Johnny G & Friends

What every independent tire dealer wants is for their customers to drive away happy—satisfied with their vehicle, the quality of repair, and the staff that made it all happen. Living that out is another story, but at Chapel Hill Tire, owner Marc Pons has created a foundation for the business’s slogan, “Drive Happy,” which is plastered through its 10 stores in North Carolina’s Research Triangle. To support its “Drive Happy” philosophy, Marc created a set of five values that his staff works to live out each day; “Say ‘Yes’ to Customer and Each Other,” “Be Grateful and Helpful,” and “Win as a Team,” are just a few. In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, get to know how Marc and his team live out their core values and why they make a difference in growing the business. EPISODE OVERVIEWHow Marc’s dad, Al Pons, purchased Chapel Hill Tire and what learned about running a tire business from his father (1:45)Why Marc didn’t initially want to go into the tire business and take it over from his father (3:47)The sudden death of Marc’s father and how Marc grappled with being thrust into the role of president of Chapel Hill Tire at the age of 26 (4:38)What happened when Chapel Hill Tire hit a “growth ceiling” in 2015 (6:07)How creating core values was an investment in Chapel Hill Tire’s Culture (7:38)Ways in which Chapel Hill Tire lives out its values in giving back to the community (9:34)How Mark created the business’s “Work Happy Manifesto,” which aligns each employee with the company’s mission (14:12)What made Chapel Hill Tire an early adopter of EV and hybrid training (16:03)Mark’s vision for the future of Chapel Hill Tire and its footprint (18:55)NEW: Rapid Fire Questions! Get to know Marc through this lightening round (21:23)More from Tire Review: www.tirereview.comMore from Firestone: www.firestonetires.com

Today’s tire business is rapidly changing: you’re seeing new vehicle technology in your bays daily, and our digital world has changed the way you do business. Yet as you’ll find in this episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, running a successful tire business starts with the basics. What are those and how do you get there? This year’s guests on Johnny g & Friends have some advice. You may remember our “Greatness Wrap-up” from last season, where Johnny g asked each guest: “What motivates you to achieve greatness?” Well, this season, he has a different query:What advice would you give your younger self or what advice would you give someone starting out in business today?In this episode, you’ll hear responses from:- Myron Boncarosky, founder of Virginia Tire with 17 locations outside in the greater Washington D.C. area (0:50)- Aaron Telle, fourth-generation CEO and president of Telle Tire & Auto Centers with 18 locations in Missouri (2:37)- Wendel Burt, founder of Burt Brothers Tire & Service in the greater Salt Lake City area, and his son and current partner in the business, Jake Burt (4:12)- Jarid Lundeen, owner of four Tires Plus locations and two Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations in Minott, North Dakota (8:00)- K&M Tire’s Founder Ken Langhals, who started more than a half decade ago, and his daughter, K&M’s President, Cheryl Gossard (8:50)- Jamie Ward, president of Tire Discounters (10:58)- Gordon Leffler, owner of Suburban Tire’s Glendale Heights location outside of Chicago (11:45)- Doug Miller, president of St. Lucie Battery & Tire (13:58)Watch this season's full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYMvk37Opls&list=PLVkqUUE022sfk413J6lVAaPFH4Wc2ORLyYou can also subscribe to this podcast. You can also subscribe to Johnny g & Friends on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. This podcast is sponsored by Firestone.

