Big O franchise group opens 3rd N.M. store

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Dec. 8, 2015) — Big O Tires franchisee BBAC Group has opened a six-bay Big O outlet in Albuquerque, the group's third in New Mexico and 14th overall.

The new store is a converted Tire Factory outlet, which the former owner Max Martinez sold to BBAC following Tire Factory Group's decision earlier this year to change the group's identity to the Point S retail presence.

“Big O Tires is a strong organization made up of a wonderful group of franchisees with a solid track record,” Mr. Martinez said in a statement released by Big O Tires L.L.C., a subsidiary of TBC Corp.

“My confidence in the brand made my decision to sell to BBAC an easy one.”

BBAC partner Scott Koldenhoven said that “with the help of the Big O Tires organization, our team has successfully converted the existing Tire Factory location to Big O, and we're eager to exceed customer expectations as the ‘Team You Trust' in the Albuquerque community.”

The parties did not disclose the scale of investment in buying or converting the location, which had open service bays under Mr. Martinez's ownership.

BBAC Group, consisting of Big O franchisees Mike Pryor, Mitch Beranek, Keith Blake and Mr. Koldenhoven, also operates 11 locations in Colorado. Mr. Koldenhoven, Big O's “Point of Light” award winner earlier this year and Big O's IFA franchisee of the year in 2014, has been a Big O franchisee for over 28 years.

The converted store is in east Albuquerque on Juan Tabo Boulevard NE, situated next door to a Midas/Speedee location and two doors down from a Discount Tire store.

“It is exciting to see longtime franchisees like the BBAC Group expand the Big O brand,” said Kevin Kormondy, executive vice president and COO of Big O Tires.

“We have a great organization with a solid foundation and are committed to working closely with our franchisees to provide great products and services to our customers.”

The new location is the third Big O Tires store in Albuquerque and 13th in New Mexico.