TARHEEL EDITION VOL 22 • ISSUE 2 Serving the Tire and ......Board members coming on are Joe Quigg, Ed’s Tire / Will Pleasants, ATD / Steve Garris, Mock-Beroth Tire / and Bill Jackson,

TARHEEL EDITIONVOL 22 • ISSUE 2

Spring 2018Serving the Tire and Automotive Repair Businesses of North CarolinaBrought to you by the North Carolina Tire Dealers Association

2018 EXPO REVIEW

IF NOT, YOU MISSED A FABULOUS NETWORKING EVENT

Read all about on page 3

Which major car maker will onlybe making 2 automobiles in 2020?

See page 5 for details

LEADERSHIPQUALITIES

FOR SMALL BUSINESSGreat insight on Page 6

Keynote Speaker Tom Greco, President and CEO Advance Auto

Parts emphasizes the need to embrace technology in our industry.

T. Beroth of Stokes Tire, winner of the new Coats 60X Tire Changer provided by Hennessy Industries with

Mike Fassinger, Hennessy Industries.

Find out who is featured inour Member Spotlight | Page 13

Professionally communicaterepairs and sales to customers

Learn why this is so important | page 10

And the winner is...

Were you there?

01•

visit us online @ nctda.com / / spring 2018 •

From the NCTDA President

Mike Erickson

By the time you read this article, several actions have been taken by our Board of

Directors and the industries we represent.

As announced at our Annual event’s opening night address, several of our Directors

will be meeting with the tech schools in NC concerning the prospect of a TIA /

NCTDA training curriculum for students that are entering our tire & automotive

service industry. This would include the certification working employees. We have

requested (4) tech schools across the state that will be convenient for most retail

locations requiring minimal time away

from the job/business for consecutive days.

We will have a follow-up report coming soon.

Recently, our executive director met with the solid waste tire division to

discuss proposed changes to our scrap tire program. Our objective is to make

changes to the fees related to the program. As an example, currently, 2% is

the fee for passenger tires. A $600 set of tires cost $12 to dispose of. The

national average is between .50 cents to 1.00 per tire. Let’s see $1.00 National average, North Carolina $12, does that

seem equitable? We the sellers and the consumers are due a fee that is fair to all.

If you read my article in the last issue, you might recall my statement:

“you may be asking yourself; am I prepared for the ever changing

business landscape?” Well, enter in the recent industry changes

that will impact the distribution of the tires many of you purchase.

You must be wondering…what will all of this mean to me as an

independent small business manager, or, owner? The end product

of the latest consolidation is better, more timely service. From a

Distributors perspective it is all about having the right product in the right place and being able to deliver it faster than

the competition. With the dizzying array of sizes, styles and brands required to meet the needs of today’s consumer, it

is a formidable challenge.

“You may be asking yourself; am I prepared for the ever changing business

landscape?”

We, the sellers of tires and consumers are due a compensated

fee that is fair to all.

Speaking of networking . . .Join the Association!

it is a great value at only $150 per year.And again, never hesitate to let us

know what you think. We are your advocate.

I suggest you stay the course of knowing your customers’ needs and focus on

providing them with the best ‘customer experience’. Remember, make

everyone who walks through your door feel like they are the only one.

Everyone likes to feel ‘special’. It is the formula for creating repeat

customers. To reiterate areas of focus for your business

considerations; Customer Service, Industry Networking,

& Social Media are paramount.

02 •

• spring 2018 / / visit us online @ nctda.com

Contents

03 2018 ExpoEvent Review

10 Communicatingwith Customersa publication ofthe North Carolina Tire Dealers Associationcontact the NCTDA //phone : 877 . 784 . 0111

fax : 919 . 784 . 0144

email : [email protected]

web : nctda.com

design by : On Thyme Designs

President’s Letter // An “ever changing business landscape” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01

EXPO News // 2018 Expo Event Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03

NCTDA Article // Industry News: Car Makers Reduce Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05

EXPO News // Scholarship Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05

NCTDA Article // Leadership Qualities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06

Legislative Updates // . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07

EXPO Photos // Exciting Times at the 2018 Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08

New Members // Welcome to NCTDA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09

NCTDA Article // Communicating with Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

NCTDA Article // Benefi ting by Embracing OSHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

NCTDA Article // Spare Benefi t? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Member Spotlight // . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

LIKE US!

