K&M Tire Co.: All in the Family
K&M Tire Co. is all about family, if you can call a major regional wholesaler with 18 distribution centers servicing dealers in 22 states a tight-knit family. Moreso, a tight-knit family made up of some 700 people that meet annually for a quaint family reunion. The Delphos, Ohio-based K&M Tire really is all about family,
After Spurt, K&M Shifts Focus to Improve
Back in 1970, Ken Langhals never dreamed that one day he would be hosting a dinner for 600 people. The early years, he’ll recall, were about hand-to-mouth survival. Now he puts food on the table for some 400 employees. K&M Tire’s focus today is on “continuous improvement of planning, product, service and marketing” to provide
AAIA Elects New Officers and Board of Directors
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) elected its new officers and board of directors for the 2013-14 year. Effective July 1, AAIA’s elected officers of the Executive Committee are: • Chairman, Timothy Lee, Lang Distributing Inc.• Vice Chairman, Richard Jago, Old World Industries Inc.• Treasurer, Michael Klein, IDQ Holding Inc.• Secretary, Ira Davis, Multi Parts
Advance Taps Commercial Marketing Exec
Advance Auto Parts Inc. has appointed John Hanighen to vice president of commercial marketing. Hanighen, former president and CEO of Rostra Precision Controls, will report to Jim Durkin, senior vice president of commercial business, and will be based in Roanoke, Va. He also held executive posts with NAPA and AutoZone. “I am thrilled to welcome John
2012 GTE/SEMA Product Showcase
From A to V, here’s a look at some of the all-new products released at this year’s Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show.
Upgraded R.O. Writer Software Boosts Shop Efficiency
Progressive Automotive Systems is showing enhanced features of its R.O. Writer Shop Management Software at this week’s SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo. Software demonstrations will take place at the R.O. Writer booth (#10112). The new features allow the user to accurately identify required parts and labor to build an accurate estimate and maximize margins, the maker
2012 Top Shop Winner: Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center
Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center is not a puzzle in either the literal or figurative sense. It is not confusing or an enigma, and the entire operation moves harmoniously and unconfusingly forward. But it is the dealership’s almost magical ability to put often-divergent pieces together to deliver something beyond “world-class customer service” – and
Lee Elected AAIA Chairman, New Board in Place
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association elected Tim Lee of Lang Distributing, as chairman of its 2012-13 board of directors. In addition, AAIA members also elected a new board during its Leadership Days event, held May 4 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Lee will replace current chairman Bob Egan of Federal-Mogul on July 1. Lee joined Lang Distributing
Product Spotlight: Filters
Efficient filtration can protect against unnecessary wear and prevent premature failure. Here are several options available on the market today.
Sponsors Step Up for TIA Training Road Show
TIA is taking its Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Certification Course on the road in 2012, and will do so with the assist of 21 industry suppliers. The Certified ATS Program is designed to create a network of certified instructors who can then train and certify technicians in the field, said TIA. By holding 28 classes