Behind the 17 locations of St. Lucie Battery & Tire is a family of immigrants who moved to southeast Florida in the 1940s. Initially, the Miller family started a poultry and egg business in Fort Pierce, yet one of the oldest boys, Joey, saw a need for batteries in the area. So, after he delivered eggs and poultry to the locals, he’d pick up old batteries from service stations, clean them up and re-sell them as reconditioned batteries. Later on, he’d sell new batteries and then add Farm Bureau tires. And before he knew it, he had created St. Lucie Battery & Tire. Now a sprawling urban area, Florida’s Treasure Coast is dotted with multiple locations of St. Lucie Battery & Tire, which boasts more than 240 employees in five counties today. With Joey’s son, Doug Miller, serving as president of the business, Doug has maintained his father’s credo of “Home of Honest, Reliable Service,” yet has adapted the business to change with the times and its customers. In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, Doug shares his journey in the tire industry and how he has been able to grow the business with his business savvy and forward-thinking mindset to keep employees engaged while providing world-class customer service. EPISODE OVERVIEW- How Doug’s family settled in Fort Pierce in the early 1940s and why Doug’s father, Joey, created a side hustle in the battery business (1:14)- How the business’s culture has been shaped around its slogan, “Home of Honest, Reliable Service” (7:07)- How Doug became involved in management at a young age (12:01)- The ways St. Lucie Battery & Tire has been able to grow and add locations amid the pandemic (14:26)- Why Doug rewards his team with performance-based bonuses (19:03)- Doug’s mentors in the tire business (20:33)- What’s in store in the five-year plan for St. Lucie Battery & Tire and how Doug is looking at new technologies, like EVs, that are coming down the line (21:45)Subscribe to this podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/johnny-g-friends/id1575371575Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51HCGxJxYmRvUC48iiKXJWGoogle Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDk5NTE0Ny9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVkStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/johnny-g-friendsMore on Firestone Tires: https://www.firestonetire.com/More from Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

When you walk through the doors of Suburban Tire & Auto Centers in Glendale, Heights, Illinois, you’re walking into one of the cleanest and most organized tire dealerships on the east coast. “I could eat off the floors,” says Johnny g about the tire store this month’s guest has made into a superstore in the suburbs of Chicago. In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, meet Gordon Leffler, owner of Suburban Tire’s Glendale Heights store. Attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to strive for excellence define how Gordon has run his business ever since going off on his own in 2012. The floors are immaculate, each tire and part is meticulously put back into its place and expectations of the staff and their professionalism are communicated and carried out each day. In this episode, learn how Gordon has designed his location of Suburban Tire to run at maximum efficiency while still keeping true to the lessons his father taught him about the tire business. EPISODE OVERVIEW:- How Johnny g met Gordon and his brother, Steve (1:19)- The start of Suburban Tire, Gordon’s early memories of the family business and what he learned from his father, Duke, about the tire business (3:13)- How Gordon, his brothers and mother were thrust into management at an early age after his father’s death and the changes they made to streamline operations (8:16)- Gordon’s mentors in the tire industry and what he has learned from them (13:45)- The meticulous organization at Gordon’s story and how he has baked in attention to detail and cleanliness into the culture of his store (18:03)- The hardest thing to teach new employees entering the tire business (21:30)- The step-by-step hiring and onboarding process for new employees – both technicians and service advisors—at Gordon’s store (23:32)More from Tire Review: www.tirereview.comSubscribe to this podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/johnny-g-friends/id1575371575Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51HCGxJxYmRvUC48iiKXJWGoogle Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDk5NTE0Ny9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVkMore on Firestone Tires: www.firestonetire.comMore from Suburban Tire: https://www.suburbantire.com/

Jamie Ward is a true tire guy. He learned automotive service work at an early age and had the skills equivalent to an ASE Master Tech by age 15. As he grew in the business, his passion and energy for the industry has catapulted him to president and CEO of TireDiscounters where he has been an instrumental part of growing the business from eight stores to the over 175 locations the dealership has today…including its foray into the car wash business. In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, Jamie shares his journey in the tire industry, mentors he'd had along the way, the work it takes to grow a multi-location business and what he enjoys most about being in the tire industry. EPISODE OVERVIEW- What Jamie learned working from his grandfather, a Cincinnati firefighter who ran an auto shop out of his garage on the side (1:41)- How Johnny g helped Jamie’s first employer, Tony Michel of Michel’s Tire Co., expand his business (4:03)- Jamie’s start at Tire Discounters and what he found attractive about the business and Chip Wood’s leadership style (5:34)- How Jamie helped open 60 Tire Discounters locations in about 10 years and what the programs and systemized processes he helped the business adopt throughout its growth (5:44)- Jamie’s role in helping Tire Discounters double down on growth, opening 10-15 locations per year starting in the early 2010s (9:26)- Tire Discounters’ growth strategy and goals for the business’s growth this year (12:51)- Challenges that have come with rapid growth and why it’s important to have people from non-tire backgrounds work in a tire store (15:04)- Why Jamie considers himself a “student of the business” (17:35)- What Jamie thinks is the hardest thing to teach others about the tire business (20:11)- The biggest challenges that exist for independent tire dealers, including Tire Discounters, today (24:14)More on Tire Discounters' growth: https://www.tirereview.com/?s=Tire+DIscountersSubscribe to Johnny g & Friends on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/johnny-g-friends/id1575371575Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51HCGxJxYmRvUC48iiKXJWGoogle Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDk5NTE0Ny9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVkStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/johnny-g-friendsThanks to our sponsor, Firestone Tires: https://www.firestonetire.com/

