Dealer Profile: Brad McKissick, Hometown Tire & Automotive Tire Pros
There’s a common misconception that being the “boss’ kid” means you get a free pass. Brad McKissick knows this isn’t the case. “It’s sometimes hard, working for your dad, but it pays off,” he says. Growing up in the business, McKissick jokes that he was fired several times early in his career.
Club 3633 Profile: Fardad Niknam
When asked what he likes best about the industry, Fardad Niknam says he loves being part of people’s day-to-day life in a small way, developing tires that help keep people safe. In his 20 years working in tire industry, he continues to be driven by success – finding satisfaction when some of his wins are built upon a foundation of challenges.
Club 3633 Profile: Blake Aubrey
You’ve heard of the Avengers and X-Men but have you heard of the Dream Team? Blake Aubrey, a human resources manager with Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is captain of a Dream Team and works to teach young kids about the importance of manufacturing careers.
Club 3633 Profile: Loudan Hammersmith
Sometimes mom knows best. Five years ago when Loudan Hammersmith was contemplating taking a job with Hercules Tire & Rubber Co., his mother told him, “Everyone needs tires, take the job!” This piece of advice lead Hammersmith to a career in the tire industry and his current role at BKT USA Inc.
Club 3633 Profile: Jason Grasse
At 32, Jason Grasse has already spent half of his lifetime in the tire industry. As service manager at Matthews Tire in Fond du Lac, Wisc., his typical workday consists of quoting and selling services, assigning jobs and controlling the tech workload. Occasionally he will help out the sales counter, inventory management and with part ordering when needed.
Club 3633 Profile: Rajiv Poddar
In December 2015, Balkrishna Industries unveiled its game-changing off-highway tire plant in Bhuj, India. A roughly $500 million investment, the greenfield facility positions BKT to double its tire production.
Club 3633 Profile: Bo Ray
Like many, Bo Ray grew up in the tire industry. Working for his father, Ray worked on cars, changed tires, and drove a tow truck. It was this foundation that allowed Ray to branch out and take an opportunity at a non-competitor shop across town.
Club 3633 Profile: Brad Guinn
Like a true visionary, Brad Guinn’s job is to tap into the potential of employees at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.’s Texarkana plant and help to paint a vision of how their team can accomplish the impossible.
Club 3633 Profile: Kenny Bridges
Maine has just eight ASE Certified World Class Technicians and Kenny Bridges is one of them. Bridges has been working as a technician since 2002. In 2011, he joined VIP Tires & Service where he now works as service manger.
Club 3633 Profile: Nick Sauty
Nicolas Sauty is on a quest for answers to fundamental science problems in the world of tires. As a polymer scientist in the innovative technology department at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Sauty’s work is never confined to a single area. He spends his day developing everything from new polymers to processes.
Club 3633 Profile: Erin Edminister
Erin Edminister tells herself every day that she can do better, and after two years of quickly climbing the ladder at BKT USA Inc., it’s apparent she’s done just that.
Club 3633 Profile: Casey Wall
Casey Wall isn’t your typical “tire guy.” In fact, Wall would describe himself as a marketer first, then a tire guy second. Wall first started in the tire industry in 2004 while working for a marketing agency.
