Big O Tires Hosts Annual Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (April 10, 2024) — Big O Tires, an industry-leading tire and auto-repair franchisor and subsidiary of TBC Corporation, recently hosted its annual convention for more than 600 franchisees, vendors, and corporate team members in New Orleans.

From the keynote address and town hall panel featuring senior leaders from TBC Corporation to breakout sessions on dealer resources and more, the theme of “Building for Success” was integrated into every facet of the convention.

“Building for success sets the tone for how Big O Tires is going to build upon our more than 60 years of leadership in the industry, by continuing to invest in our people, infrastructure, marketing and technologies for years to come,” said Gary Skidmore, senior vice president and general manager for Big O Tires. “The annual convention provides us with the opportunity to connect with the entire Big O Tires family, collaborate on new strategies, and collectively celebrate our success.”

While at the meeting, Big O celebrated the franchise system’s successes, including more than 10 consecutive years of same-store sales growth and increased retail sales, tire units, and service in 2023. Franchisees also learned more about the company’s newest ad campaign, which further emphasizes key reasons why customers believe Big O Tires is “The Team You Trust.”

This year’s keynote speaker was Jay Baer, an internationally recognized business growth and customer experience expert. Baer shared with attendees how to use speed as a competitive advantage in their day-to-day business and the importance of being quick, clear and kind as it relates to providing top-notch customer service.

The trade show featured interactive booths, demonstrations and more from approximately 50 vendors, plus a charitable event to support local students and teachers in New Orleans. Attendees assembled 500 drawstring backpacks with school supplies, including pens, pencils, notebooks and more to help students at Martin Behrman Charter School Academy of Creative Arts and Sciences succeed this school year. In addition, 175 toiletry bags were stuffed with helpful items like disinfecting wipes, index cards and dry erase markers, to benefit teachers at the school.

From the keynote address and town hall panel featuring senior leaders from TBC Corporation to breakout sessions on dealer resources and more, the theme of “Building for Success” was integrated into every facet of the convention. From Left to Right: Tim Washburn, Division Vice President for Big O Tires; Don Byrd, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer for TBC Corporation; Darryl Maraj, Chief Technology Officer, TBC Corporation; Chris Stearman, Chief Supply Chain Officer, TBC Corporation; Gary Skidmore, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Big O Tires.

Attendees also enjoyed a casino night and a game show-style event during the meeting, where winners bid for the chance to take home prizes like a custom-built 2023 Ford Bronco, all to benefit the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund. Established in 2003, this fund was created to provide financial assistance to students to help them pursue their education. This year, $120,000 was raised to benefit the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund at the event.

Franchisees, their teams, and corporate associates were recognized throughout the convention, celebrating their hard work and dedication to Big O Tires. This year’s winners included:

• Standing “O” Awards – This honor recognizes individuals for going above and beyond to support Big O, including serving on committees, helping fellow franchisees and team members, and providing outstanding customer service. Six individuals were recognized with this award including Matt Story, a multi-store franchisee in Colorado and chairman of the brand’s marketing advisory committee; Jose Perez, a multi-store franchisee in Southern California; Jason Kassing, executive vice president and partner at MāHK Advertising; Rhonda Beaty, a TBC Corporation customer support center manager; Jeremiah Alton, General Manager for Central Arizona Auto Group; and Mike Sharpe, a franchise business consultant for Big O Tires.

• Point of Light Award – Kent Coleman received this award, which honors outstanding individuals in the Big O Tires organization, who demonstrate the transformative power of service to their customers and fellow franchisees and positively impact the Big O organization in a major way with their knowledge, expertise, and dedication.

• Franchisees of the Year – All top 40 stores are eligible for this honor based on store growth in total sales, tire units, and volume. Candidates submit information on their community involvement and an Executive Committee considers that material, along with feedback from other franchisees, to make a final decision. This year, Steve and Cody Gray were honored in the multi-store owner category and Josh and Melissa Cherry, were recognized in the single-store owner category.

• Hall of Fame Inductee – Scott Koldenhoven, who has owned or co-owned more than 20 Big O locations throughout his 40-plus year career in the tire industry, was inducted into Big O’s Hall of Fame this year.

Gary Skidmore, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Big O Tires, takes the stage to welcome hundreds of franchisees, vendors, and corporate team members to this year’s convention in New Orleans.

ABOUT BIG O TIRES

Big O Tires, LLC, a subsidiary of TBC Corporation, has more than 460 stores in the United States. Big O Tires franchise locations offer a wide range of diagnostic, repair and routine maintenance services backed by one of the most comprehensive service warranties available. Qualified associates and certified technicians combine hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology to address automotive needs and safely get customers back on the road. For more information, visit bigotires.com.