Bridgestone Pulls Retailer Programs Under One Umbrella

Bridgestone Americas has consolidated all of its U.S. independent retail tire dealer programs into one: the Bridgestone Affiliated Retailer Nationwide Network.

The new program combines the tiremaker’s current Affiliated Dealer, TireStarz and Family Retail Dealer programs under one umbrella encompassing more than 2,500 locations across the U.S.

“We’ve listened to our customers and designed one of the most comprehensive retail dealer programs in the industry,” said John Baratta, Bridgestone Americas president of replacement tire sales. “The Bridgestone Affiliated Retailer Nationwide Network is the complete package backed by world-class products and services and a nationwide tire protection plan and repair warranty program.”

Bridgestone said the consolidated program will offer dealers “multi-brand product offerings, state-of-the-art sell-out programs, discounted merchandise and services from nationally-recognized vendors and the confidence of offering its customers the support of a nationwide network of retail dealers.”

The program also provides access to local, regional and national sales support, education specialists and a dedicated retail marketing group.

Ascot Supply Corporation, based in Newnan, Georgia, has selected Mark Paquette for the newly created position of vice president. In this position, Ascot Supply said Paquette will oversee the growth of the company's products, corporate profitability, manage marketing and advertising and assume many other responsibilities.

He will work under the direction of current President David Kessler and officially begin his new role on June 3. Paquette joined the tire and automotive industry in the early 1980s at his father's tire shop, and his contributions to Mohawk Rubber Sales were instrumental in the company's growth and eventual sale to Myers Tire Supply in 2021, according to Ascot Supply. Paquette eventually was given a promotion to the role of director of operations at Myers Tire Supply.