“AS THE TIRE TURNS” ROLLS ON
The OTR Tire Guys report to the new AME Studio with Keith Jarman.
By Riley Jarman
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! In our mission to keep things lively at AME International, we’re bringing you a front-row seat to “As the Tire Turns,” the talk of the town in the tire industry. Packed with industry insights, hearty laughs, and stories that feel like a chat over coffee at the corner store, this podcast and vlog is your ticket to the inside scoop.
Tuning in couldn’t be easier! Just point your trusty smartphone at the QR code below to visit our links page and find us on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Meet the Movers and Shakers Behind the Mic
The charm of “As the Tire Turns” comes from its colorful cast of tire industry experts and legends who tell it like it is. From shop-floor stories to industry updates, these folks leave no stone unturned—or no tire unmounted, if you will.
DebHamlin,Episode5
Deb Hamlin’s episode is a true roadmap of industry insights, covering TIA’s State of the Union, NextGen Programs, and the Accelerate Conference. But it’s not all business—she shares stories about her favorite hikes and even her thoughts on NFL players like Jay Cutler and Jordan Love, giving a glimpse into her year as TIA President.
KevinRohlwing,Episodes13and14
With 27 years of safety training and a lifetime of Chicago sports talk, Kevin’s two episodes are loaded with tales that blend tire know-how with laughs.
From his Harry Caray impressions to reindeer tales and memories of Marvin Bozarth, Kevin’s stories are part industry wisdom, part life lesson—and all entertaining.
JohnCollins,Episodes16and17
From the jack vs. ram debate to stories of a $19,500 service truck, John Collins brings stories for every listener. His episodes dive into crane talks, 4-H Club memories, and why Michael Jordan deserves a mention in tire conversations. His mix of humor and industry history makes these episodes can’t-miss content.
OTRTireGuys,Episode22and23
Shawn Reaves and Bill Somers, the OTR Tire Guys, keep things fun and informative. They dive into topics like the evolution of training, Tire Tech Twerking, Hurricane Helene Relief, and the story behind their popular Facebook page.
GetYourFixwithEveryEpisode
Whether you’re taking a break, traveling between job sites, or winding down after a long day, “As the Tire Turns” is the perfect companion for tire enthusiasts. Scan the QR code below to start listening today and join the fun!
SCAN HERE
There you have it, folks—”As the Tire Turns” celebrates everything that makes this industry great. We’ll see you on the airwaves!
Gazette
JOIN US AS WE EMBARK ON THE FIRST QUARTER OF TRADESHOWS
HearYe! HearYe!
Noble Friends and Esteemed Patrons ofAME International!
Let it be known that in the year of 2025 we shall partake in a series of grand gatherings, where innovation and camaraderie shall reign supreme. Below, we present to thee our noble endeavors for the first quarter of this new year:
In the fair city of Houston, Texas, from the 4th to the 5th of January, our esteemed ACME Division representatives, Brett Waggoner and Justin Meyer, shall proudly exhibit at the United Rentals Supplier Show. This esteemed annual event, held within the hallowed halls of the George R. Brown Convention Center, gathers suppliers from near and far to showcase their wares to the world’s largest equipment rental company. With opportunities to forge connections and highlight our innovations in equipment connectivity and tracking technologies, this event promises to be a splendid affair!
Fort Stewart Contracting Conference & Expo
In February, on the 15th and 16th, we shall make our presence felt at the Fort Stewart Contracting Conference & Expo in Georgia. While we shall not exhibit at this gathering, our own Dawn Vincent shall attend with purpose, engaging with various exhibitors and partaking in enlightening discussions and workshops. This event, dedicated to connecting businesses with contracting opportunities through the U.S. Army’s Mission and Installation Contracting Command, shall surely provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for those who serve our great nation.
From the 19th to the 22nd of February, we shall journey to the enchanting shores of San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the Off-The-Road Tire Conference sponsored by the Tire Industry Association. Attended by our dedicated team members—Keith Jarman, Kelsey Jarman, John Melosci, Shane Wiley, Kyle Sparkman, and Don Tinker—this event shall be marked by a tabletop display and a celebration of the 70th anniversary of this esteemed gathering.
Professionals from across the OTR tire industry will convene to share knowledge, discuss economic outlooks, and foster connections amidst educational sessions and delightful social events.
On the 27th and 28th of February, the illustrious PBExpo will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Although AME shall not exhibit, our steadfast Dawn Vincent shall be in attendance, mingling with exhibitors and seeking knowledge on the latest innovations in aviation, aerospace, and defense. This grand affair, organized by PartsBase, promises to illuminate the path of digital transformation within the supply chain.
