LAS VEGAS (Aug. 22, 2003)—Two panels of independent tire dealers will discuss entering or expanding the performance tire and wheel business among other topics Nov. 4-5 during the International Tire Expo in Las Vegas.
Officials from 12 independent dealerships will participate in the discussions, moderated by Don Olson, the retired founder of Florida's Don Olson Tire.
Mr. Olson said the growing performance tire and wheel business will be a key focus of this year's panel discussions. One panel member, for example, averages daily sales of four to six sets of performance tires and wheels from one location, he said.
Other topics likely to be covered include ways of finding good technicians, improving gross profit, deciding whether to buy or lease a locations and developing an image in the market.
Both sessions will be held at 2 p.m. on their respective days.
Panelists for the Nov. 4 session include: Tom White of Tire Source, Akron; Jim Pangle of Fountain Tire, Edmonton, Alberta; Don Dobbs of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers Inc., High Ridge, Mo.; Brett Matschke of Richlonn's Tire & Service Centers, Greendale, Wis.; Steve Craven of Craven Tire & Auto, Fairfax, Va.; and Gary Wright of Nebraskaland/Kansasland Tire in Lexington, Neb.
Panelists for the Nov. 5 session include: Tony Vetter of Northwest Tire, Bismark, N.D.; Tim Seehusen of Hopkins Firestone, Hopkins, Minn.; Barry Steinberg of Direct Tire & Auto Service, Watertown, Mass.; Mel Dobrin of Butler Tire Co., Marietta, Ga.; Nick Hodel of Northwest Tire Factory L.L.C., Portland, Ore.; and Paul Weaver of Southern Indiana Tire Inc. in Princeton, Ind.