Even when Jarid Lundeen worked in the restaurant and banking industries, one thing about the customer experience always stood out to him: Consistency. Early on, he learned consistency creates success, which is what he looks to instill in his four Tires Plus locations in Minott, North Dakota. But how do you do that?Jarid tells Johnny g in this latest episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone. Jarid not only touts consistency in the tire business but also diversity and scaling up as a means to success as a businessman. As the CEO and president of JETT Management, Jarid has four Tire Plus locations plus four Valvoline Instant Oil Change stores and a barbecue restaurant under his belt and is an example in each of his businesses of how a consistent customer experience can lead to repeat business.Jarid got the hang of the automotive industry as a young boy hanging out with his dad at his father’s body shop. Over the years, he strayed away from the industry, yet was called back after his father asked him to partner with him on a Tires Plus location Since then, he bought his father out and has grown his footprint with much more on the way.EPISODE OVERVIEW- How Johnny g and Jarid first met (1:40)- What Jarid learned working in the banking and restaurant industries and how he applies that to his businesses today (3:00)- Why Jarid has diversified his portfolio to not only include tire stores and why he feels that will benefit him down the line (4:13)- Jarid describes his early years growing up in his father’s body shop and skills he learned, such as creating conversation, from the experience. (5:47)- Why Jarid was attracted to invest in Valvoline Instant Oil Change stores and his view on how the oil change should work in relation to his tire shop (7:08)- Jarid’s goals for his businesses, including his tire business, oil change business and Bones BBQ restaurant and why the need for replication is paramount across processes at all three (8:54)- Mentors Jarid has had in the tire industry (12:40)- Why Jarid thinks it’s important to scale up in business and grow (14:49)You can also watch this episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgfm_UrqXz4&list=PLVkqUUE022sfk413J6lVAaPFH4Wc2ORLy