TMC’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition
As the month of March unfolds, we shall gather in the lively Music City, Nashville, from the 10th to the 13th. Our esteemed John Melosci will represent AME at the Transportation Technology Exhibition, a vital assembly for those engaged in the trucking and the transportation industries.This event shall showcase the latest advancements in technology and vehicle maintenance,
featuring educational sessions and networking opportunities designed to enhance efficiency and safety in our noble profession.
To conclude our illustrious quarter, we shall grace the Mid-America Trucking Show, taking place from the 27th to the 29th of March at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville. With booth number 37924, we invite all industry enthusiasts to visit us and explore the latest products and innovations in the commercial trucking sector. This esteemed event shall provide ample opportunities for networking, product demonstrations, and discussions about the future of our industry.
With great anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead, we humbly thank you for your continued support and partnership. So, mark your calendars, dear friends, and join us as we embark on these exciting ventures! We look forward to seeing you at these illustrious gatherings. Yours in service,
Robin Maynard
Sales & Marketing Liaison
AME International
United Rentals 2025 Supplier Show
Mid-America Trucking Show
PBExpo
www.ameintl.net 352.799.1111
A HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
By Jack Benoist
Taking both the TIA Commercial (CTS) and Earthmover (ETS) training classes was an invaluable experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone serious about improving their skills. The ETS class was hands-on from the get-go. After a full day studying the TIA handbook, we jumped right into using the same tools we’d encounter out in the field.
Having that immediate, practical experience on days two and three was a game-changer.
It felt good to know that I wasn’t just reading about these tools—I was using them, troubleshooting with them, and learning how to apply them safely in real-world situations.
The instructors went above and beyond, breaking down every detail and ensuring that we weren’t just familiar with the material but fully confident in using it when we’d be out there on our own.
The CTS class was a little different—it was more focused on deep-diving into the textbook. Still, we had one day of hands-on practice, where we got to physically work with commercial tire tools under the instructor’s watchful eye.
That hands-on portion was essential for bringing everything together. Both courses wrapped up with open-book certification tests, which helped take the pressure off and allowed us to concentrate on truly understanding the content—not just memorizing it.
If you’re on the fence about taking these courses, I say go for it. The confidence and knowledge I gained are invaluable.
Plus, the connections you make during the week? They often turn into new contacts, go to resources, and even friendships. When you come to TIA training, show up with an open mind and a desire to dig deeper into your trade.
You can find a TIA class that fits your schedule at tireindustry.org.
If you attend a class hosted at AME, you’ll also have the chance to join a focus group for a little extra cash—and become an AME TopTech! It’s a great way to make your mark by helping us improve the tools you use every day.
Gazette
TECH TIPS:
PuzzledbyPressure Problems?Let’sPumpItUp!
Dear Tech Tips,
I’m in a bit of a bind with my 15920 Air Hydraulic Pump—it’s refusing to build pressure!
I rely on this pump for work and sending it off for repairs would mean downtime I can’t afford. Is there a way to fix it myself, either in the shop or out in the field?
Sincerely,
Pressureless and Perplexed
Dear Pressureless and Perplexed, No need to sweat it—this is a common hiccup, and I’m here to guide you through it step by step! With a little bit of patience and some know-how, we’ll have your pump primed, pressurized, and ready to roll.
1.
Bleed & Reprime: Try this simple trick first: Hold the pedal down, press the release, and push the air button down all at once for about five seconds. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to get things flowing smoothly again.
2. Dig a Little Deeper: If the pressure still isn’t building, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. First remove the screws from the top plate and carefully pull the air motor out of the reservoir. Then flip the motor upside down and gently extract the stop and small round screen with a pick tool.
Lastly, beneath the screen and in the hole lies a check ball. Gently move the check ball around for about 5 seconds with your pick to get it moving again. In this step you are basically priming the pump.
3. Reassemble and Test: Put everything back together, reinstall the screen and the stop back in and repeat the bleed and reprime steps. With any luck, your pump will be good as new!
If you’re a visual learner or need a bit more guidance, I recommend watching this helpful video on hydraulic jack troubleshooting, accessing it through the QR code above. It covers similar issues and provides a clear, stepby-step demonstration.
Need us to handle the repair?
To start the process, please visit our website www.ameintl.net/repairs. Remember, most hydraulic issues can be avoided with these habits:
• Oil daily: Add air tool oil to keep things running smoothly.
• Check weekly: Monitor hydraulic fluid levels to avoid trouble.
• Rotate units: If you’ve got multiple pumps, spread out the workload evenly.
With these tips, you’ll avoid downtime disasters. Keep at it, and you’ll be pumping up pressure like a pro!
Yours in trouble shooting triumph, Ryan from AME International