Club 3633 Profile: Randy O’Connor
Randy O’Connor’s ability to speak two languages –Spanish and English – landed him his first job in the tire industry. The owner of Colony Tire & Auto Shop was looking for someone who spoke Spanish to help with recruitment at some of his locations.
Club 3633 Profiles: Haley Rogers
Haley Rogers spends her weekdays helping tire dealers sell passenger tires, but on the weekends she flips tires – 600-pound industrial tires – as part of her CrossFit regimen.
Club 3633: Help Us Recognize the Next Generation of Tire Industry Influencers
Know someone who is part of the next generation of movers and shakers or innovators in the tire industry? Tell us about them!
Tire Review Club 3633
Charles Goodyear revolutionized the commercial rubber industry when he discovered the vulcanization of rubber, protected by his U.S. Patent 3633. The filing of this patent 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. Tire
Club 3633 Profile: Fardad Niknam
When asked what he likes best about the industry, Fardad Niknam says he loves being part of people’s day-to-day life in a small way, developing tires that help keep people safe. In his 20 years working in tire industry, he continues to be driven by success – finding satisfaction when some of his wins are built upon a foundation of challenges.
Club 3633 Profile: Blake Aubrey
You’ve heard of the Avengers and X-Men but have you heard of the Dream Team? Blake Aubrey, a human resources manager with Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is captain of a Dream Team and works to teach young kids about the importance of manufacturing careers.
Club 3633 Profile: Loudan Hammersmith
Sometimes mom knows best. Five years ago when Loudan Hammersmith was contemplating taking a job with Hercules Tire & Rubber Co., his mother told him, “Everyone needs tires, take the job!” This piece of advice lead Hammersmith to a career in the tire industry and his current role at BKT USA Inc.
Club 3633 Profile: Jason Grasse
At 32, Jason Grasse has already spent half of his lifetime in the tire industry. As service manager at Matthews Tire in Fond du Lac, Wisc., his typical workday consists of quoting and selling services, assigning jobs and controlling the tech workload. Occasionally he will help out the sales counter, inventory management and with part ordering when needed.
Club 3633 Profile: Rajiv Poddar
In December 2015, Balkrishna Industries unveiled its game-changing off-highway tire plant in Bhuj, India. A roughly $500 million investment, the greenfield facility positions BKT to double its tire production.
Club 3633 Profile: Bo Ray
Like many, Bo Ray grew up in the tire industry. Working for his father, Ray worked on cars, changed tires, and drove a tow truck. It was this foundation that allowed Ray to branch out and take an opportunity at a non-competitor shop across town.