With opportunities for growth, many businesses add to their bottom line, but it also becomes more complex and complicated to keep things running. With so many balls in the air, it gets harder to stick to your mission– why you even started in the first place–as well as your vision for the business and the values you want the business to carry out on a daily basis. It’s truly a juggling act, but one business that has been able to do this as it has grown over the last 52 years is K&M Tire.Founded in 1970, Ken Langhals started K&M Tire with $100. It was originally a two-bay gas station in northwest Ohio. However, over the years, Ken left tire retail, tried his hand at retreading and ultimately, locked in tire distribution as his area of focus. Since then, the business has grown to 32 distribution centers in more than 25 states.But through it all, Ken, now CEO of the business, and his daughter, Cheryl Gossard, the business’s president who handles day-to-day operations, have kept in focus the mission, vision and values of how they’d like to run the business. Has it changed over the years? Of course! Cheryl will tell you that when K&M acquired a tire distributor and doubled in size, those three guiding principles went into question. However, they’ve always come back (and at times redefined) their mission, vision and values, as each employee knows the standards in which K&M operates its business.In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, Johnny g sits down with Ken and Cheryl to talk about the business’s humble beginnings, how it has evolved over the years with the handover from father to daughter in leadership, the improvements it has made as its grown and what it’s growth strategy is for the future.Listen to this episode below or subscribe to Johnny g & Friends on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/johnny-g-friends/id1575371575Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDk5NTE0Ny9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVkSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51HCGxJxYmRvUC48iiKXJWYou can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Wendel Burt, co-founder of Burt Brothers Tire & Service, attributes his success in the tire industry to two words: Hard work. It’s that simple yet also challenging and complicated when you’re the one that’s the owner, service advisor, trainer, technican, HR department and… should we go on? We know other tire dealers out there get the grit it takes to start your own tire business. So, when Wendel Burt and his brother, Ron, started Burt Brothers Tire & Service in 1991, they set out to sell one tire per day and stay committed to the business. Thanks to this, their business has blossomed into a 14-location dealership in the Greater Salt Lake City, Utah area, and the second generation has taken the helm. In fact, under the leadership of Wendel’s sons Jake, Jason and Jeremy, and Ron’s sons, Cory and Brandon, the business was named the winner of Tire Review’s prestigious 2021 Top Shop Award.In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, Wendel and his son, Jake, delve into how the first generation was able to pass down the passion for the business to the second generation and why Wendel says tire dealers need to constantly evolve their business in a competitive tire retail landscape. EPISODE OVERVIEW - How Burt Brothers’ relationship with Firestone actually started out of the Firestone recall in 2000 [1:25]- Wendel describes his start in the industry and he and his brother, Ron, learned “the meaning of hard work” quickly by vowing their dedication to the business’ success [3:05]- Wendel and Jake share the business advice Johnny g has taught them over the years in their partnership with Bridgestone [5:10]- Jake explains how he, his two brothers and two cousins divvy up ownership roles within the business today [7:01]- How Wendel and Ron prepared their sons to take over the business [9:20]- Burt Brothers’ business today and what Jake and his second-generation partners changed when they look over the business [12:00]- Wendel explains why it’s dangerous for a tire business to “stay the same” and how a business can automatically grow if it gives room for employees to grow [17:38]- Why Burt Brothers shaves tires for customers and how it’s become a competitive advantage for the Utah independent tire dealer [19:00]- Jake details the biggest challenge in the business today and how he and his partners are working to solve it [21:08]- Why Burt Brothers is investing in RoboTire, tire-changing robots, and how Jake and Wendel plan to use them in their “shops of the future.” [22:41]Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/johnny-g-friends/id1575371575Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51HCGxJxYmRvUC48iiKXJWGoogle Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDk5NTE0Ny9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgfm_UrqXz4&list=PLVkqUUE022sfk413J6lVAaPFH4Wc2ORLy

Expanding from one store to two is hard enough, but imagine expanding from one to 19 stores in the span of 10 years. If you think that sounds like a daunting task, you’re not alone, but that’s the feat Aaron Telle, owner of Telle Tire & Auto Centers based in St. Louis, Missouri, accomplished after taking over his family’s business in 2009. The fourth-generation owner of Telle Tire & Auto Centers, Aaron began his career in the tire industry at Telle Tire sweeping floors and shuttling customers in high school. With business savvy at a young age, Aaron began to form strategic relationships in the industry and chart his vision for the company’s growth. When his father, Scott Telle, passed away suddenly in 2009, Aaron was thrust to the helm of the business to carry on its customer-centric, family-focused values and a year later, taking the dealership to new heights. In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, Aaron reveals his toolkit for rapid expansion of his family business that’s celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. In this episode, Johnny g and Aaron delve into: - 1:56: Aaron describes how his great-grandfather, Arthur, started the business during World War II as a recapping business, and Johnny g describes how he met Aaron’s grandfather, Chuck.- 3:50- Lessons Aaron has learned from his grandfather, Chuck, and his father, Scott. - 5:32- The growth strategy behind Telle Tire’s expansion from one store to 19 stores in 10 years and how Aaron helped his employees care and think “like a Telle” about the business.- 7:49: The employee-focused reason Aaron decided to close all Telle Tire locations on Saturdays.- 11:15: The biggest challenges Aaron sees on the horizon for Telle Tire. - 13:16 – What motivates Aaron to continue to improve the business and his knowledge of it.- 13:59 – Telle Tire’s footprint for the future, what he’s focusing on for the business for 2022 and what Aaron feels fueled the business’s rapid expansion.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/42fuzmw9CPcOr subscribe to Johnny g & Friends on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaEGoogle Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm

