LAS VEGAS—Big O Tires franchise owners in Utah and Colorado were the big winners at the franchise organization's recent 2015 national sales conference in Las Vegas.
Big O's “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. The Point of Light award recognizes extraordinary franchisees that have contributed to the Big O organization with their knowledge, expertise and dedication.
This was Mr. Koldenhoven's second straight year as a top honoree; he was Big O's IFA franchisee of the year at the 2014 conference.
Brothers Kent and Kory Coleman, who operate four stores in Utah, received the 2014 IFA Franchisee of the Year award. As members of the International Franchise Association (IFA), Big O recognizes one franchisee annually for his or her outstanding results and dedication to growing the Big O brand.
The Colemans have been Big O franchisees since 2006.
In addition, Big O Tires presented “Standing 'O' Awards”—recognizing franchisees and corporate associates for going above and beyond to support Big O—to:
- Don Helphrey, a franchise business consultant;
- Brent Blevins, a 25-plus-year franchisee and member of Big O's marketing advisory committee;
- Rod Schmidt, a franchisee in Casper, Wyo., who delivers superior performance and a “passionate commitment” to the Big O brand;
- Laura McLaughlin, director of franchise finance and accounting;
- Anthony Shay, 15-year Big O veteran now working for a new Big O franchisee;
- Mike Kinnen, recently retired vice president of operations; and
- Jim Miller, former divisional director of operations who now owns a Big O franchise in northern California.
Big O also honored franchisee Tom Huls of Yucca Valley, Calif., as its “Platinum Performer” of the year.
More than 700 Big O Tires franchise owners, managers, corporate associates and vendors attended the Las Vegas convention, themed “Raising the Stakes.”
During the conference, franchise owners heard from TBC Corp. President and CEO Erik Olsen, who stressed that, “Big O Tires is an integral part of our operations and is well-positioned for sustainable growth.”
He also assured those in attendance that TBC “continues to expand our offerings and services to our customers and franchisees to further solidify our industry leading position.”
Brant Wilson, TBC's senior vice president of franchise, reminded the Big O dealers that “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.”
Those in attendance raised nearly $50,000 toward the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund.
The keynote speaker was Sean Tuohy, the Memphis businessman who is widely recognized from the 2009 film The Blind Side and who owns more than 90 franchises, primarily in the restaurant industry.
According to Big O, 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.
There are 381 franchisee-owned and 10 company-owned Big O stores in the U.S., primarily throughout the West and Midwest, according to parent TBC.