12 Things (More or Less) That Seem to Fit Together
There is no magic for inspiration. Ideas for this column come when they come, and how they come. Sometimes (not often enough) in a blitz when 800 perfectly crafted words flow effortlessly from my fingertips. More often, the only thing flowing is sweat. The process isn’t pretty. People have a cinematic image in their minds
Genius of GM Reminds That Even Donuts Need Some Love
Does it surprise anyone that sometimes General Motors can’t seem to get out of its own way? It shouldn’t. Rising from the ashes of a massive crash-n-burn just a few years ago – and billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars – the new GM still hasn’t learned a little humility. An early May news release
Can Top Tire Brands Survive Constant Price Increases?
"If the majors think they can maintain their marketshare by brand name alone, I think they are mistaken." What do you think of that comment? Agree or disagree? Angry? Surprised? Unconcerned? Before you jump to conclusions and perhaps break out the sharp blades, let me set the table a little more. The statement came from
Lobbying Efforts ‘Protecting Our House’
On April 14, President Obama signed H.R. 4 into law. This eliminated what is commonly known as the "1099 Reporting Requirement," which would have mandated that every business owner file a Form 1099 to the Internal Revenue Service to report all purchases over $600. You don’t need much of an imagination to see this would
Court Verdict Will Forever Shine Bright Light on Tire Repair Practices
It can be frightening when people "justify" their actions, often positing their viewpoint with a sensationalized vigor.They are clearly right and Everyone else is wrong, or Somebody else got it all wrong, or it’s the Other Guy’s fault entirely. It is Everyone, Somebody or the Other Guy – often despite tons of contrary information. Thus
Letter to the Editor: TIA Supports 1099 Repeal
Currently, U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) is working to add an amendment to a bill providing funding for 2011 for the U.S. Small Business Administration that would repeal the 1099 reporting requirement for businesses. This requirement, passed as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, would prove to be an almost crippling hardship
Out of Control Costs Leave Little-to-Wrangle Higher Tire Prices
At TIA’s annual OTR Conference a few weeks ago, Shawn Rasey, president of Bridgestone Americas’ OTR unit, delivered some sobering news. Painfully sobering to thousands of tire dealers of all denominations in all places – everywhere. "As I speak to you this morning," Rasey said, "the price of natural rubber has risen 92% in just
State of the Union: Industry Strong, Future Challenges Can Be Overcome
Mr. Chairman and ladies and gentlemen…The state of our industry is and remains strong. Despite heavy cost and economic pressures, unresolved regulation, self-inflicted over-saturation and our inability, in many cases, to act in concert for the greater good, the tire industry from top to bottom remains one of the most vital and robust in the
Letter to the Editor from RTA
Now that the dust has settled I want to thank all the folks in the retread industry who have decided to support the Retread Tire Association. The response from retreaders and suppliers has been overwhelming and we are delighted to report that we are adding new members practically every day. To those who are on
Whatever You Call It, It Can Turn Things Around
I don’t really know Joe Collier any more than I know any tire dealer. Spoke to him on the phone the other day when he called to say he appreciated my last column about momentum; one of several calls and e-mails I received on that same subject. Joe was different than the rest, though. The
Getting Over the Hump Just Takes Sustained Positives
Turn on any game – football, hockey, basketball, even soccer – and you will hear the word “momentum.” At least once, but often a hundred times. It’s almost like you’d expect to see a jersey with the name “Mo Mentum” on the back. “The Big Mo” is played by commentators as if it were some
Letter In Support of TRIB
On Nov. 2, 2010, after 21 years as secretary/treasurer of the Tire Retread Information Bureau, I attended my final TRIB board of directors meeting. That meeting was a real privilege for me, as I had an opportunity to get a glimpse of TRIB’s bright future. On Nov. 2, we interviewed three excellent candidates for the