For years, Virginia Tire & Auto has been among the best tire dealers in North America. The dealership, now spanning 18 stores, was named Tire Review’s Top Shop Winner in 2011, and since then, has garnered local and national accolades. Today in its second generation of ownership, Virginia Tire is redefining what it means to be a tire dealer in the 21st century with an open mind toward technology, smart marketing and a different look on how they see their competition. “Customers aren’t just judging us against other people who do tire and auto service, they’re comparing us to every other experience they have on a daily basis,” says Julie Holmes, co-CEO of Virginia Tire, describing the business’s forward-thinking approach to today’s retail landscape. Located in the Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C., Virginia Tire was founded in 1976 by Myron and Carole Boncarosky. The two laid the foundation for the business’s high standards of customer service and employees-as-family mindset. Today, Myron’s daughter, Julie, and her husband, Mike Holmes, run the business as co-CEOs with a focus on continuous improvement. In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, sponsored by Firestone, Johnny g sits down with Myron, Julie and Mike to discuss keys to the business’s success over the years and how it has evolved to meet customer expectations time and time again. EPISODE OVERVIEW:- Julie, a successful attorney before joining the family business, describes how her father’s positive attitude toward the business influenced her decision to come back to the family business and follow her passion. (2:00)- Mike, an accountant and financial analyst, shares how Myron served as a mentor to him and the events that led up to him joining the family business in 2007. (3:37)- Stories from Julie’s childhood and how “the kitchen table was the board room” growing up in the Boncaroksy household. (6:35)- Myron describes what he learned from being a sales rep for Texaco and how he applied that to starting Virginia Tire & Auto. (9:06) - Characteristics Myron has seen over the years in successful dealers and employees. (13:15)- The importance of “making winners out of your people” and why Myron believes the best insights on your business come from your employees. (16:32)- Myron describes why “new blood” is important in the business. (17:34)- Julie describes Virginia Tire’s rebranding process, in which she and Mike defined the company’s values and how those values influence every aspect of the business. (21:17)- Mike shares his view on the complexity of the tire business and how the company is simplifying today’s customer experience to “take the stress out of car care,” as Virginia Tire’s mission statement says. (23:34)- The way Mike and Julie view their competition and how it has influenced Virginia Tire’s customer experience (25:55)- After opening four stores in 2019, Julie and Mike share how the coronavirus pandemic affected their business and their focus for the future (28:47)Listen here or watch the video version of this podcast on:TireReview.com: https://www.tirereview.com/virginia-tire-second-generation-ceos-transform-buiness/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgfm_UrqXz4&list=PLVkqUUE022sfk413J6lVAaPFH4Wc2ORLy

Any industry, sport or line of work has “the greats” — those people that others in the industry know for the work they do, the business they’re building and the legacy that they’re creating. They’re known for their steadfast leadership, problem-solving abilities, and most importantly, their unwavering passion for the industry and serving their communities. In season 1 of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, Johnny g talked to many of those tire industry greats– of which there are many– and asked them one question: “What motivates you to strive for greatness?”While many shied away from the greatness moniker, their responses to the question showed their willingness to constantly approve, their business savvy, and the importance each person places in giving back to others. In this episode, you’ll hear responses from:- Mario Andretti, racing legend and Indy 500, Daytona 500 and Formula 1 World Champion.- Larry Morgan, former tire dealer who grew Tires Plus into 600 locations, left the industry, and founded Morgan Family Ventures and Morgan Auto Group, the largest car dealer in the state of Florida.- Paul Swentzel, co-founder of S&S Tire.- John Zentz, senior vice president of global sales at Hunter Engineering.- John Boyle, former owner of Englewood Tire and current president of ETD Discount Tire Centers.- John Ziegler, Jr., vice president of Ziegler Tire.- Craig Tate, former owner of Tate Boys Tire & Service and consultant for Sun Auto Tire & Service.Listen to the full episode here or subscribe to Johnny g & Friends on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaEGoogle Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhmYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

