PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.—TBC Retail Group President and CEO Orland Wolford retired Feb. 28 after a 40-year tire industry career, including the past dozen years with TBC.
TBC Corp. Chairman, President and CEO Larry Day has assumed “active management” of TBC's franchise group, which comprises the Big O Tires, Midas, SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune-up and RO Writer business units, TBC said.
“Orland's hands-on, people-first leadership style coupled with his expertise in the automotive industry has been integral in the growth and success of TBC,” Mr. Day said.
“Notably, Orland has led the growth of TBC's retail division most recently with the acquisition and relocation of Midas International. While he will be missed, we wish him the best on his well-deserved retirement.”
Under Mr. Wolford's leadership, the company grew from 148 Tire Kingdom stores in the state of Florida to more than 2,700 tire and automotive service centers throughout the U.S. and Canada, operating under the NTB/National Tire & Battery, Merchant's Tire & Auto Centers, Big O Tires and Midas brands.
Mr. Wolford, who also was vice chairman and executive vice president of TBC Corp., joined TBC in 2000 after a stint as vice president at Olson Tire. Prior to that he was president and CEO of Automotive Industries, a Florida-based tire retailer, and also had spent 19 years with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.'s retail division.