Phillip Kane is the CEO of Turbo Wholesale Tires, home to brands like Lexani, Lionheart, and Rolling Big Power. With decades of experience at companies such as Snap-on, NAPA, Goodyear, and Pirelli, Phillip blends a lifetime in the automotive industry with a genuine passion for cars and tires. Today, he leads Turbo Wholesale Tires with a focus on helping independent dealers succeed through innovative tire industry growth strategies and strong distributor partnerships.

In this episode…

Growing a tire brand from Tier 4 to Tier 2 has historically taken 20–25 years. But what if that journey could be accelerated? In this conversation, Phillip Kane shares how Turbo Wholesale Tires challenges convention by applying tire industry growth strategies that shorten the path while giving dealers more opportunities to win.

Phillip’s career has shaped his unique perspective on brand positioning, dealer relationships, and market differentiation from his family roots in the automotive industry to leading roles at global tire companies. At Turbo Wholesale Tires, he emphasizes building semi-exclusive distributor partnerships that create value on both sides while keeping brand share, not distribution share, at the center of the company’s growth.

Beyond business, Phillip also shares his leadership philosophy. He talks about why “life is a choice,” why kindness should be part of every decision, and how personal values guide long-term success in the tire industry. It’s refreshing to see how character and strategy intersect in the journey to scale a tire brand.

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Phillip Kane for a conversation about the fastest path from Tier 4 to Tier 2. They discuss what it takes to grow a tire brand, why distributor relationships matter, and how leadership rooted in values can shape the industry's future.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:26] Phillip Kane’s background and family roots in the automotive industry

[05:53] Early career lessons from Snap-on, NAPA, Goodyear, and Pirelli

[09:41] The story behind Turbo Wholesale Tires and its proprietary brands

[11:10] Why Phillip believes the Tier 4 to Tier 2 journey can be accelerated

[13:10] Distribution strategies that help dealers succeed

[14:23] The personal mantra that guides Phillip’s life and leadership

[16:25] Why To Kill a Mockingbird is his favorite book and its lesson of kindness

[19:01] How Turbo Wholesale Tires is focusing on brand share, not distribution share

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Phillip Kane LinkedIn
• Turbo Wholesale Tires Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “Life is a beautiful, wonderful choice.”
• “Kindness shouldn’t stop at personal convenience. It’s something we should do all the time, regardless of cost.”
• “We’re not interested in distribution share, we’re focused on growing brand share.”
• “If you do nothing else throughout the day, at least you made your bed.”
• “Independent tire dealers win when we help them sell more tires to more people for more money.”

Action Steps:

1. Evaluate your brand growth timeline: Learn from companies that took decades and explore ways to accelerate.
2. Focus on brand share, not just distribution share: Build relationships that allow both you and your distributors to succeed.
3. Adopt a positive start to each day: The first few thoughts you have in the morning set the tone for success.
4. Make kindness a business strategy: Prioritize it even when it’s inconvenient, it builds trust that lasts.
5. Stay connected with your dealers: Prioritize partnerships, communication, and shared opportunities for growth.

Chris Cloutier is the owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas, Texas, and the founder of AutoFlow, a software solution built to improve auto repair customer communication. With a background in software engineering and firsthand experience as a shop owner, Chris recognized the communication gaps that left customers frustrated and shop teams overwhelmed. By combining his technical expertise with real-world shop operations, he developed AutoFlow to provide real-time text updates, digital inspections, and workflow tools that bring transparency and trust back to the repair process. Today, Chris helps shops across the country elevate their customer experience and efficiency by making communication as seamless as the Amazon experience.

In this episode…

Three out of four people say they’ve had a bad experience with an auto repair shop. Long waits, poor updates, and the feeling of being left in the dark have made auto repair customer communication one of the industry’s biggest frustrations. But what if repair shops could deliver updates and transparency the same way Amazon keeps customers informed about their orders?

That’s exactly the vision Chris Cloutier had when he built AutoFlow. After running his own shops, Chris knew that poor communication wasn’t about not caring, it was about being overwhelmed with tasks. Service advisors juggle scheduling, billing, and parts ordering, and communication often slips through the cracks. AutoFlow was designed to solve that by creating automated touchpoints that keep customers in the loop without adding more burden to the team.