In this season-ending conversation of Johnny g & Friends, the question that we asked during every interview – How do you work on the business instead of in the business? – becomes the connective tissue for a powerful wrap-up of tire industry greatness. What emerges across these voices is a shared truth no matter the strategy or leadership style. The fact is, growth only happens when owners trust their people, step back with intention and learn to see their companies from above the daily grind.Some of this season's guests described the shift as a gradual climb – learning to listen differently, picking up ideas from peers, or letting experiences outside the tire industry reshape how they think. Others talked about moments that forced perspective, like stepping away for school, putting new decision-makers in charge, or creating “stress tests” where the team must run without the owner’s voice for two straight weeks. The results were consistent: teams rise, leaders evolve, and businesses take on a new trajectory.For many, working on the business meant sharpening systems or simply walking into the store with the eyes of a customer. For others, it meant delegation, intentional learning, or acknowledging that leadership requires a different energy than turning wrenches or writing service orders.Taken together, these conversations reveal something bigger than process or policy. They show what greatness looks like in real shops, run by real families, in a real industry – owners who are present, invested and humble enough to grow by working on the business instead of in the business.

When Ed Mitchem joined his father’s business, techs changed tires on the ground with floor jacks. Selling seat covers and curb feelers was part of the daily routine. That was 85 years ago. Today, the Mitchem Tire legacy continues with five thriving locations, a loyal customer base, and a third generation carrying the torch.Ed helped grow the company through decades of change, expanding from a single downtown shop into a regional brand built on smart buying, no-nonsense advertising, and a service-first mentality. After all, his motto: Before you switch ’em, see Mitchem – stuck around for a reason.Ed officially stepped away from the business ten years ago, but his impact still runs deep. Now, his great-nephews Corey and Stevie Kruze are helping to lead the operation, taking lessons learned from the shop floor and applying them in a modern market filled with new challenges.Today, Johnny g talks to Ed, Corey and Stevie about what’s changed and what hasn’t. He also talks about why the business still feels like family, even as the industry gets more crowded.

Kristen and Kent Cristy didn’t plan to take over Reeves Tire in Joplin, MO. But when John Reeves, Kristen’s father and founder of the business, faced a health scare in the late '90s, they stepped in together and never looked back.Kent gave up a future in medicine to help his community stay on the road, learning every inch of the business from the ground up. Kristen brought her sharp attention to detail and managed the office, handling payroll, HR, and everything behind the scenes.In 2000, they officially bought the business. Over the next two decades, they opened two more locations, navigated a devastating fire, and kept the Reeves Tire name strong in Joplin, MO.In today’s episode, Johnny g talks to Kristen and Kent about growing a business as partners in work and life, why they’ve focused more on stability than scale, and what it means to preserve a legacy.

If you’re in the tire industry in Northeast Ohio, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of TJ White or his business, Tire Source. Founded by his father, Tom White, in 1991, Tire Source has become a fixture in Ohio. It has six locations and a reputation built on service, transparency, and local relationships.TJ worked his way up from the service bays, learning every part of the business firsthand. That includes tire installs, sales, and store management. As General Manager, his leadership style reflects that path: practical, people-focused, and built on trust.With a solid, trustworthy legacy in place, TJ pushes things forward with determination. He's working on it through better communication systems, modern training platforms, or a more personalized digital experience for today’s customer.In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, TJ joins Johnny g to talk about leading with humility. They also discuss modernizing a legacy brand and why independent tire dealers still win by putting people first.

