Eric Gill is the President and CEO of Gills Point S Tire & Auto Service. A seasoned entrepreneur, Eric masterminded the expansion of Gills Point S Tire & Auto Service from a solitary tire store to 71 locations across 24 years. His background includes a marketing and accounting degree, state tax return filing for Weyerhaeuser’s corporate department and an impactful tenure as a manager for Target stores. At a young age, Eric pivoted to the tire industry through a merger that set the stage for his current success.

In this episode…

The tire and auto industry constantly evolves, with businesses needing to adapt and grow to remain competitive. How do some companies manage to expand from a single location to a large chain in this dynamic environment?

According to Eric Gill of Gills Point S Tire & Auto Service, the secret to his business’s growth lies in focusing on people and seizing opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent from within, which allows for organic expansion by promoting capable individuals to managerial positions. Additionally, strategic partnerships and acquisitions, such as purchasing stores from retiring owners, have expanded the business while maintaining a strong team culture. This approach has enabled Eric to grow his business from a single store to a network of 71 locations over 24 years.

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Eric to discuss his journey from managing a single tire store to overseeing a network of 71 locations. The conversation touches on Eric’s initial steps in the industry and his strategic approach to growth. They also explore the importance of company culture, mentorship, and the challenges of managing a rapidly expanding business. Eric shares how collaboration and shared values have been instrumental in his success in the tire industry.

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

• [00:03] Eric Gill details his transition from filing tax returns to steering a multi-location tire business
• [02:32] How Eric’s early family ties to the tire industry influenced his career
• [03:03] The valuable management and retail skills Eric honed working at Target
• [05:12] Eric’s strategic approach to business growth and acquisition
• [10:43] The importance of creating opportunities for employees within an expanding organization
• [16:47] How Point S Tire’s co-op model benefits independent tire dealers
• [23:34] The unconventional path to corporate growth and the down-to-earth moments that keep the tire business real

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Eric Gill on LinkedIn
• Gills Point S Tire & Auto Service
• Craig Bruneel on LinkedIn
• Phil Wick 
• Les Schwab 
• Nick Fox on LinkedIn 
• Northwest Retreaders
• Weyerhaeuser
• Nokian Tyres
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Tread Partners

Quotable Moments:

• “If you look back at the end of the day, week, or year, it’s amazing how much stuff we do right.”
• “The door is always open, but I want everyone to find their own path.”
• “Enjoy all of it — enjoy that journey and create fun memories for everyone that’s around you.”
• “Our focus is just making it fun and enjoying what we’re doing.”
• “Once you take that leap of faith, the next steps aren’t so scary.”

Action Steps:

1. Seek out seasoned professionals who can serve as mentors to learn from their wisdom and experience: This exposes you to invaluable insights and shortcuts which can help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve your goals more efficiently.
2. Embrace a people-first approach to business, investing in relationships with both employees and customers: Strong relationships build loyalty and create a collaborative environment that can drive sustainable growth.
3. Cultivate adaptability and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, just as Eric transitioned from the corporate retail world to the tire industry: Being open to change can present unexpected opportunities that spark significant development in your career or business.
4. Leverage your experience from other industries, applying those principles to build a successful model in a new field: Eric’s retail expertise from Target enabled him to create an effective business and growth strategy for his tire stores.
5. Identify and focus on your strengths while delegating tasks that are outside your expertise: Recognizing your strong suits and trusting others with tasks they are skilled at can improve your business efficiency and performance.