Think your comments and suggestions fall into some black hole here at Tire Review HQ? No, they don’t. A great example can be found on page 24 of this issue: the kickoff of our first Tire Review Top Shop Award.
The Top Shop Award concept came by way of a simple reader comment a few years ago, something to the effect of: “You guys should do an award.”
Sounds simple, but the tire world didn’t need another popularity contest or list of biggest dealers. Still, the idea didn’t go away, and we considered dozens of ways to create something unique, worthwhile and significant. Finally, that “Eureka!” moment arrived.
Since our focus is always on helping you build your business, why not focus on those independent dealers who do an outstanding job running their businesses?
That’s what the Top Shop Award is all about.
Needless to say, we are quite excited about the concept. So, too, is Hennessy Industries, maker of well known Ammco and Coats tire and service tools and equipment, which jumped on board as the Top Shop Award’s presenting sponsor.
While it is a contest, the Tire Review Top Shop Awards presented by Ammco/Coats is not about personality or size. It is all about business and considers all dealerships equally – large and small – purely on how their businesses are run.
A panel of business and industry experts – including a member of our staff – will serve as judges. They will consider factors such as dealership appearance, customer service/retention, merchandising efforts, community involvement, professionalism, training/education, growth and achievement, obstacles faced and how each entrant applied business-building tools and knowledge.
Four finalists will be selected from all of the entries received. And, from that group, the Top Shop Award winner will be chosen.
Sounds like tough criteria? It should be, considering what’s at stake. The winner of the Tire Review Top Shop Award presented by Ammco/Coats will receive:
• A Coats APX90 premium tire changer (approximate retail value: $11,200)
• A $1,500 cash prize
• Airfare and hotel (3 days/2 nights) to Las Vegas for the 2007 SEMA Show
• A feature story in the October 2007 issue of Tire Review
• Extra copies of that issue for friends and family
• A specially designed Top Shop Award trophy
The three remaining finalists will also be recognized, and each will receive:
• A Coats 1250 premium wheel balancer (approximate retail value: $5,500)
• A $500 cash prize
• A feature story in the October 2007 issue of Tire Review
• Extra copies of that issue for friends and family
• A specially designed Top Shop Award plaque
Best of all, the Top Shop Award winner and finalists will be able to promote that honor to their customers, suppliers and community. I think you’ll agree that this qualifies as unique, worthwhile and significant.
Take a few minutes to fill out an entry form and write a 300-word-or-less essay telling us why your dealership should be named the 2007 Tire Review Top Shop. Consider the judging criteria I touched on earlier. See the official entry form on page 24 for details, or download one here.
Get started, because the entry deadline is July 15, 2007.
And, on behalf of everyone involved and our loyal readers, a big Thank You to Hennessy Industries for becoming so involved with this program.
* * * * * *
“Never ask a question unless you really want an answer.” Don’t remember who shared that valuable advice, but I agree.
Recently, several thousand of you received e-mail from me asking a few questions about this magazine – what you liked, what you didn’t like and what you’d like to see in the future.
The volume of responses – and their thoughtfulness and insight – was overwhelming. Why did I ask those questions? Because I really do want to know what you think. I’ve said it before: This is your magazine. We are here to serve your needs. Positive or negative, I hope you will continue to communicate your ideas or concerns in the future, whether they are about Tire Review or an industry issue.
Over the next few months, you will see some changes in Tire Review, some of which is the direct result of your input. New features will appear, and other aspects of this publication and its services will be buffed up. And, as we move forward, more of your ideas will be incorporated.
I know you’ll like what you see because it really is all about you.