Delivering the nation’s largest selection of tires. When you need them.

When inventory keeps up with demand, you stay ahead of the game. ATD gives you unsurpassed access to more brands and more tires than any other supplier. With same-day delivery in virtually all markets and multiple times a day in select markets, tires are there when your customers need them.

VISIT ATD-US.COM for more information.


03•2018 Expo in Review

This Year’s Expo and Trade Show a Success!The NCTDA annual event is a ‘fabulous networking resource for industry attendees’ says Ronnie Bridges, owner of Oak Hollow Tire & Car Care Center. Events like the statewide NCTDA Expo/Trade Show are rare today, but are indeed of great value to those businesses that attend. A lot of discussion was based on the ‘changing industry landscape’ to mirror the Tire Review article by Patti Renner.

Friday night’s event was a full house starting with a one hour networking reception. The annual meeting began with President Mike Erickson addressing how best to apply all of the resources available to business owners. Erickson noted that “yesterday’s customers are not today’s customer, and today’s are not tomorrow’s.” His point in

the statement was to keep in mind the importance of the customer experience. We had (3) young s c h o l a r s h i p recipients and their famil ies at the evening event ( s e e n a m e s /pics on pg. 5). We showed our a p p r e c i a t i o n to a few of our departing veteran board members being Bob Skinner, Parrish Tire / T

Beroth, Mock-Beroth Tire / & Dannel Lamm, ATD. New Board members coming on are Joe Quigg, Ed’s Tire / Will Pleasants, ATD / Steve Garris, Mock-Beroth Tire / and Bill Jackson, Parrish Tire. Our two Hall of Fame inductees were Dan Brown and Roland Boyette, both career veterans with ATD and former Presidents of the NCTDA. NCTDA’s Dealer of the Year is Chris Monroe, Monroe Tire & Service, Shelby, NC.

Our Keynote Speaker for the evening was Tom Greco, President and CEO of Advance Auto Parts. Several of Mr. Greco’s points for the evening were:

Demand for new vehicle technicians from 2016 to 2026 will be 3x higher than was previously projected for the 2014 to 2024 period. By 2040, 54% of new car sales and 33% of the global car fleet will be electric. The ride-sharing industry is

estimated to grow to $285 billion by 2030.

Saturday morning consisted of (2) business seminars. One on Key Performance Indicators and the second being a group panel discussion for all attendees to participate that varied in a wide range of topics for running a business in today’s environment. Saturday’s Trade Show ended out the weekend activities with over 50 vendors on the floor offering professional a d v i c e t o attendees. Numerous prizes of all types were provided by exhibitors to attendees.

2019 will have a fresh new agenda that will be one you will not want to miss. Stay tuned for details coming soon. If you missed it this year, don’t sit back……….join with your peers next year!

Reception begins the evening’s event.

Be sure to check out the detailed article in Tire Review’s April edition Magazine.

Go to Tire Review’s Website and click on April 2018, or read the paper copy when

you get it!

2018 NC Tire Industry awards banquet kicks off!

NCTDA realizes saving $’s on benefits is ofhuge importance to businesses today.


04 •2018 Expo in Review

Former NCTDA Director and President T Beroth with new Director Steve Garris and his wife, Debbie.

Roland Boyette is inducted into the NC Tire Industry’s Hall of Fame.

Bill Jackson of Parrish Tire accepts Bob Skinner’s award

for serving 10 years on NCTDA Board.

TIA President, David Martin with Dave Crawford, Bob Bittner and “photobomber” Greg Bell.

Dan Brown, NC Tire Industry Hall of Fame recipient.

Chris Monroe, NC Dealer of the Year with his mother, Nancy Monroe and Tire Review’s editor, Patti Renner

Frankie Underwood introduces Patti Renner and our panel, Russ Carter, Marc Pons, and Joe Quigg.

Mike Allen, Carfix, participates in our panel discussion.

Mike Erickson, President NCTDAaddresses the group.


