FAIRFIELD, Calif. (April 25, 2014) — East Bay Tire Co. has hired Dean Barnhart as the new manager for its R&G Tire Center business on Hawaii's “Big Island,” replacing R&G founder and manager Rod Carvalho, who will retire later this year.
Mr. Barnhart, a 27-year tire industry veteran, will oversee the firm's two service centers in Hilo and Kona, Hawaii, which East Bay acquired from Mr. Carvalho in January 2013.
Mr. Barnhart's tire industry career began in 1987, working for Gordon Tire Co., an independent retail dealer in Garden Grove, Calif. He also worked for East Bay from 2004 to 2008 as a regional sales manager for the Southern California area.
Most recently, Mr. Barnhart ran the wholesale tire division for ATV Inc. in Cerritos, Calif.
“With Rod retiring this year, we needed to find someone with extensive experience and energy to continue to build and grow R&G Tire Center on the Big Island,” said John Hulsey, general manager, wholesale division, East Bay. “We feel confident that Dean is the right person.”
R&G Tire Center, which previously did business as Davie's Motor Supply, has been serving the Big Island for more than 35 years. Both of its locations offer an extensive selection of tires, full service automotive repair and are state-certified safety inspection stations, East Bay said.