Editor's Notebook: Passion Powers Performance

You may have noticed something different this month – the new face. I’d like to introduce myself as the new editor of Tire Review magazine. After serving the import specialist aftermarket as editor of ImportCar for most of my 31 years here at Babcox Media, I’m taking on this new assignment with the company’s flagship brand.

Since 1901, Tire Review has been committed to helping today’s independent tire dealers run and grow a more competitive business, and that devotion won’t change.

Tire Review will remain your preeminent source for quality and relevant content to fuel your business’s success and increase your dealership’s profitability. This mission is at the core of Tire Review, and we’re going to accelerate our efforts to keep you engaged, enthusiastic and energized about your business’s profit potential. We know you are passionate about what you do, and so are we.

A trusted source for independent tire dealers for 118 years, Tire Review will continually refine its editorial package to deliver the latest in tire trends, technology, relevant service and repair information, business operations, industry news, as well as emerging trends within the tire industry – across its print, digital and video platforms.

I am excited to immerse myself in the tire industry and get to work with the Tire Review team in providing more premium content to you – our valued and loyal readership.

Feel free to reach out to me via email at [email protected] or call me at 330-670-1234 ext. 221 to share industry insights or offer suggestions on how Tire Review can serve you even better.

John-Kairys — John Kairys, vice president and general manager – Big O Tires at TBC Corporation.

Together toward tomorrow

Shout out to the Big O Tires family for the very warm welcome and hospitality I received while attending the group’s dealer conference, “Together Toward Tomorrow” held April 29-May 1, in New Orleans. Don’t miss the June issue of Tire Review for event coverage.

During the conference, more than 800 attendees participated in seminars, engaged in networking, celebrated milestones and successes, shared best practices and generated big ideas to take their businesses to the next level. They also displayed their philanthropic spirit during a “stuff the backpack” event which will benefit more than 800 students in four area schools, as demonstrated by John Kairys, vice president and general manager – Big O Tires at TBC Corporation.

As you have likely experienced firsthand, the past few years have seen rapid changes in the tire industry. Supply chain delays, labor constraints and the shift to electrification—among countless other macro challenges—are constantly requiring dealers to reevaluate their business strategies and operations to adjust to the current environment. It’s critical that flexibility and resiliency remain top-of-mind as dealers navigate these obstacles. One way to remain agile is fostering a culture of learning and development for your staff. At ATD, we’ve found that integrating technology, insights and data analytics into our reskilling and training programs is helping to create sustainable solutions. By understanding the importance of training and how to build an effective program, you, too, can take advantage of the many benefits for both you and your business.