05•Other News

Ford Motor Co. said they will shed most of its North American car lineup as part of

a broad plan to save money and make the

company more competitive in a fast-changing

marketplace. The changes include

getting rid of all cars in the region during the next four

years except for the Mustang sports car and a compact Focus crossover vehicle, CEO Jim Hackett said as the company released first-quarter earnings.

The decision is due to declining demand and profitability and means Ford will no longer sell the Fusion midsize car, Taurus large car, C-Max hybrid compact and Fiesta subcompact in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Exiting most of the car business comes as the U.S. market continues a dramatic shift toward trucks and SUVs. Ford could also exit or restructure low-performing areas of its business, executives said.

Ford to Only Manufacture 2 Cars by 2020 (coming fast)!Mustang, Focus crossover will be the only Ford car models on the market by 2020

— Will fewer tire sizes be beneficial to our industry & small business? —

Ford is cutting $11.5 billion in cost cuts and efficiencies, bringing the total to $25.5 billion expected by 2022. Savings will come from engineering, product development, marketing, materials and manufacturing. The company previously predicted $14 billion in cuts by 2022.

One-third of Ford’s belt-tightening will come by the end of 2020.

The cost savings will come by optimizing digital marketing and discounts on vehicles, as well as putting multiple vehicles on five flexible global architectures in the next few years. The company currently builds vehicles on nine platforms that aren’t as flexible.

Ford will cut $5 billion from capital spending from 2019 to 2022, reducing it from $34 billion to $29 billion. The company will spend less on low-performing areas such as cars. They identify Lincoln as a low-performing area, but sales are growing and the brand is not in jeopardy..

Does this play into the recent posturing of Tire Manufacturer’s approach to the market place? As in; less tire sizes equals easier inventory control?

NCTDA Scholarship recipient Bryce Clack and NCTDA board member, Frankie Pugh.

NCTDA Scholarship recipient, Kayleigh Taylor and her parents,

Kenny & Rada Taylor.

Bobby Carroll Scholarship recipient, Alec Brewer and his parents, Raymond and

Amy Brewer.

2018 NCTDA Scholarship Recipients


06 •NCTDA Article

6 Basic

Leadership qualities are absolutely essential to your success. It helps you surmount obstacles, take risks, and find ways to live joyfully and thrive even during the most challenging times.

Don’t hold yourself back thinking that leadership is something you’re either born with or not. Leadership can be cultivated. Here are six basic leadership qualities that each of us should hone every day:

1. Be confidentMore than half of human communication comes from non-verbal cues. Know how to set the right tone as a leader by letting your confidence show. Confident leaders win over their followers because everyone else wants to embody confidence too. Practice strong non-verbal communication by standing tall, making eye contact and learning to control your fidgeting.

2. FocusAmazing leaders keep their eyes on the prize. They are very organized and plan well ahead while still remaining spontaneous enough to handle unexpected challenges. Like a grand master in a chess game, a leader thinks out each strategy and understands how each of his or her actions will affect the rest of any given scenario. Don’t lose sight of your end game by cultivating your ability to focus.

3. Be honestMany people believe that successful business and political leaders are inherently dishonest, but the strongest leaders treat others just as they expect to be treated. The

truth is that every single one of your followers looks to your own honesty and code of ethics to set his or her own bar. Make sure each member of your team or household knows what your culture and core expectations are, and show them how much you value honesty in your everyday interactions with others.

4. PositivityLeaders have abundant positivity that energizes everyone around them. Choose positive beliefs that will propel you forward, not negative thinking that will weigh you down. When you practice positive thinking it becomes your powerful cognitive habit and allows you to reassure and motivate those around you.

5. Be decisiveEvery single person in a leadership role of any kind has to make difficult decisions. The ability to be decisive can mean the difference between getting through tough times and folding under pressure. Making these kinds of calls doesn’t always make you will be well-loved, but when you use good judgment to make decisions, it will earn you the respect of others.

6. InspireOne of the secrets to wild success is honing your leadership vision and communicating it to others. Inspiration is what pushes people to plow through difficult times — and to work on achieving their goals even when times are simple and undemanding. You define yourself with your identity, or in business, your brand. Refocus and sharpen your identity often so you will inspire those on your team.