Now in his mid-90s, Jack Furrier has navigated more business cycles, met more customer needs, and created more solutions than most entrepreneurs could imagine in a lifetime. He's become a legend in Arizona, with his face practically synonymous with Jack Furrier Tire, but his story doesn’t start with tires. It starts in Parma, Ohio, where a young Jack decided that bagging groceries for $4 a week wasn’t going to cut it. So, he bought balloons wholesale and sold them outside the Cleveland Indians baseball stadium. In 30 minutes, he made more than his grocery paycheck. That moment sparked a lifelong pursuit of independence.Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

Some people take over a family business and stay the course. Brandon Harrell took one and completely redefined it. Brandon’s grandfather Luther founded Harrell’s Tire & Auto 80 years ago. Brandon joined the business in 2005 with big plans. He knew he needed to upend the status quo. In 2021, he bought the business from his father, Charlie. In just four years, he grew it from $4.6 million in revenue to more than $30 million annually.He started with a relentless focus on staffing, service, and operational efficiency to drive the business forward. While many struggle to find workers, Brandon built a waiting list of people wanting to join his team. He borrowed strategies from Chick-fil-A and added AI to streamline recruiting and phone systems for greater efficiency.Brandon joins the Johnny g & Friends podcast to explain how he scaled the business so quickly and intentionally. He shares why he hires from the hospitality industry instead of the tire business and prioritizes service over price. He also explains why treating employees like customers drives long-term success and loyalty from both groups.

Nate Zolman, president of Zolman Tire, is known for hard work, smart decisions, and adaptability. He transformed the company into a regional powerhouse in tires and truck repair.The Origins of Zolman TireThe story of Zolman Tire begins with Bud Zolman. He built the Indiana-based tire shop from scratch with grit. Nate practically grew up in the shop, changing tires and fixing cars. He learned firsthand what running a business takes. When his time came, he didn’t just follow in his father’s footsteps—he forged his own path.Expanding Under Nate’s LeadershipUnder Nate’s leadership, Zolman Tire has expanded to eight retail locations and four commercial truck centers. He has competed with national chains, online retailers, and industry giants. Instead of backing down, he focused on building a team that treats customers like family.Cultivating Team Culture and Integrity at Zolman TireToday, Nate joins Johnny G & Friends. He discusses growing Zolman Tire, challenges for independent tire dealers, and staying ahead in the industry. Nate also reflects on pivotal moments that earned him respect, including a memorable standoff that marked his leadership rise.  He also explores how he cultivates a strong team culture and his non-negotiable stance on integrity. This sets the business tone at Zolman Tire.

Bauer Built Tire & Service has been a family name in the tire business since 1944. Sam Bauer founded the company in Durand, Wisconsin. It started as a small operation and grew into a powerhouse with 35 locations across nine states. Today, the rich Bauer Built Tire history shows the company’s dedication to growth, service, and community.Jerry Bauer stepped into leadership at just 24 years old. He guided Bauer Built Tire & Service through its substantial growth. Along the way, he balanced family ownership with smart business strategy. Under Jerry’s leadership, Bauer Built became one of the most respected independent tire dealers in the country. Jerry’s impact doesn’t stop there, though. Today, he mentors the next generation of leaders. Tad and Mandy, his children, are now key leaders in the business.Jerry joins us on Johnny g & Friends. He talks about the lessons he’s learned and shares the challenges of running a family business. He also explains how Bauer Built has stayed strong for 80 years. The story of Bauer Built Tire history highlights resilience, vision, and family values.For more episodes of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, click here.Tire Review: www.tirereview.comFirestone: www.firestonetire.com

Throughout the year on episodes of Johnny g & Friends, Johnny would ask each guest: How do you work on the business instead of in the business? In this Season 4 wrap-up, find out how each guest answered that.In this episode, hear from this year's guests including Andrew Firestone; Bridgestone Golf CEO Dan Murphy; Bubba, Kim and Pat McMahon of McMahon's Best-One; Sally Thomas, owner of J.P. Thomas & Company; Stacey and Frankie Pugh of Pugh's Tire; John Quirk, executive chairman of VIP Tires & Service; and Tim Tallman, president of Tallman's Tire & Auto.