In this episode, Chris explains how AutoFlow bridges the gap between anxious customers and busy shop teams. From digital inspections to instant text updates, he shows how technology can provide reassurance, reduce unnecessary phone calls, and ultimately build trust. Improving auto repair customer communication isn’t just about keeping customers happy, it’s also about improving workflow efficiency, reducing stress on employees, and creating long-term loyalty.

Whether you manage a single shop or a multi-location operation, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you connect with your customers. By focusing on clarity, transparency, and consistency, Chris shows how better auto repair customer communication can transform the customer experience into something people now compare to the Amazon standard.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[00:58] Chris Cloutier’s background and introduction to the auto repair industry

[02:33] The mantra behind Golden Rule Auto Care and why affirmations matter

[06:14] From software engineer to shop owner: how the first repair shop started

[08:31] The communication struggles that led to creating AutoFlow

[10:27] Why touchpoints and customer emotions matter in repair shop communication

[13:04] What poor communication costs and why customers compare shops to Domino’s

[15:36] The story behind AutoTextMe and why it became AutoFlow

[18:20] How customers responded to AutoFlow’s transparency and updates

[22:25] Life outside the shop: family, soccer, and karaoke nights

[25:24] Unique hiring stories and unexpected employee encounters

[29:35] How key team members like Craig joined AutoFlow

[31:11] Trusting your gut and final reflections on entrepreneurship

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Chris Cloutier on LinkedIn 
• Autoflow Website
• Golden Rule Auto Care Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “Three out of four people have had a bad experience with an auto repair shop, the statistics are stacked against us.”
• “No employee wakes up in the morning saying, ‘I’m going to suck today.’ Communication is the missing piece.”
• “AutoFlow was built because I lived the pain firsthand as a shop owner, I understood the problem I was solving.”
• “Transparency alone takes a huge burden off customers when they’re stressing over their car.”
• “Anything online today competes against Amazon. Shops have to measure up to that standard of communication.”

Action Steps:

1. Audit your shop’s communication touchpoints: Identify where customers may be left in the dark.
2. Implement consistent updates: Even short texts like “We’re working on your car” can relieve stress.
3. Leverage digital inspections: Build transparency with photos and reports customers can see.
4. Train staff on emotional communication: Teach advisors how to manage customer expectations proactively.
5. Explore workflow automation tools like AutoFlow to free up staff time while keeping customers informed.

Tom Gattuso is the Vice President of Events for SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association. With more than three decades of experience in the automotive events industry, Tom has overseen the growth of the SEMA Show into one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the world, drawing more than 160,000 attendees from 145 countries. His career began in auto shows and consumer events before joining SEMA in 2011, where he has continued to build a global marketplace that connects manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and enthusiasts under one roof.

In this episode…

The SEMA Show has long been a bucket-list event in the automotive world… But what makes it so important for tire dealers today? With so many industry events competing for attention, why should dealers prioritize SEMA 2025?

According to Tom Gattuso, the answer lies in more than just product displays. He explains that SEMA is about conversations, connections, and opportunities that can transform a business. Tire dealers will find everything from tier 2 and tier 3 brands offering high-quality products, to the latest tools, equipment, and ADAS technologies that are driving revenue growth for shops across the country. Beyond that, SEMA provides education, training, and access to innovations that help shops stay competitive in an evolving market.

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Tom Gattuso for a conversation about why tire dealers should attend SEMA 2025. They explore the value of networking at an event that draws attendees from around the globe, the ways SEMA is expanding beyond wheels and tires into service innovations and restyling opportunities, and how the show continues to evolve while staying true to its mission. Tom also shares his personal mantra about kindness, the role of art and design in shaping the event’s identity, and a book recommendation that emphasizes authentic fan experiences.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:02] Tom Gattuso’s background and how he entered the automotive event industry

[04:18] The career path that led him to join SEMA in 2011

[06:42] Why the tire industry’s engagement at SEMA has shifted in recent years

[09:09] What tire dealers can discover beyond wheels and tires at the show

[12:27] Opportunities in tools, equipment, and ADAS technology for shop owners

[15:15] Restyling, service innovations, and new revenue streams showcased at SEMA

[17:48] How registration works and who can attend the show in 2025

[20:24] Tom’s guiding mantra: being kind to yourself, others, and the process

[23:02] How artists like Chip Foose and Larry Chen shape SEMA’s creative identity

[25:20] A favorite book recommendation and lessons from the Savannah Bananas story

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tom Gattuso LinkedIn
• SEMA Registration and Event Details
• SEMA Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “As long as we can get people to connect and talk, we win.”
• “If you focus only on business, you’re focused on the wrong thing. The conversations are where it starts.”
• “Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and be kind to the process.”
• “SEMA reflects the industry back onto itself; it’s about innovation, education, and connection.”