Qualities in Running Your Small Business

by Tony Robbins


07•Legislative Updates

Special Insurance Pricing for NCTDA Members

P 704.529.4411

Edwards Church & Muse4000 Park Rd.

Charlotte, NC 28209

F 704.529.4422

Frankenmuth Insurance’s Auto Service Coverage

Program is endorsed by the North Carolina Tire Dealers

Association. If you are a member, you are eligible

for special pricing on your insurance coverage!

Contact ECM Insurance today for details on this program.

Program Is Endorsed By The NCTDA

Contact ECM Insurance today for details on this p

Program Is Endorsed By The NCTDA

STATE:Scrap Tire Fee Reduction to purchasers of tiresNCTDA’s Executive Director met with the Scrap Tire & Environmental Division department heads to discuss the facts in determining financial solutions in reduction & accountability

NC DMV Inspection ProgramStill on-hold with respect to emission counties outcome

NATIONAL: • Federal Lobby Day in Washington DC - June 20, 2018

• NCTDA participated in the last Lobby Day & will continue again this year.

• Lobby Day gives us a unique opportunity to meet face to face with Senators, Congressmen, administration officials, and congressional staffers to discuss issues of concern to you.

• Estate Tax• Infrastructure Funding• Online sales• Health Care• LIFO Repeal• Tariffs• Work Opportunity Tax Credit

• Lawsuit Abuse• Retroactive Liability

Provisions Superfund• Scrap Tires and Used Oil• National Energy Bill• Urge Strong Enforcement

of the Magnuson - Moss Warranty Act

• Halt the Activist NLRB’s Efforts to Ease Unionization of Businesses

• Support the Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act

• Comp Time• RPM Act

Do we have your email address inorder to provide updates to you?

Go to NCTDA.com and click “Contact Us”

Issues to discuss will include:


08 •

David Henderson & Dan Owczarzak play the“blame game”.

BTS’ Terry Kinlaw visits withHenrietta and Joe Pedzwater.

Alliance Tire Group

’s

Ryan Cusick and Jas

on Goodwin.

Bill Luke & Rufus Stephens of M

ichelin.

New this year-OSHA Complianc

e being

explained on our trade show flo

or.

Ronnie Bridges & Stacy Pugh share a laughbefore morning business seminars.

Keith Hunt, Sheila &

Lee Weathersbee

and Ray Lewis catch

ing up.Glen Morris of Carroll Tire explains features of Coats 60X tire machine.

Welcome New Members


09•NCTDA Article

Dave’s Automotive17148 NC Hwy 211 WRed Springs, NC 28377910-843-9245Dave Felton

Creech Car Care Centers9611 Idlewild RoadCharlotte, NC 28227704-228-0027Charlie Creech

Snider Fleet Solutions900 Atando AvenueCharlotte, NC 28206704-373-2910Craig Hoyecki

Snider Fleet Solutions4420 N Graham StreetCharlotte, NC 28206704-790-8750Larry Harward & Mark Rollison

Snider Fleet Solutions64 Robin Hood RoadDunn, NC 28334910-897-2603Zack Wood

Snider Fleet Solutions2129 Brunson RoadDurham, NC 27703919-941-9700JT Berry

Snider Fleet Solutions4989 Hendersonville RoadFletcher, NC 28732828-651-8889Elizabeth Weathersbee

Snider Fleet Solutions1850 Wren TurnpikeGastonia, NC 28052704-874-0426Missy Helms

Snider Fleet Solutions200 East Meadowview RoadGreensboro, NC 27406336-691-5499Willie Gladden

Snider Fleet Solutions300 East Meadowview RoadGreensboro, NC 27406336-275-7188Robert Fricke

Snider Fleet Solutions1226 21st Street Drive SEHickory, NC 28602828-324-9955Chad Sigmon

Snider Fleet Solutions2521 Nelda DriveMonroe, NC 28110704-635-2050Jeff Hochstetler

Snider Fleet Solutions1545 St James Church RoadNewton, NC 28658980-858-4382Rob Gervia

