Focus on industry
Image-conscious North Carolina tire dealers discuss how to counter stereotypes By Bob Ulrich
Y
elp is a land mine.” “I can’t find employees.” “Quality of life is our biggest concern.” When dealers gather to talk about issues important to them, the topics are always wide-ranging. But for Chris Monroe, Alpio Barbara, Gary Baldree and Frankie Pugh, a successful business starts with creating and nurturing a
reputable image. That includes doing the job right the first time. At the 2017 North Carolina Tire Dealers Association Expo and Trade Show in Raleigh, N.C., in March, the four dealers shared a panel and discussed their views with the dealers in the audience. “As an independent tire dealer... we’ve had a lot of discussion about our image: building our brand and being professional and being perceived as the professionals that we are,” said Monroe, owner of Monroe Tire and Service in Shelby, N.C.
Right: “We look at the tire industry over the next few years as being relatively flat in the replacement market,” said keynote speaker Stuart Schuette, CEO of American Tire Distributors Inc. “But we’re blessed to be in this industry…. People need tires. We’re in a space where the need is there, and we just have to figure out... where the consumer is going so we can all win.” Above: Tim Evans, owner of Evans Tire & Automotive Center Inc. in Smithfield, N.C., won the Coats 70X EH3 tire changer. Right: MTD Editor Bob Ulrich moderates the NCTDA’s “How to Greatly Improve Your Business Model” panel discussion. Mike and Dana Kelly of North Elkin Tire & Automotive in Elkin, N.C., check out a Kenda tire at the Parrish Tire Co. booth during the NCTDA Trade Show.
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MTD May 2017