Action Steps:

1. Reconsider SEMA as more than just a trade show. It’s a global marketplace and education hub.
2. Explore revenue opportunities outside of tires, such as tools, ADAS, and restyling.
3. Focus on conversations first: authentic connections drive long-term business growth.
4. Register early for SEMA 2025 to secure access to the full range of events, demos, and learning sessions.
5. Take inspiration from Tom’s mantra and remember that how you make people feel is what drives lasting impact.

Josh Parnell is the founder of Limitless Leadership, LLC, and a former Director of Service Development at Christian Brothers Automotive. With a background that spans military service, leadership training, and years of building industry-leading programs, Josh brings a unique perspective on people-first leadership in the auto repair world. His mission today is simple: help shop owners create engaged, motivated teams that drive performance and growth.

In this episode…

77% of your employees are probably disengaged. That number is alarming, but it’s also the reality many shop owners face. So what can leaders do to turn burnout into buy-in? Mike Edge sits down with Josh Parnell to talk about how to motivate auto repair teams and reignite energy inside the shop.

Josh explains why so many employees feel unseen and undervalued, and how small but consistent actions from leaders can create lasting engagement. From one-on-one check-ins and daily huddles to simple recognition and feedback, he shares the practical tools that build safety, trust, and connection: the foundations of a team that buys in. He also highlights the cost of poor communication and why investing in your people ultimately leads to better sales, service, and shop performance.

This episode is about more than theory. It’s a roadmap for shop owners who want to stop losing money to disengagement and start building stronger, more resilient teams. If you’ve been wondering how to motivate auto repair teams and keep your staff inspired, this conversation is the wake-up call you’ve been waiting for.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:09] Josh Parnell’s background and how he entered the auto repair industry

[04:43] Life as military police in North Dakota and lessons learned from service

[07:28] What Josh considers the number one priority for shop teams

[08:52] Why focusing on relationships before transactions changes everything

[10:49] Creating safety and trust to unlock clarity and buy-in

[11:28] What “disengaged employees” really means inside the shop

[13:09] The power of one-on-ones, huddles, and toolbox talks

[16:11] How poor communication can cost shop owners thousands

[24:00] Josh’s passion project: building the Bearded Brotherhood brand

[26:57] Why growth and comfort can’t coexist for leaders and teams

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Josh Parnell on LinkedIn
• Limitless Leadership Website
• The Bearded Brotherhood Website
• 2024 State of Business Communication Report
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “70% of employees are disengaged at work because they don’t feel seen, heard, or valued.”
• “People plus process equals profit, but people come first.”
• “Focus on the relationship before the transaction; sales are a byproduct of exceptional service.”
• “Growth and comfort can’t coexist, if you’re comfortable, you’re not growing.”
• “Knowledge without action is just information.”

Action Steps:

1. Make time for one-on-ones, huddles, and toolbox talks to strengthen team connection.
2. Focus on relationships first, performance follows engagement.
3. Recognize and value employees consistently to reduce disengagement.
4. Improve communication habits to avoid the high cost of misalignment.
5. Challenge comfort zones – growth only happens when you step beyond them.

Kamard Johnson is the President & CEO of GTT Commercial Tires, based in Richmond, Virginia. With a professional background rooted in sales and customer service, Kamard joined forces with his brother to build a company that started with seven used tires in a shed and grew into a multi-location operation recognized on the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row. His story highlights both the opportunities and the hard lessons that come with ambition, leadership, and scaling too quickly in the tire industry.

In this episode…

Success to outsiders can look like growing or scaling your business at a fast rate. But when is fast too fast? Does it take a toll on your business? In this conversation, Kamard Johnson explores the realities behind tire business growth challenges and what happens when ambition outruns preparation.

Kamard shares his candid journey of rapid expansion, earning national recognition while battling the hidden costs of fast growth. From strained operations to financial pressure and even selling into unprofitability, he reveals the lessons that reshaped his approach. These tire business growth challenges forced him to step out of sales and into a true leadership role, focusing on systems, processes, and long-term strategy.