Snider Fleet Solutions1250 Intrepid CourtRaleigh, NC 27610919-231-6690Thomas Cramer

Snider Fleet Solutions611 Airport RoadRockingham, NC 28379910-410-8200Jake Lewis

Snider Fleet Solutions1160 Peeler RoadSalisbury, NC 28146704-314-4839Mike McGee

Snider Fleet Solutions549 Old Mocksville RoadStatesville, NC 28625704-871-1008Chad Sigmon

Snider Fleet Solutions1066 Albemarle RoadTroy, NC 27371910-576-0000David Phagan

Snider Fleet Solutions310 Sampson StreetWilmington, NC 28401910-777-2057Randy Morgan

Snider Fleet Solutions2851 Lowery StreetWinston-Salem, NC 27101336-397-1010Ted Detter

Snider Fleet Solutions1010 Idlewild BlvdColumbia, SC 29201803-799-0106Chris Harley

Snider Fleet Solutions1915 North Cashua DriveFlorence, SC 29501843-661-7171Chris Harley

Snider Fleet Solutions5806 Augusta RoadGreenville, SC 29605864-277-7877Chase Stevens

Snider Fleet Solutions222 Acres DriveLadson, SC 29456843-207-1730Radley Bess

Snider Fleet Solutions1107 Easley HighwayPelzer, SC 29669864-947-1919Lee Queen & Mike Stevens

Snider Fleet Solutions466 Corporate BoulevardRock Hill, SC 29730803-980-4010Terry Peck

Snider Fleet Solutions540 Locust Grove RoadSpartanburg, SC 29303864-582-4474Elizabeth Weathersbee

Snider Fleet SolutionsPO Box 2087Walterboro, SC 29488843-538-4200Andrew Hooper

“Hey dad! I can change your oil now.”


10 •NCTDA Article

Owning and operating a new vehicle will cost a driver an average of $8,500 annually, or $700+ each month. The annual evaluation of driving costs reveals that small sedans are the least expensive vehicles to drive at $6,354 annually, however small SUVs ($7,606), hybrids ($7,687) and electric vehicles ($8,439) all offer lower-than-average driving costs to U.S. drivers. Conversely, of the nine categories included in the evaluation, pickup trucks are the most expensive vehicles to drive at $10,054 annually. *Based on 15,000 miles driven annually

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRTo calculate annual maintenance and repair costs… factory-recommended maintenance, replacement tires, extended warranty costs and services associated with typical wear-and-tear. New vehicles, on average, will cost a driver $1,186 per year to maintain and repair.

FUELFuel costs vary significantly by vehicle type, ranging from 3.68 cents per mile (electric vehicles) to 13.88 cents per mile (pickup trucks). New vehicle owners, on average, will spend just over 10 cents per mile – about $1,500 annually — to fuel their vehicles.

ELECTRIC VEHICLESNew to the mix in 2017 (electric vehicles) have lower-than-average driving costs at $8,439 per year. Without a gasoline engine to maintain, electric vehicles have the lowest annual maintenance and repair costs, at $982 per

Expense is a sensitive subject when communicating with customers about vehicle repair and maintenance!

year. By relying on electricity instead of gasoline, fuel costs are also significantly lower than average, at under four cents per mile. Depreciation, however, is currently extremely high for these vehicles, losing an average of nearly $6,000 in value every year.

Future estimates say 1-in-6 Americans are likely to choose an electric vehicle, the majority motivated by their lower long-term ownership costs.

“Although electric vehicles can have higher up-front costs, lower fuel and maintenance costs make them a surprisingly affordable choice in the long run,” said Nielsen. “For even lower costs, car shoppers can avoid high depreciation costs by selecting a used electric vehicle.”

Sourcing: AAA

NCTDA “Members Only” programs add great value to ‘being a member’Call the NCTDA office today to receive a lubricants evaluation appointment

We seek to build long term, mutually beneficial relationships with our members by providing superior products and services and by doing so with integrity, professionalism, innovation, and efficiency. Combined with a solution-based sales approach, Pugh will create value for NCTDA Members and distinguish themselves from competitors.


