I just spent $950 in Orlando, Fla. You know, the land of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I had the greatest time with my 20-year-old son, Josh; the best we’ve had in years. Let me tell you, it was money well spent for my company.
I attended a TIA training class in Orlando sponsored by Myers Tire Supply and lunch was provided by NAPA. Yeah, you heard me right. You know I am not an avid supporter of TIA well, let’s say the “old TIA.” I saw in Tire Review that TIA was bringing its nationwide training tour to Orlando.
Just the thought of the opportunity to heckle TIA and a class taught by a non-field-experienced instructor got the best of me. I called, got my info and the check went in the mail. For safety’s sake, I brought my son along to make sure I didn’t make an ass of myself.
Well, what a huge surprise! This was not what I was expecting. I observed a well-educated workingman, a tire knowledgeable instructor. What a surprise that there is someone out there with the passion, knowledge and desire to better the tire industry similar to my passion and desire.
No politics, no sales pitch, just a true non-biased, industry standard, “Do it right the first time,” instructors course. “All manufacturers included, none excluded.”
The class included, but was not limited to, tire installation the correct way, tire repairs to the industry standard, vehicle lifting (Automotive Lift Institute), TPMS (of course), balancing, tire identification and tire safety, to just name a few.
The three eight-hour days spent on the training was not enough time, but it covered everything. The attendees that were specialized in particular fields were encouraged to participate in the class. We had a representative from Florida Tire Supply, and another from Rema Tip Top. There were supplies from Tech and Patch and Rema for the hands-on tire repair segment. Everything you could have wanted, except more time.
The instructor’s name was Matthew White, who has been in the tire business as long as myself.
I believe a lot of dealers have felt the same way I have for years: What is TIA doing for us? In the fire department we have a saying: “Do not complain about a problem, come to me with a solution.”
The solution is the course I just took with Matt White. This course is what every employee, tire salesman, tire installation specialist, mechanic, and especially the shop owner needs to take. I guarantee anyone who takes this course will come out with a wealth of knowledge they did not know about and save their employer money and aggravation.
I am so positive of this I will reimburse the cost of the class to any person who takes the course and comes away feeling they did not learn anything. There is one catch: You cannot just show and blow. Not a chance! You are required to score a 100% on the test.
Yeah, this is a real class so be ready to be filled with real material…not the “I learned from Billy Bob who learned from Johnnie” stuff many dealers have lived on. If you have a passion for your tire business and you want to do your best and be the best, then this is the class to take.
Craig Knarich
Owner
Pit Crew Mobile Tire Store
Palm Harbor, FL