Ferrante: What I’ve Learned From Listening to 100,000 Sales Calls
Back in 2014, I authored an article titled, “Are Your Tire/Auto Service Salespeople ‘Winging It’ on the Phone?” At the time the article was published, my Pinnacle Performance Training team and I had evaluated approximately 25,000 sales calls between tire/auto service sales staff and prospective customers. In May of this year, we reached a milestone

What Do Your Signs Say About Your Shop?
Signs are everywhere. Some communicate their message effectively, while others fall flat – and some are just downright confusing. The Five Man Electrical Band sang in 1971: “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind. Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?” Comedian Bill Engvall’s video “Here’s Your

Rising Gas Prices Make Tire Distributors Rethink Pricing, Service Models
At the end of March, the U.S. government reported that the national average price of gasoline had reached $4.23 per gallon, which is an increase of $1.38 or 48% per gallon compared to one year ago. The situation for on-highway diesel fuel is worse, having increased a jaw-dropping 64% in the last 365 days. For

Cultivating a Company Culture in Your Tire Business
The coronavirus pandemic has generated headlines nationwide for the lasting impact it’s left, in one form or another, on seemingly every industry in the global market. And while a great deal of progress has been made in revitalizing our cities and communities, there are a variety of economic challenges that are only becoming increasingly exacerbated

Tire Industry Labor Shortage: Improve This to Keep Employees
I’ve spoken to many representatives from manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers who report that techs, counter people, drivers and even white-collar team members have walked off the job, failed to report, or given notice, and their businesses have been impacted by these departures. This isn’t just a tire industry issue—and goes beyond the tech shortage that

Consider Software Solutions to Streamline Operations
Representatives from several software providers share how solutions drive efficiency and profitability, as well as what to look for when considering a system in your shop.

How Data, Analytics Can Boost Profitability for Tire Retailers
By collecting and analyzing data about a dealer’s sales history, inventory levels and market demand, data and analytics platforms can analyze the performance of each dealer’s store and recommend actionable improvement opportunities.

How to Start the PPP Loan Payback Process
For many PPP loan recipients, it is time to start the repayment process—or file for PPP loan forgiveness. Read on to find out which portion of your loan may be forgivable and how to apply for forgiveness, as well as how to start the repayment process.

Creating a Positive Work Environment
Larry Sutton of RNR Tire Express shares seven different practices that have helped him create a positive work environment.

Using Data to Enrich the Customer Experience
Attaching data or a number to a vehicle’s service record adds a level of transparency to the discussion, and moves it from an “opinionated upsell” to a true, fact-based service need.

Microlearning Makes the Tire Industry Smarter, More Profitable
Microlearning modules can be customized to company and team member needs, where participants can learn through their own experiences and at their own pace.

Setting Up for Success: The Importance of Onboarding New Employees
Onboarding serves to not only give a new employee practical information that they will need in the job, but having that information gives them confidence as they start out in their new position.