11•NCTDA Article 2018 Industry

& Affiliate Sponsors

Aside from the obvious benefit of keeping employees safe, healthy, and productive, meeting the workplace safety standards set by OSHA makes financial sense for employers:

Every dollar spent on proper health and safety programs can save a business $4 to $6!

With less work-related illness and injury, employers see significant savings on absenteeism and workers’ compensation insurance[3]

According to one study by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), businesses inspected by OSHA “saved an estimated $355,000 in injury claims and compensation paid for lost work” in the four years after inspections[4]

Businesses that meet OSHA’s standards avoid inspection violations and possible fines

Working with OSHATo help businesses, especially small businesses, comply with OSHA regulations, the Department of Labor and OSHA make every effort to guide business owners and employees in setting up proper safety programs.

The Department of Labor offers employers and employees simple guides covering how to comply with OSHA standards

OSHA is legally obligated to assist small businesses in complying with regulations and recommendations

OSHA offers free consultations and training to help small businesses recognize and correct workplace dangers before receiving violation citations

Small businesses are exempt from some OSHA regulations and pay reduced penalties in the event of a violation

Make sure your business is taking full advantage of all the help available to ensure a safe workplace and healthy workers. As we’ve seen, working with OSHA not only avoids violations and fines, it saves your business a number of costs in the long run.

To learn how you can get additional help with OSHA regulations and compliance,

go to NC Dept. of Labor OSHA and read-upon how to keep compliant!

How You Benefit Financiallyfrom OSHA Programs Many thanks for your support of the Tire &

Auto Repair Industry of North Carolina.

PLATINUM SPONSORSADVANCE AUTO PARTS, ALLIANCE TIRE GROUP, CARROLL TIRE, AMERICAN TIRE DISTRIBUTORS, NAPA AUTO PARTS

GOLD SPONSORSECM SOLUTIONS, BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE, TITAN TIRE, GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COOPER TIRE, SOUTHEASTERN WHOLESALE TIRE, MICHELIN TIRE, MITAS TIRES, PARRISH TIRE COMPANY

BRONZE SPONSORSATLANTIC TIRE DISTRIBUTORS, AUTOZONE, BLACKBURN OEM WHEEL SOLUTIONS,BTS TIRE & WHEEL DISTRIBUTORS,CARQUEST AUTO PARTS, CMA/DOUBLECOIN, DEMANDFORCE, EAST COAST TIRES,WHEELS & EQUIPMENT, ELDORADO TIRE,HANKOOK TIRES, HARTSFIELD & NASH INSURANCE, HUNTER ENGINEERING, NET DRIVEN, NITTO TIRE, OTANI/FOREIGN TIRE SALES, PUGH LUBRICANTS,TUBE & SOLID TIRE, UNIRIRST UNIFORMS,YOKOHAMA TIRE

PEWTER SPONSORSALLPART/HAWEKA, ANDREOLI & ASSOCIATES,ASA TIRE SYSTEMS, AUTO TRAINING INSTITUTE, AUTOSHOP SOLUTIONS, BARTEC, BG PRODUCTS, CARLISLE TIRE, CLEAN BURN OF THE SOUTHEAST, DILL AIR CONTROLS, FALKEN TIRE, FREEDOMSOFT, GHANGZHOU SUPERTY TYRE,HEARTLAND PAYMENT SYSTEMS,HENNESSY INDUSTRIES, K&M TIRE, KENDA TIRE, MAXXIS TIRE, MIGHTY AUTO PARTS, MOHAWK RUBBER, MYERS TIRE SUPPLY, OL HANCOCK & ASSOCIATES, OPTIMIZE SOCIAL MEDIA, O’REILLY AUTO PARTS, PROTRACTOR-AMS, SAMPSON-BLADEN OIL,SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT, TIREMETRIX, TIRES NOW, TOYO TIRES, UNIVERSAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, ULTIMATE WEIGHT TOOL, VOGUE TYRE & RUBBER,WHI SOLUTIONS, WORLDPAC

SCHOLARSHIP DONORSANDREOLI & ASSOCIATES, BOBBY CARROLL FOUNDATION, GHAMGZHOU SUPERTY TYRES, NCTDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SNIDER FLEET SOLUTIONS


