Club 3633 Profile: Brian Finkelstein - Tire Review Magazine

Club 3633 Profile: Brian Finkelstein

Brian Finkelstein is carrying on his family’s legacy as a fourth generation member of the family business, Max Finkelstein Inc. “Being a 98-year-old family business of four generations came from great decision-making, listening and being strategic in every aspect of the way we run our business, every day."

Brian Finkelstein, 29, Vice President of Sales at Max Finkelstein Inc.,  Astoria, N.Y.

Brian Finkelstein is carrying on his family’s legacy as a fourth generation member of the family business, Max Finkelstein Inc.

“Being a 98-year-old family business of four generations came from great decision-making, listening and being strategic in every aspect of the way we run our business, every day. Our team has the hunger to win, and our recent growth shows it,” he says.

It is because of this history of success that Finkelstein takes his grandfather’s reminder.

“I always tend to lean on some words which are part of Goodyear’s vision and that my grandfather always reminds me of: ‘Protect our good name.’ Reputation is everything. Our word is our bond,” he says.

Finkelstein’s first job in the tire industry came as a teenager when he worked in the company’s logistics centers during the summer. It wasn’t until college that he found his love for the industry.

“My first real exposure on my own (after learning from dedicated employees of ours) was in Binghamton, New York, while attending Binghamton University. I began calling on accounts and popping into our warehouse to look [at] and feel the tires,” he shares “Before long, I was addicted to the challenge, and the passion has been in my blood since.”

He says his sales efforts in upstate New York also helped him gain confidence, “being able to call on customers, get them to change habits, and sell.”

“The numbers come naturally once you get someone’s attention and differentiate yourself,” he says.

As vice president of sales, Finkelstein says no two days are the same. He participates in conference calls and vendor meetings, visiting distribution centers and customers, and more.

It is his interaction with others – manufacturers, employees, and dealer partners – that Finkelstein loves the most about the tire industry.

“You make friends. Most people in this industry are really good people and will do anything for you. The strong relationships with these contacts last a long time, despite all of the turmoil and changes that the industry is prone to,” he says.

Fun Fact: Finkelstein and his wife have a Wheaten Terrier, Roxy, who has been a huge highlight of joy in their lives the last several months.

Save

You May Also Like

Club 3633 nominations for 2024 are open

Club 3633 is an exclusive group of industry professionals that celebrates the next generation of innovators in the tire industry.

club3633-nominations-1400

Tire Review is searching for tire industry influencers – someone who is really changing things for the better, innovating and making strides in your company! Nominate them for our 2024 Class of Club 3633 here.

Club 3633 is an exclusive group of industry professionals that celebrates the next generation of innovators in the tire industry. The club takes its name from Charles Goodyear’s patent for the vulcanization of rubber, U.S. Patent 3633, which can be seen as a starting point for the modern tire industry. It is in recognition of his fierce determination and accomplishment that our Club 3633 takes its name.

Jack of All Trades Brandon Hulon Makes Mark in Tire Business

You’ll never hear our latest Club 3633 member say, “that’s not my job.”

3633 Headshot
Virginia Tire’s Julie Holmes Creates Opportunities for Upskilling Workforce

Julie said her upbringing instilled a limitless mindset and strong work ethic.

Where There’s a Will, There’s K&M Tire’s Dave Miller

A 27-year industry veteran, Dave serves as the director of marketing at K&M Tire, where he oversees all marketing initiatives, programs, events and trade shows.

dave miller
TIA’s Matt White: Saving Lives One Training at a Time

Matt White’s tire journey begins on the farm.

Matt white 3633

Other Posts

Bill Ziegler, Ziegler Tire president, dies

Bill spent 48 years with Ziegler Tire, most recently as president.

Bill-Ziegler-600
SRNA promotes director of product planning for Falken PLT tires

With more than two decades of experience in the tire industry, TJ Johnson is now coming up on eight years with SRNA.

Tsuyoshi-Johnson-SRNA
Ascenso Tires North America finds new president

Thomas Clark brings with him a three-decade-long career, marked by progressive responsibilities at companies such as Michelin and Carlstar Group.

Ascenso-Thomas-Clark
Wes Samperio named Dunlop Motorcycle Tires’ product planning manager

Samperio has held several positions throughout his eleven years with SRNA, from warehouse operations to customer service to sales.

wes-samperio-dunlop-motorcycle-tires