What we loved about this conversation with Kamard is how real he was about the struggles behind the growth. He didn’t just talk about the wins but he also opened up about the mistakes, the financial pressure, and the lessons that forced him to grow as a leader. Hearing him explain how self-awareness and putting people first shaped his journey gave us a lot to think about, and we think it will hit home for anyone facing tire business growth challenges or pushing their business forward faster than it was ready for.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[02:09] The meaning behind GTT Commercial Tires

[02:18] Kamard’s upbringing and how his mother and brother shaped his path

[05:34] How his mother persuaded him to join the family business

[07:01] Working side by side with his brother and defining their roles

[11:46] Why Kamard sees himself as more of an architect than a builder

[16:42] Expanding to three locations and the strategy behind it

[17:27] Lessons learned from pursuing aggressive growth

[19:44] How Kamard adjusted his leadership style after growing too fast

[21:57] Discovering the risks of selling into unprofitability

[24:59] The mantra from his mother that guides Kamard’s leadership

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Kamard Johnson’s Website
• GTT Commercial Tires Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “These hands have never changed a tire in my life.”
• “Growth magnifies not just the things you do well, but also the things you don’t do so well.”
• “You can actually sell yourself into being unprofitable.”
• “You take care of the people who take care of you.”
• “The truest foundation of success is self-awareness.”

Action Steps:

1. Evaluate whether growth is exposing weaknesses in your operations before expanding further.
2. Focus on systems and processes that support sustainable growth, not just sales volume.
3. Step back from short-term wins to look at long-term leadership and financial health.
4. Remember the importance of self-awareness in leadership, know what you do best and where to delegate.
5. Embrace the lessons of tire business growth challenges as opportunities for building resilience and sustainable success.

Tony O’Billovich is the leader of the Master Shop Program for Point S Tire USA. With decades of experience running and growing multiple tire and auto repair locations, Tony has seen firsthand the challenges that overwhelm shop owners and the strategies that turn things around. His focus on profitability, leadership, and people development has helped shop owners across the country regain control of their businesses, their time, and their confidence.

In this episode…

What happens when everyday challenges in the tire and auto repair world start to feel overwhelming? According to Tony O’Billovich, the key to taking back control isn’t working harder, it’s learning to lead smarter.

From raising labor rates without fear to building systems that reduce stress, Tony shares practical lessons that help shop owners stop feeling like their business is running them. He explains how profitability isn’t something to feel guilty about, but a powerful tool to invest in employees, improve customer trust, and grow stronger teams.

The conversation also dives into the importance of leadership and delegation. By training staff and empowering them to take on responsibility, shop owners can step back from micromanaging and focus on growth. For many, this shift leads to working less, earning more, and building businesses that thrive long-term.

Finally, Tony highlights how community and collaboration play a role in success. Through Point S and its cooperative model, shop owners find mentorship, support, and the ability to grow while preserving the legacies they’ve worked so hard to build.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[02:04] How Tony entered the tire and auto repair industry and scaled multiple locations

[03:06] What Point S is and how its co-op model empowers independent shop owners

[05:18] The story of a daughter who took over her father’s shop and found success

[07:01] The biggest challenges Tony sees when walking into struggling stores

[08:27] Why shop owners hesitate to raise prices — and what really happens when they do

[11:26] How courtesy inspections improve customer trust and educate clients

[13:52] Why positioning as a one-stop shop makes life easier for both customers and owners

[15:33] What makes Point S unique as a brand and why members describe it as “family”

[17:41] How the “555” growth plan is shaping the future of Point S across the U.S.

[19:28] The new mentor program for shop owners and how it supports growth

[20:53] Tony’s coaching style and how he helps owners regain confidence

[22:20] Why delegating and training employees leads to working less and earning more

[24:30] Tony’s personal motto: “Polite, honest, direct” and why clarity matters in leadership

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Point S Tire Website
• Tread Partners
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast

Quotable Moments:

• “Profitability is a healthy thing, it allows you to reinvest in your people and your business.”
• “If you raise your labor rate, chances are customers won’t even notice but your business will thrive.”
• “Clarity is charity. Be polite, be honest, and be direct.”
• “When you grow your people, your life as a shop owner gets easier.”
• “The most successful shops aren’t run by micromanagers, they’re led by owners who trust and train their teams.”

Action Steps:

1. Reevaluate your pricing: Are you competitively priced in your market? Don’t avoid necessary adjustments out of fear.
2. Implement courtesy inspections: Use them to build trust, educate customers, and increase profitability.
3. Set clear expectations: Ensure every employee knows their responsibilities and has the tools to succeed.
4. Invest in your team: Train, delegate, and empower employees to take on more responsibility.
5. Find a support system: Explore cooperative models and mentorship opportunities to grow without losing your shop’s legacy.