12 •NCTDA Article

One Third of 2017 Vehicles Have No Spare Tire

Atlantic Tire & Service1380 NW Maynard RdCary, NC 27513Anthony Blackman(919)319-1614

Southern Tire & Auto327 NE BlvdClinton, NC 28328George Bradshaw(910)299-0356

10 Foot Wave7401 Carmel Executive Park DrSuite 106Charlotte, NC 28226Glen Clements(704)877-9107

A-1 Wholesale Tire485 Old Wilson RoadSuite 101Wendell, NC 27591Pat Bass(919)365-8345

Welcome to the Family!We are pleased to welcome the following new members to the NCTDA family:

Now it’s your turn!

ncdta.com

In an effort to reduce weight and improve fuel economy, automakers continue to eliminate spare tires from new vehicles. Nearly one-third (28 percent) of the 2017 model year vehicles did not come with a spare tire as standard equipment, creating an unnecessary hassle and expense for drivers. Shops may want to advise customers to check for a spare tire so they will know their options at the time of need in emergency situations.

While new vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems that alert drivers to low tire pressure, roadside assistance data shows that tire-related problems continue to be one of the top reasons why motorist call for assistance. Even if drivers do have a spare tire, they are often reaching for their cell phones to call for roadside assistance rather than changing the tire themselves.

AS A COURTESY, MAKE YOUR CUSTOMERS AWARE OF THIS

Nearly 20 percent (39 million) of U.S. drivers do not know how to change a flat tire.


13•Member Spotlight

Wilson Sigmon | Sig’s Tire Center

Perched among the fertile rolling hills of North Carolina’s Conover, Wilson Sigmon has created a little piece of paradise alongside a thriving tire business that includes three stores and a wholesale division: Sig’s Tire Center and Sig’s Wholesale Tire in Conover, Startown Tire in Newton and Sig’s Tire & Automotive in Hickory.

These stores not only offer standard services such as a large array of tire brands, brakes, computerized alignments and oil changes, but their technicians are also glad to help tackle difficult problems that can occur with today’s vehicles and yesterday’s vehicles, too.

Sig’s Tire had a rather interesting

beginning in 1959 when

Wilson Sigmon opened Sig’s

Place in a 12 x 8 shed where he

sold bait, drinks& snacks. In 1960, while still a student at Bunker Hill High School, he moved his business into a larger building where he installed gas pumps out front and an outdoor lift behind the store and began selling tires, pumping gas and changing oil. Wilson credits Ralph Black for supplying this young entrepreneur with his first tires to sell. Hubert Lail of Twin City Recapping also agreed to supply Sig’s with recapped tires to expand his inventory. With his mother working in the morning while Wilson attended classes, Wilson would catch a ride with the Sunbeam Bakery truck

from school to arrive at work in the early afternoon. Being the child of a farming family has its perks and leaving school early for work was one of them.

After graduating from Bunker Hill High School in 1962, Wilson began courting a fellow high school student, Linda Sigmon. No, that’s not a typo… She is from an entirely different Sigmon family in Catawba, yet is cut from the same hardworking cloth as her future husband. In 1964, they married and she joined her husband working at the store. Linda took some time off as their boys were born, but as soon as she was able, returned to work bringing them with her. Their family jokes that they were raised with tire dust in their blood. Wilson also convinced his dad to quit his upholstery job at Hickory Chair and join them at the store as the family business continued to grow.

In 1966, Uncle Sam called Wilson into service and he served from 1967-1968 in the Army’s Infantry. While he was overseas, his family kept the store operating while awaiting his return. Sig’s Place became Sig’s Tire Center in 1969. Significant changes were made to their business plan during our nation’s bicentennial in 1976 as they built a larger store on property next door and opened Sig’s Wholesale Tire in their original buildings. Expansion continued with the incorporation of Startown Tire in Newton in 1979 followed by Sig’s Tire & Automotive in Hickory in 1984.

