Ryan Ragan is the Executive Director of the Automotive Service & Tire Alliance, where he focuses on enhancing value to members through innovative programs and training in the tech and tire sectors. Under his leadership, ASTA aims to expand its reach with events and educational initiatives, fostering greater involvement from the tire industry in addition to its strong mechanical service foundation. Ryan's background is rich with experience in international trade associations and nonprofits, and he brings a unique blend of business acumen and passion to his role at ASTA.

In this episode…

The automotive industry is undergoing significant transformations, with emerging trends and challenges shaping its future. How can industry leaders adapt to these changes to ensure continued growth and success?

According to Ryan Ragan, Executive Director of Automotive Service & Tire Alliance, adapting to changes in the automotive industry requires a focus on innovation and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for networking and deal-making, particularly through events that bring together decision-makers and vendors. By facilitating interactions between key players, the industry can foster partnerships that drive growth and address common challenges.

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Ryan to discuss the future of the automotive service industry. They explore topics such as the expansion of industry events, strategies for increasing vendor engagement, and efforts to integrate tire services more comprehensively. Ryan shares his vision for enhancing member benefits through educational programs and networking opportunities, aiming to strengthen community ties and support business growth within the sector.

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

• [01:55] The Wild West origins of Ryan Ragan's hometown
• [02:45] How wrestling shaped Ryan's discipline and resilience
• [04:36] The future of Automotive Service & Tire Alliance’s big events
• [05:49] Why networking with decision-makers is game-changing
• [06:07] How ASTA enhances business deal opportunities
• [11:55] The innovative educational tools ASTA provides for members
• [22:32] How ASTA raised $100,000 for hurricane relief efforts

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ryan Ragan on LinkedIn 
• Automotive Service & Tire Alliance 
• Dustin Dobbs
• Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Tread Partners

Quotable Moments: 

• "Your ego is the most expensive thing you own. If you want to go broke, just keep following that ego."
• "I want you to be able to come there and do business. I want you to be able to close deals."
• "It's always the older generation, the next generation, how they view things and how they see things."
• "We're not going to lose our southern charm. It's still going to be very accessible, very down home."
• "I've seen a lot of good, I've seen a lot of bad."

Action Steps: 

1. Engage in industry networking events: Attend industry-specific trade shows and networking events to meet decision-makers and potential partners.
2. Utilize educational resources: Leverage member-exclusive educational programs and webinars to stay updated on industry best practices and innovations.
3. Implement digital visual inspections: Adopt DVI technology to increase transparency with customers, fostering trust and enhancing customer satisfaction.
4. Participate in community support initiatives: Get involved in industry charity events or local support efforts to strengthen community ties and improve public perception. 
5. Seek feedback and adapt to market needs: Regularly conduct surveys and hold town hall-style meetings with industry peers to understand the challenges and needs within the market.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. 

At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. 

By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.

We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Visit www.treadpartners.com or email [email protected] to learn more.