Tyler Paparello is the Chief Operating Officer at AMG, overseeing 28 Midas locations across New England. With a background rooted in sales, Tyler learned early on that while selling can solve short-term problems, it takes leadership, people, and process to scale a business sustainably. Today, he focuses on building systems that empower employees, earn customer trust, and create long-term growth opportunities across the organization.

In this episode…

What happens when a company grows faster than one person can manage? For Tyler Paparello, it meant learning a lesson every leader eventually faces: you can’t sell your way out of every challenge. Leadership in business growth requires more than talent for closing deals; it’s about building teams, developing people, and creating processes that work at scale.

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Tyler for a candid conversation about transitioning from sales-driven success to people-first leadership. Tyler shares how his early sales experience shaped the way he runs operations at 28 Midas shops, and why he believes employees are the foundation of long-term success. He also explains how customer trust, retention, and perception directly impact growth and why focusing on people, not profit, is the true path to sustainable business leadership.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[01:27] Tyler’s career background and how he got started at Midas

[02:47] The mantra that guides his leadership philosophy

[04:04] How digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) influence customer trust and sales

[05:21] Why storytelling makes DVIs more effective in customer communication

[08:03] Why the auto repair industry struggles with customer trust

[09:48] Using Net Promoter Score (NPS) to capture authentic customer feedback

[13:09] Tyler’s transition from sales to leadership as AMG scaled

[15:08] The impact of tariffs on pricing and operations

[18:35] A sales story that shows the power of honesty in business

[21:36] Tyler’s love for New Haven pizza — and why he calls it the best in the country

[25:33] Future growth plans for AMG and the career opportunities they create

[27:47] Why promoting from within drives retention and strengthens leadership culture

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tyler Paparello on LinkedIn
• Midas’ Website
• Tread Partners
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast

Quotable Moments:

• “You can’t sell your way out of 20 stores’ problems, you have to lead.”
• “It always comes back to people. Employees and customers are the foundation of success.”
• “Perception is reality: How you present pricing matters as much as the price itself.”
• “Processes and systems create consistency, and consistency builds trust.”
• “Leadership in business growth starts with investing in your team, not chasing profit.”

Action Steps:

1. Invest in people, not just sales results: Focus on developing employees and promoting from within to build loyalty and leadership.
2. Leverage digital tools like DVIs and NPS: Use technology to strengthen trust, gather feedback, and improve customer experience.
3. Rethink how you handle pricing: Present costs with confidence to reinforce value rather than apologizing for them.
4. Build systems that scale: Processes, not one-off fixes, drive sustainable growth.
5. Keep people at the center: Customers and employees must remain the priority, profit follows when people are cared for.

Christian Seem is the President & CEO of Good Turn Tire & Auto, a rapidly growing tire and auto repair company with 55 locations and 16 brands across five states. With nearly 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Christian has worked in big box retail, commercial parts distribution, and tire retail, including leadership roles at TBC Corporation. Since joining Good Turn in 2023, he has led aggressive expansion while preserving the local brand names, cultures, and community trust that give each store its value. His leadership philosophy focuses on building strong teams, protecting brand equity, and scaling with integrity, essential qualities for any tire dealer or auto repair shop owner aiming for sustainable growth.

Scaling a tire brand is no easy feat especially if your goal is to protect decades of customer loyalty, brand equity, and community relationships. How do you grow without erasing what made the business successful in the first place?

In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Christian Seem shares the strategies Good Turn Tire & Auto uses to expand while keeping each store’s unique name, culture, and customer connection intact.

From standardizing point-of-sale systems, vendor relationships, and key performance indicators to creating a unified marketing approach, Christian outlines the operational backbone needed to scale effectively in the tire and auto repair industry. But beyond systems, he emphasizes a truth every shop owner should remember: "People are the foundation of any successful expansion."

He also shares Good Turn’s “high speed, low drag” integration process, which ensures smooth transitions during acquisitions, supports employees, and safeguards the trust customers have in their local shop.

If you’re looking for a proven blueprint for tire dealer growth strategies that balance expansion with brand preservation, this conversation delivers valuable insights you can apply to your own business.