All three of Wilson and Linda’s sons work in the business with Kevin as Office Manager, Jamie as Sales Manager and Tracey handling the Wholesale Warehouse. Son, Kevin and Jamie’s wife, Robin handle the accounting for the various stores. Wilson chuckled while saying, “Not one of our sons can give the excuse of being unable to get to work because of weather as they all live within ¾ mile of our store.” Wilsonand Linda also have 5 grandsons who have grown up around the family business. It remains to be seen if any of them decide to join the family run company.

The original Sig’s Place building and Wilson Sigmon.

Sig’s Place circa 1960’s.

Fun Fact: When Sig’s Place opened, a loaf of bread was 22 cents, a pack of

cigarettes was 20 cents and gas was 18.9 cents/gallon. Wilson recollects an early gas war where he actually

sold gas at 16.9 cents/gallon!


14 •

Parrish Tire proudly supportsthe NC Tire Dealers Association

Parrish Tire Company

Become a Parrish Tire onlinecustomer at

http://login.parrishtire.com

As mentioned earlier, Sig prides themselves on their

ability to tackle difficult problems that can occur with

vehicles of all ages. A tour around Sig’s Tire Center in Conover can include

many vehicles of yesterday that Wilson hascollected, beginning in 1970 when he saw a

1935 Ford 4-door sedan with suicide doors and had tohave it. Chevrolet vehicles are Wilson’s main interest with Camaro’s probably his favorite. We were in awe of some of these cars, particularly the Camaros. Many of them have all original parts, which as most know, can be a rare find. As the years have rolled by, his love of vehicles,

has added up to a wonderful collection of classic cars, many of them beautifully restored.

Having been raised on a farm, Wilson has a love for tractors, too…Particularly the Allis-Chalmers brand.

Wilson’s wife, Linda loves the 1992 Camaro Rally Sport in red and

white that Wilson gave her for their anniversary

in 1992.

He has 15 that have been completely restored and son, Jamie, a fellow tractor enthusiast restored 5 of them himself. During his time away from the store, Wilson belongs to a Tractor club he and some friends started 14 years ago.

This year he and fellow Legionnaire, Charles Bentley started a Classic Car Show with the American Legion to raise money for their worthy causes. He also raises cattle behind the store and admits to some “cattle therapy” when the stresses of the business get to him. A short walk out behind the store and the sight of sweet cows grazing can calm frayed nerves and ready him for the rest of the work day.

From humble beginnings, Wilson and his family have created a great business model that supports their families and those of their employees, too. Part of Allis-Chalmers tractor collection. Note gas price on wall.

1950 Chevy 5-window Pickup purchased from ATD’s Phil Marrett

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NCTDA board of directors

Offi cers // President : T. BerothPresident Elect : Mike EricksonPast President : Richard LeichtTreasurer : John Allen

Offi ce Staff // Executive Director : Reece Hester, email: [email protected] Executive Assistant : Becky Hester, email: [email protected]

Directors //Larry Griffi n, Jr.Terry LewisTony TrippHank PhillipsDan OwczarzakBob SkinnerChris GeorgeFrankie Pugh

Joe PedzwaterFrankie UnderwoodDannel Lamm

TIA Director //Mike WolfeChris Monroe

Be a part of something great.Join NCTDA today! Invest in your future for only $150 per year. Go to www.NCTDA.com or call 877.784.0111 to join.

Summer2016_8_12_16.indd 15 8/12/16 11:46 AM

NCTDA board of directors

Officers //President: Mike EricksonPresident Elect: Frankie PughTreasurer: John Allen

Office Staff //Executive Director : Reece Hester, email: [email protected] Assistant : Becky Hester, email: [email protected]

Directors //Jack DohoneySteve GarrisBill JacksonRichard LeichtTerry LewisChris MonroeDan OwczarzakHank PhillipsWill Pleasants

NCTDAP.O. BOX 17046Raleigh, NC 27619

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Marc PonsJoe QuiggTony TrippFrankie Underwood

TIA Director //Mike Wolfe

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Documents

TARHEEL EDITION VOL 22 • ISSUE 2 Serving the Tire and ......Board members coming on are Joe Quigg, Ed’s Tire / Will Pleasants, ATD / Steve Garris, Mock-Beroth Tire / and Bill Jackson,