“The Tire Pros program dealer count has more than tripled in the past five years, so my objective is to continue this momentum in building the largest network of elite independent tire dealers in the nation.”
Mr. Brown said Mr. Sinclair helped him develop a solid infrastructure on which Tire Pros could build an expansive nationwide network of commonly identified independent dealers.
“He is extremely bright and talented,” Mr. Brown said of Mr. Sinclair. “The Tire Pros franchise will be in very capable hands.
“Consequently, he doesn't need a lot of advice,” Mr. Brown said when asked what advice he would give Mr. Sinclair. “If I would offer any, it would be to step out of your shoes and into those of the dealer as decisions and strategy are being developed.”
What Mr. Brown hopes to see with Tire Pros is its continuing to link independent dealers under a common retail brand that protects their brand identity while giving them to tools to compete with much larger competitors.
“Think Home Depot and Lowe's vs. the family-owned businesses linked together under the Ace and True Value brands,” he said. “That's what we're doing with Tire Pros.”
In retirement, Mr. Brown said he plans to work closely with Mr. Sinclair through 2016 in the transition of his responsibilities. He also looks forward to spending more time with his family and to working on numerous projects.
“Over my 41 years in the industry, I've had the good fortune to develop relationships with individuals in all industry segments,” he said. “While these relationships began through business interactions with associates, vendors and customers, over time these relationships evolved into friendships.
“I am blessed today to have a lot of friends in our industry — friendships I look forward to maintaining in the years ahead,” he said.
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