[02:05] Christian’s background and entry into the automotive industry

[04:16] From 49th to 26th in the top 100 independent tire dealers

[05:20] Good Turn’s acquisition approach for independent tire dealers

[07:55] Why preserving local brand names beats rebranding

[08:39] How scaling boosts buying power for tire and auto repair shops

[09:19] Traits of high-performing shops Good Turn seeks out

[12:31] Protecting an owner’s legacy during an acquisition

[14:08] How sellers can connect with Good Turn Tire & Auto

[15:40] Christian’s leadership mantras for growth and success

[18:49] When owners sell but remain actively involved

[20:10] The significance of Christian’s favorite movie, Braveheart

[23:44] “High speed, low drag” integration philosophy explained

[23:59] Christian’s bucket list and future aspirations

• Goodturn Tire & Auto
• Christian Seem on LinkedIn
• Contact Goodturn Tire & Auto
• Gain Traction Podcast Episode #143: The Art of Scaling Integrity in the Tire Business With Seth Sands of Goodturn Tire & Auto
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

• “As long as we’re doing the right thing, the results will follow.”
• “The name on the sign matters, customers recognize it, and employees are proud of it.”
• “People are the foundation of any successful expansion.”
• “High speed, low drag; get through integrations quickly and with minimal disruption.”
• “We respect what came before us. Our job is to make it stronger, not erase it.”

1. Preserve local brand identity when expanding to maintain customer loyalty and community trust.
2. Standardize operational systems (POS, vendors, KPIs) for efficiency and scalability.
3. Evaluate team strength before acquisition to ensure a strong people foundation.
4. Invest in staff development to retain top talent and drive long-term success.
5. Adopt a streamlined integration process to minimize disruption and keep customer relationships intact.

Bruce Davis is a veteran journalist and editor who spent 45 years shaping how the tire industry receives its news, data, and insights. As a founding staff member of Tire Business, he helped launch the publication in 1983, transforming it from an ambitious idea into one of the most trusted voices in the global tire market. Over the years, Bruce pioneered cornerstone features like the Global Tire Report, chronicled the industry’s evolution through import/export statistics and dealership rankings, and built a reputation for delivering business-focused journalism with credibility and depth. His career included 13 years in Germany as editor of the European Rubber Journal, where he gained a front-row seat to historic moments like the fall of the Berlin Wall, giving him a unique global perspective on the tire trade.

What does it take to turn a scrappy start-up into an industry institution? On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Bruce Davis to uncover the story behind Tire Business’s rise to prominence. Bruce shares how a chance phone call from a college friend led him into the world of trade journalism, how a sprained ankle almost delayed his entry into the field, and how just two years later he was handed the challenge of launching a bi-weekly publication for tire dealers. At 27 years old, Bruce rolled out the first issue, setting the stage for decades of tire industry insights that would influence manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worldwide.

Bruce recounts the origins of the Global Tire Report in 1985, including the painstaking process of gathering international data before the digital era—shipping research in steamer trunks, sending telexes, and forging relationships with manufacturers across borders. He explains why Tire Business has maintained the rigor of a business journal, why the print edition and annual stats book still matter in a digital-first world, and how their data remains a trusted benchmark for the industry. Bruce also opens up about his life outside the newsroom, from witnessing the Berlin Wall come down to his retirement plans focused on travel and genealogy.

If you’re curious about the history of the tire trade, the value of accurate industry data, or the mindset it takes to build a trusted media brand, this conversation is packed with perspective and personality.

[02:34] How Bruce landed his first job in the industry right after college

[04:51] The launch of Tire Business in 1983 and Bruce’s age at the time

[05:24] Bruce’s original career goal to work for a major national newspaper

[07:29] Meeting his future wife while working in Germany

[08:26] Living in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall and its tense atmosphere

[09:14] Bruce’s perspective on Reagan’s “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” speech

[11:19] Writing for both Tire Business and Rubber News simultaneously

[11:52] The origin story of the Global Tire Report

[16:16] Why Bruce believes everyone in the industry should subscribe to Tire Business

[22:22] The mantra that’s guided Bruce throughout his career

[23:24] Bruce’s favorite movies and the story behind them

[28:04] A Corvette road trip through Eastern Europe shortly after the Berlin Wall fell

Tire Business https://www.tirebusiness.com/

Bruce Davis on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-davis-aba02b21/

Tread Partners https://treadpartners.com/

Gain Traction Podcast https://gaintractionpodcast.com/

Mike Edge on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgemike/

One last bow to industry legend Bruce Davis https://www.tirebusiness.com/opinion/one-last-bow-industry-legend-bruce-davis

• “Never be satisfied. Even if it’s just 1% better, keep improving.”

