Colin Gallagher, 34
Regional Sales Director,Great Lakes RegionAmerican Tire Distributors
Colin Gallagher’s father gave him two words of advice: Have fun.
“Not only has that helped me manage through many stressful situations, more importantly, it reminds me that life isn’t about getting to a destination; it’s about finding happiness in each step along the way,” he says.
For Gallagher, part of that happiness is helping the people in the tire industry. As part of his job with American Tire Distributors, he helps customers and sales teams across seven states and 10 ATD distribution centers to leverage tools and develop initiatives to help dealers grow and succeed. He also uses his distribution experience outside of the industry, working for the Cleveland Kids Book Bank charity.
Gallagher also volunteers his time to the industry. He currently is president of the Ohio Tire & Automotive Association (OTAA), which serves as a voice for Ohio’s tire and automotive dealers. As president, Gallagher was recently appointed by Gov. John Kasich to serve on the state’s Materials Management Advisory Council, helping to solve issues related to scrap tires such as illegal dumping.
An advocate of continuing education, Gallagher graduated in June from the Cleveland Leadership Center’s “Bridge Builders” program, where he gained leadership skills and learned how to manage complex systems and organizations.
In the future, he says he sees a changing of the guard as the industry shifts into a new generation of leadership, especially with independent dealers.
“As this shift occurs, it will become increasingly important for dealers to stay on the cutting edge with regards to marketing and training. Our customers will continue to evolve faster and the ability to adapt to change will determine who wins and who loses.”
FUN FACT: Gallagher is currently binge watching “Daniel Tiger,” “Paw Patrol” and “Chuggington.” “Yes, I have two wonderful toddlers… and yes, they hog the remote.”
