Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Rubber News
  • European Rubber Journal
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • Current Issue
  • Mid-Year Report
  • News
    • Aligning with ADAS
    • OPINION
    • BUSINESS/FINANCIAL
    • COMMERCIAL TIRE
    • GOVERNMENT & LAW
    • Humanitarian Award
    • RETAIL TIRES
    • SERVICE ZONE
    • TIRE MAKERS
    • Best Places to Work
    • RUSSIA WAR IN UKRAINE
  • Data
    • DATA STORE
  • Custom
    • SPONSORED CONTENT
  • Events
    • ASK THE EXPERT
    • LIVESTREAMS
    • WEBINARS
    • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
    • RUBBER NEWS EVENTS
  • Resources
    • DIRECTORY
    • CLASSIFIEDS
    • SHOP FLOOR
    • AWARDS
    • BALANCING
    • DEMOUNTING
    • SAFETY
    • TIRE REPAIR
    • TPMS
    • TRAINING
    • VEHICLE LIFTING
    • WHEEL TORQUE
    • Best Places to Work
  • ADVERTISE
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
March 17, 2003 01:00 AM

T&W Tire looks to next generation's dealers

Lisa Aichlmayr
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    When Kane Russell worked in several positions at commercial tire dealer and retreader T&W Tire, he didn't think he'd eventually be in line to be one of its managing partners.

    But Mr. Russell, 29, and Steve Theissen, 42, are literally the next generation of T&W Tire. Mr. Theissen's father, Darell Theissen, and Mr. Russell's stepfather, Charles Wilson, formed the commercial dealership in 1987 when they merged their separate dealerships, Theissen Tire and Wilson Tire. Since January, the fathers have been preparing to transfer the company to the sons. John Theissen, also a son of Darell Theissen, works in one of the dealership's eight outlets after joining the company about six years ago.

    ``I've been here since day one,'' Mr. Russell told Tire Business. ``It's the only job I've ever had.''

    The Oklahoma City-based dealership operates four commercial-only outlets, two combination commercial and retail stores and two Goodyear retread shops.

    The company sells Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Michelin, Continental and Yokohama brands. T&W posted 2002 sales of $48 million, and it expects 2003 sales of $50 million.

    Darell Theissen, who has worked in the tire industry since 1957, said he is happy to leave the company in family ownership.

    ``I've seen so many companies that get bought out, and they just go to pot, and they just ruin the people and the name of the company,'' he said. ``Hopefully that won't happen to us as long as we have our own management.''

    Darell Theissen said he effectively has turned over his share of the day-to-day business, but his partner, Mr. Wilson, remains as CEO and president. Mr. Wilson declined to comment on the arrangement.

    Mr. Russell said he worked in a variety of posts, including on a service truck, as a service manager and in the retread plant.

    ``We're kind of a jack of all trades,'' he said, adding he never assumed he would one day be part of the company's management core.

    Darell Theissen said he tried to expose his sons to the business without forcing it on them. He said Steve Theissen joined the company about 20 years ago, right after finishing college, while John Theissen pursued other interests for a time.

    Darell Theissen said he tried to give his sons autonomy in their positions, though he still managed major issues.

    ``You got to kind of watch over, but the little things, they'll take care of those,'' he said.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Do you have an opinion about this story? Do you have some thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? Tire Business would love to hear from you. Email your letter to Editor Don Detore at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Goodyear marks milestone with Cooper Tire integration
    2
    Brison leaves Hankook for TireHub
    3
    Goodyear to raise North America tire prices July 1
    4
    Updated: Tire makers react to war in Ukraine
    5
    Bridgestone 3.0 report details sustainable future
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Newsletter Center

    Staying current is easy with Tire Business delivered straight to your inbox.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Subscribe to Tire Business

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • RSS

    Our Mission

    Tire Business is an award-winning publication dedicated to providing the latest news, data and insights into the tire and automotive service industries.

    Reader Services
    • Staff
    • About Us
    • Site Map
    • Industry Sites
    • Order Reprints
    • Customer Service: 877-320-1716
    Partner Sites
    • Rubber News
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Automotive News
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Media Guide
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Classified Rates
    • Digital Edition
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • Mid-Year Report
    • News
      • Aligning with ADAS
      • OPINION
      • BUSINESS/FINANCIAL
      • COMMERCIAL TIRE
      • GOVERNMENT & LAW
      • Humanitarian Award
      • RETAIL TIRES
      • SERVICE ZONE
      • TIRE MAKERS
      • Best Places to Work
      • RUSSIA WAR IN UKRAINE
    • Data
      • DATA STORE
    • Custom
      • SPONSORED CONTENT
    • Events
      • ASK THE EXPERT
      • LIVESTREAMS
      • WEBINARS
      • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
      • RUBBER NEWS EVENTS
    • Resources
      • DIRECTORY
      • CLASSIFIEDS
      • SHOP FLOOR
        • BALANCING
        • DEMOUNTING
        • SAFETY
        • TIRE REPAIR
        • TPMS
        • TRAINING
        • VEHICLE LIFTING
        • WHEEL TORQUE
      • AWARDS
        • Best Places to Work
    • ADVERTISE
    • DIGITAL EDITION