• “The Global Tire Report became the benchmark the entire industry looks to.”

• “We treat the tire business like a business journal; factual, rigorous, and rooted in context.”

• “Sometimes history unfolds right outside your office window, like the Berlin Wall coming down.”

• “Print still matters when your audience values trusted, tangible information.”

1. Maintain the rigor of a business journal, even in a niche industry.

2. Track and publish industry data consistently to become the go-to source.

3. Build credibility by connecting with all segments of your industry; manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

4. Preserve historical context; it strengthens your authority over time.

5. Adapt to digital trends without abandoning the formats your audience still values.

Don Barnes III is the Chief Tire Guy at Belle Tire, a third-generation leader helping steer one of the oldest and most respected tire retailers in the U.S. Founded in 1922, Belle Tire has grown from a local shop into a powerhouse with over 180 locations across the Midwest. Under Don’s leadership, the company has maintained its century-long reputation by focusing on operational excellence, local relationships, and above all, outstanding customer service in the tire industry. Don is also passionate about youth development and community engagement, leading Belle Tire’s involvement in one of the largest youth hockey programs in the country.

What does it take to deliver truly exceptional customer service in the tire industry for over 100 years? According to Don Barnes III, it starts with consistency, trust, and attention to detail. From offering free flat repairs to creating clean, welcoming stores, Belle Tire has built a people-first model that turns stressful tire and auto repair visits into moments of care and connection. Don explains how they’ve scaled that model across dozens of locations without losing the warmth and reliability their brand is known for.

Don also unpacks how their core philosophy: “Retail is detail” shapes every touchpoint of the customer journey. In an industry where purchases are infrequent but high-stakes, Belle Tire focuses on eliminating friction, educating customers, and building long-term loyalty. It’s not just about the product, it’s about how people feel when they walk in and how much they trust the team when they leave. That kind of high-level customer service in the tire industry doesn’t happen by accident. It’s intentional and deeply embedded into company culture.

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Don Barnes III to discuss Belle Tire’s legacy, rapid expansion, and people-first approach to business. Don shares real-world insights on maintaining service quality at scale, building trust in new markets, and inspiring employees to lead with empathy and energy. If you’re looking to grow your shop or improve your customer experience, this conversation is packed with timeless lessons on delivering standout customer service in the tire industry.

[01:29] Don reflects on Belle Tire’s 103-year history and what’s helped the company endure

[01:59] What sets Belle Tire’s customer service apart from others in the industry

[04:08] How Belle Tire’s widespread Midwest presence brings peace of mind to customers

[05:12] Why Belle Tire expanded into windshield replacement services

[06:30] The role of store appearance and attention to detail in building customer trust

[10:04] Don shares the philosophy behind “retail is detail” and how it guides their team

[12:29] Don talks about growing up in the business and why they prioritize company over family name

[13:54] The origin and impact of Belle Tire’s youth hockey program

[15:23] How Belle Tire became the largest youth hockey organization in the U.S.

[20:19] Don outlines Belle Tire’s growth plans for the next 3–5 years

Belle Tire https://www.belletire.com/

Tread Partners https://treadpartners.com/

Gain Traction Podcast https://gaintractionpodcast.com/

Don Barnes III on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-barnes-4a671ba/

Mike Edge on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgemike/

Gain Traction Podcast Episode #188: How a Farmer Turned a Small Tire Shop into a $26M Business https://gaintractionpodcast.com/how-a-farmer-turned-a-small-tire-shop-into-a-26m-business/

• “Retail is detail, and every touchpoint matters.”

• “We’re in the tire business, but we’re really in the service business.”

• “You only get one chance to make someone feel good about a stressful situation.”

• “Growth is great, but not at the expense of trust.”

• “Our goal is to make someone’s day better, every single time.”

1. Audit your customer journey: Identify pain points and friction that impact the service experience.

2. Create a consistent brand presence: Make sure your stores and team reflect trust and professionalism.

3. Empower your team: Train staff to act as trusted advisors, not just salespeople.

4. Double down on local reputation: Be present in the community, people notice and remember.

5. Apply the “surprise and delight” principle: Build loyalty by going beyond what’s expected.