2012: Top Shop Finalist: McGee Tire Stores
Gremlins have infested Florida. At least that might be the perception of anyone working the counter at McGee Tire Stores. “We’ve had people tell us they have Gremlins in their trunk, Gremlins in their engines and even Gremlins in their tires,” says Bob Lanpher, vice president of the 27-location chain, headquartered in Lakeland, Fla. “It
2012 Top Shop Finalist: Upton Tire Pros
There are no family secrets to success or tricks of the trade for Upton Tire Pros owner Mike Upton. In a little over 20 years, the Mississippian built his four-store company around the greater Jackson, Mississippi, area with a “hard work pays off” philosophy. “I truly believe that if you do something well, and
2012 Top Shop Finalist: Duxler Complete Auto Care
Maintaining a mom-and-pop shop atmosphere at a 21st century business is tough enough. But maintaining a 1950s-style full-service gas station in 2012 is virtually unfathomable. The concept, however, wasn’t beyond the creative entrepreneurial mind of Glenn Moak, who bought out Duxler Complete Auto Care in Evanston, Ill., in 1983. Four years ago, he instigated Duxler’s
2012 Top Shop Winner: Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center
Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center is not a puzzle in either the literal or figurative sense. It is not confusing or an enigma, and the entire operation moves harmoniously and unconfusingly forward. But it is the dealership’s almost magical ability to put often-divergent pieces together to deliver something beyond “world-class customer service” – and
Common Customer Service Myths Exposed
How to break down the myths of customer service, get into customers’ heads, and figure out the best way to serve them and turn a problem customer into a customer for life.
Use Facebook Metrics to Analyze What’s Working
Facebook can be a great way for a company to more directly reach its audiences – through effective posting techniques and advertising. In addition to posting consumer-targeted content about your business, also post media-created content such as articles and videos that relate to the products or services you provide. For every product- or service-related post
2012 Tire Brand Study
It’s amazing what a year will do. Last year we saw the direct impact of tightened tire supplies and – at least on the consumer side – sharply reduced retail tire sales. This year, dealers responding to our 20th annual Tire Brand Study showed greater appreciation for second and third tier tire brands, which stepped
Twitter Doesn’t Make Any Sense to You? Try Hootsuite
Do you have multiple social media accounts and feel like you could be more organized? Still trying to get your head around Twitter? Does it seem like a bunch of noise? Hootsuite (hootsuite.com) could be your answer.A browser-based social media management platform, Hootsuite allows users to keep track of multiple accounts and multiple conversations on
Tax Implications of the Health Care Act
The July 2012 Supreme Court ruling upholding what’s collectively referred to as the "Affordable Care Act" (ACA) has resulted in a number of changes to the U.S. tax code. While all manner of rumors have been floated about the real impact of the new health care law, there are some real-world impacts that businesses and
Product Spotlight: Tire Changers
The latest tire changers promise ergonomic designs for a comfortable and easy job performance. Additionally, they are designed to handle a variety of tire sizes, saving space, time and money at the shop.
August 2012 Sales Intelligence
Covering Burlington, Vt.; Nashville, Tenn.; Omaha, Neb.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Provo, Utah; and Spokane, Wash., retail tire markets during the period of July 10-13, 2012. Tire Review and InteliChek present up-to-date tire and service price information from U.S. metropolitan areas.For this monthly feature, InteliChek directly contacts a selection of independent tire dealers, mass merchants and car
Mercy Tech Mission Teaches Trades to the Most Deserving
More than two years ago, author and retired automotive businessman Rick Cogbill took a trip that inspired a life-changing project. In January 2010, the creator of The Car Side (see page 80) accompanied his daughter to the African country of Mozambique to visit his niece, who was working there as a nurse. While his daughter