Brian Finkelstein is carrying on his family’s legacy as a fourth generation member of the family business, Max Finkelstein Inc.
“Being a 98-year-old family business of four generations came from great decision-making, listening and being strategic in every aspect of the way we run our business, every day. Our team has the hunger to win, and our recent growth shows it,” he says.
It is because of this history of success that Finkelstein takes his grandfather’s reminder.
“I always tend to lean on some words which are part of Goodyear’s vision and that my grandfather always reminds me of: ‘Protect our good name.’ Reputation is everything. Our word is our bond,” he says.
Finkelstein’s first job in the tire industry came as a teenager when he worked in the company’s logistics centers during the summer. It wasn’t until college that he found his love for the industry.
“My first real exposure on my own (after learning from dedicated employees of ours) was in Binghamton, New York, while attending Binghamton University. I began calling on accounts and popping into our warehouse to look [at] and feel the tires,” he shares “Before long, I was addicted to the challenge, and the passion has been in my blood since.”
He says his sales efforts in upstate New York also helped him gain confidence, “being able to call on customers, get them to change habits, and sell.”
“The numbers come naturally once you get someone’s attention and differentiate yourself,” he says.
As vice president of sales, Finkelstein says no two days are the same. He participates in conference calls and vendor meetings, visiting distribution centers and customers, and more.
It is his interaction with others – manufacturers, employees, and dealer partners – that Finkelstein loves the most about the tire industry.
“You make friends. Most people in this industry are really good people and will do anything for you. The strong relationships with these contacts last a long time, despite all of the turmoil and changes that the industry is prone to,” he says.
Fun Fact: Finkelstein and his wife have a Wheaten Terrier, Roxy, who has been a huge highlight of joy in their lives the last several months.
