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Big O Tires is All About “Raising the Stakes” in 2015

By: Big O Tires, LLC |  1,021 Shares     526 Reads

Attendees commit to going “All In” for 2015 

June 04, 2015 // Franchising.com // Palm Beach Gardens, FL – More than 700 Big O Tires franchise owners, managers, corporate Associates and vendors recently gathered in Las Vegas, NV for the annual Big O Tires Convention.

Throughout the convention the message of Raising the Stakes was heard loud and clear by all in attendance. In addition to identifying sales objectives and opportunities, Big O Tires’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Kormondy, addressed the team’s goals to continue strengthening the brand through a relevant advertising campaign with targeted messaging. He also unveiled the organization’s revamped Mission, Vision and Values statement reminding all in attendance about Big O Tires’ commitment to customers, associates and the communities they serve.

The overarching goal of the Big O annual convention is for franchisees to learn and share valuable ideas that they can bring back to their individual store teams and incorporate into everyday business operations. Big O Tires, a subsidiary of TBC Corporation, is committed to exceeding consumer expectations and also to providing franchise owners with the operational tools to succeed in their distinctive business model.

Attendees had the opportunity to interact with fellow attendees and share best practices during breakout sessions and panel discussions; hear an overall evaluation of 2014 and a game plan for 2015 from the Big O Tires leadership team; celebrate the victories of fellow franchisees during the annual awards ceremony; and interact with vendors during the vendor tradeshow complete with 90 vendor companies occupying more than 90,000 square feet of space. TBC Corporation’s President and CEO, Erik Olsen, addressed the importance of Big O Tires to TBC and the growth opportunities on the horizon for the entire organization. “TBC continues to expand our offerings and services to our customers and franchisees to further solidify our industry leading position,” said Olsen. “Big O Tires is an integral part of our operations and is well-positioned for sustainable growth.”

Additionally, Brant Wilson, TBC’s Senior Vice President of Franchise, reinforced the strength of the brand and the future of the Big O enterprise. “For over 50 years, Big O Tires has worked diligently to be the Team you Trust in your community,” said Wilson. “As the organization continues to grow and expand its footprint, it will be brand recognition created through an award winning advertising campaign, an underlying commitment to exceeding customer expectations and knowledge of the industry that will propel Big O Tires to the next level.”

This year’s keynote speaker was Sean Tuohy, a franchisee extraordinaire who is widely recognized from the 2009 film The Blind Side. His advice to the audience was to take risks; after all, his whole life changed when he took a risk and welcomed Michael Oher, now an offensive lineman in the National Football League, into his family. Taking risks also propelled him to be the successful franchisee he is today – he currently owns more than 90 franchises primarily in the restaurant industry. His other message to the audience that was heard loud and clear, “You can make a difference…it starts with you.”

And make a difference they did. As is customary at the annual Big O Tires convention, all attendees had the opportunity to pay tribute to the importance of educating future generations through the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund. This year, nearly $50,000 was raised from participants at the event.

Not only was the importance of education recognized at the convention, but also the importance of hard work and a drive to win. During the awards ceremony, that hard work and dedication was recognized.

The theme of Raising the Stakes remained relevant throughout the awards ceremony; all award recipients challenged themselves to remain top competitors in the business. The following awards represent a sampling of what was presented to the “Best of the Best” at Big O Tires:

Point Of Light Award went to Scott Koldenhoven, a second-generation Big O Tires owner and partner in 13 stores in Colorado and New Mexico with nearly 20 years in the business. The Point of Light Award recognizes extraordinary franchisees that have contributed to the Big O organization with their knowledge, expertise, and dedication.

2014 IFA Franchisee of the Year was presented to Kent and Kory Coleman, two brothers who joined the Big O Tires team in 2006 and now own and operate four stores throughout the state of Utah. As members of the International Franchise Association (IFA), Big O recognizes one franchisee annually for their outstanding results and dedication to growing the Big O brand.

Standing “O” Awards - Each year at the convention, Big O recognizes franchisees and corporate Associates for going above and beyond to support Big O whether it is serving on committees, helping fellow franchisees and team members, or providing outstanding customer service. This year’s winners include: Don Helphrey, a Franchise Business Consultant always eager to go above and beyond to help a teammate; Brent Blevins, a Big O Tires franchisee for more than 25 years and valuable member of Big O’s marketing advisory committee; Rod Schmidt, Big O Tires franchisee in Casper, Wyoming who delivers superior performance and a passionate commitment to the Big O brand; Laura McLaughlin, a hardworking Director of Franchise Finance & Accounting who is extremely reliable and always ready to help; Anthony Shay, a leader with more than 15 years in the organization who started as a Service Manager and is now working for a new Big O franchisee; Mike Kinnen, former VP of Operations who recently retired; and Jim Miller, former Divisional Director of Operations for Big O Tires and now a Big O Tires franchisee in Northern California.

Platinum Performer Award was presented to Tom Huls of Yucca Valley, CA, for his commitment to exceeding expectations in everything that he does and his recognition as a Platinum Performer by Tire Review Magazine. 2015 is the inaugural year for the Platinum Performer Award.

Excitement was in the air throughout the entire convention and all attendees left feeling re-energized for 2015 and ready to take home the theme of Raising the Stakes to their respective locations. “The name of the game in our industry is continuous improvement in operations and consistent execution of processes all while remaining committed to the customer,” said Wilson. “The Big O team is constantly looking for ways to improve for our franchisees and our customers and we will continue Raising the Stakes throughout 2015 and the years to come to be the best we can for all stakeholders involved.”

About Big O Tires

Big O Tires, LLC serves 381 franchisee-owned and 10 company-owned stores primarily located in the Western and Midwestern United States. It also distributes tires and other automotive service products to Associate Dealers in Western Canada. Big O Tires, LLC is a subsidiary of TBC Corporation. For more information, visit www.BigOTires.com.

SOURCE Big O Tires

Contact:

Jamie Levin
561-383-3000, Ext. 2527

 

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