethic and commitment to the company's culture and values. In this episode… The automotive industry is built on a foundation of family businesses and strong work ethics. How do successful multi-generational companies maintain their culture while expanding? According to Dustin Dobbs of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, the key to maintaining a strong company culture during expansion is employee empowerment. He emphasizes the importance of supporting staff, providing training, and offering opportunities for career growth. Dustin highlights unique initiatives like hand-delivering Thanksgiving turkeys, hosting company-wide events, and taking managers and their spouses on annual trips to Mexico. He maintains that these practices set them apart from larger competitors and are crucial to their success. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Dustin to chat about his family's business history, work ethic, and recent expansion into Texas. They discuss how to approach maintaining company culture during growth, the importance of community involvement, and strategies for empowering employees. Dustin also shares insights on partnering with private equity while preserving core values. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [01:18] Dustin Dobbs discusses his journey in the tire industry from childhood[04:45] How early lessons in work ethic shaped Dustin's career[08:20] Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers’ expansion into Texas and future plans[10:35] The secret to Dobbs Tire's long standing community reputation[09:25] Empowering employees: The key to Dobbs Tire's success[13:30] The importance of maintaining company culture amidst growth[19:20] Insights on balancing effort and attitude for success[25:30] Inspiring lessons in resilience and perseverance from sports Resources mentioned in this episode: Dustin Dobbs Dobbs Tire & Auto CentersReid Parman on LinkedInBig Chief TireMike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.""Dobbs isn't really a brand; it's more of a people, a culture.""You can control two things: your effort and your attitude.""Empower your people. Micromanaging hinders natural growth.""If you can tell me on every play I hustled and did the best I could, then you can walk off that field and feel certain." Action Steps: Foster a strong work ethic: Cultivating a strong work ethic can lead to personal and organizational success. Empower and support your team: Allow team members to take charge and make decisions to facilitate natural growth and innovation. Maintain meaningful traditions and practices: Continuing traditions like company-wide events can strengthen team culture and loyalty.Focus on training and development: Ensuring your team reaches its full potential addresses skill gaps and positions your team for long-term success and adaptability.Balance tradition with growth: While pursuing expansion, maintain core cultural values and practices to maintain the essence of your organization. Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays. We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. So, what are you waiting for? Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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    26 min
  • Empowering Leadership and Family Legacy With Reed Parman of Big Chief Tire
    Oct 23 2024
    Reed Parman is the President and Owner of Big Chief Tire, a company specializing in tire sales and auto services with five locations in Jacksonville, Florida. Big Chief Tire was founded in 1961, and Reed’s leadership has helped maintain its reputation for excellent customer service and long-term employee retention. Reed grew up in the tire business, starting by changing tires as a teenager, and has been instrumental in modernizing the company by implementing a digital inspection process to enhance customer transparency. In this episode… The automotive industry can be challenging for consumers to navigate, especially with the growth of large chain stores. How can a smaller business stand out and build customer loyalty? According to Reed Parman of Big Chief Tire, transparency is key to building trust with customers. This includes using digital inspections to provide visual evidence of necessary repairs and clearly communicate the overall health of the customer's vehicle. Building relationships with customers is another important factor, which can be achieved by having tenured employees who provide consistent and reliable service. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge talks with Reed about the history of Big Chief Tire, a family-owned business founded in 1961. He shares how his family has shaped the company's culture and values, emphasizing the importance of empowering employees and creating a family-like atmosphere. Reed discusses the challenges and rewards of running a multi-generational business and highlights Big Chief Tire's commitment to transparency and customer relationships as key differentiators in a competitive market. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [01:55] How Reed Parman got his start in the tire business as a teenager[03:08] Why having the right people in the right seats is important[05:16] The origin of Big Chief Tire through a handshake deal[06:38] Reed reveals how his great-grandmother saved the family business[12:31] How empowerment impacts Reed's leadership style[15:41] Differentiating Big Chief Tire from competitors with transparency and trust[20:07] Transitioning from handwritten orders to a digital system[26:55] Reed shares a touching story of family and business resilience Resources mentioned in this episode: Reed Parman on LinkedInBig Chief Tire Jared Kugel on LinkedInTire Agent Mike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: "It's a huge undertaking to make sure that you have the right people in the right seats.""When there's trust in the automotive customer relationship, it changes everything.""If he supports me this much, it's got to be a good idea.""Our goal is to develop relationships and customers for life.""Our people are our story." Action Steps: Focus on talent placement: Placing the right people in the right seats can boost morale and productivity, addressing the challenge of inefficiency in operations.Empower and trust employees: Empowering team members fosters innovation and confidence, which can lead to better decision-making and a strong organizational culture.Prioritize transparency with customers: Implementing practices such as digital inspections can build trust with customers by differentiating from less personable competitors.Recognize and retain long-serving employees: Maintaining a stable and experienced workforce can be crucial for sustaining business success and continuity.Adapt and innovate tech: Streamline operations and improve accuracy, meeting the challenge of keeping up with industry advancements. Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays. We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. So, what are you waiting for? Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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    32 min

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