Soothing the Wild Beast
Basil is not known for blowing his own horn, but when a simple repair degenerates into an overhaul from hell, the soothing tones emanating from the lunchroom let the rest of us know that somebody is undergoing musical therapy. Basil calls it musical yin-yang. “So how long you been playing the clarinet, Basil?” “Yeah,” said
Under The Gun…Literally?
Note from the editor: This story is based on an actual case history. We’d like to hear from you. Tell us…how would you handle things if a customer arrived at your shop under questionable circumstances? Send your comments to Editor Jim Smith at [email protected]. I glanced up at the plastic clock nailed above the
The Cat Comes Back
I was driving past the library on Saturday when I screeched to a halt beside a battered old Chevy pickup parked next to the curb. I knew this truck, and it was obviously in the wrong part of town. Something had to be broken.Jumping out, I looked underneath for any telltale puddles of oil or
Pesky Puddles
"Beanie, when you’re done with those winter tires, I need you to…" I stopped and looked around the vacant tire bay. "Hey, where’s junior?" One bay over, Tooner straightened up and jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “Just a wild guess, but I’ll bet my monthly tool allowance he’s on the phone again to his
Losin’ It
I stared out the front office window, scavenging my brain for any hint of recognition. "Hurry up, Quigley!" I whispered fiercely. "I gave you the license number already. What’s the customer’s name?!" I was sure I recognized the customer who had just pulled in, but for the life of me I couldn’t put a name
CMA Shuffles Sales Positions
China Manufacturers Alliance has hired John Hagg as Double Coin’s new southeast regional sales manager. He replaces Joe Cochran, who was promoted to strategic account manager. Prior to joining CMA, Hagg held various positions with Michelin, Dunlop, Bridgestone/Firestone and TCI Tire Centers. Cochran’s new responsibilities cover growing non-domestic markets, including Mexico and the Caribbean regions,
2008 Top Shop Winner: Atlantic Tire & Service
Ask any employee about the secret to Atlantic Tire & Service’s success and their answer is quick and simple. “It’s all about customer service,” says Davis Morgan, one of Atlantic’s store managers, echoing the universal opinion of his teammates. “We strive to make it a comfortable, confident experience.” But, according to Atlantic Tire founder and
Another Side to Safety Inspections
Got a number of letters and comments about my May 2009 column concerning the value of safety inspections to independent dealers in these tough times.
Deeper and Deeper
Deeper and Deeper Despite Struggles, Ag Market Sees Some Hope Ahead Just how far is down? Well, if you’re talking about the North American agricultural economy, down is a long, long way. But as long as farmers can still see the light of the morning sun, there is still hope. When Tire Review last looked
Strategy For Returns
If you are like most business people, you’ll be going to at least one convention and/or trade show in the next year. At last count there were more than 12,600 conventions each year, attracting 13.5 million attendees and spouses to 300 convention centers around the country.