Big O fetes franchisees of year

PHOENIX (Aug. 5, 2016) — Big O Tires L.L.C. has recognized three franchisees as recipients of the company's inaugural Franchisee of the Year award.

The program recognizes franchisees who, according to Big O, “have done an exceptional job in implementing best practices, succeeding in the industry and giving back to both their fellow franchisees and their communities.”

Big O presented three awards, based on the size of the business — one store, two to five stores and six or more stores.

Brant Wilson, senior vice president of franchise for TBC Corp. — which owns and operates Big O Tires —  said the Franchisee of the Year program “allows us to recognize franchisees that are performing in their stores as well as making an impact in their local communities.”

Big O's top franchisees for 2016 are:

• Ryan Walker (Utah) — franchisee with one store;

• Dutch Tryon (Kansas) — franchisee with two to five stores; and

• Tony Williams (Arizona) — franchisee with six (or more) stores.

Recipients were recognized at Big O's recent annual convention in Phoenix alongside more than 700 of the company's franchise owners, managers, corporate associates and suppliers.

The top 40 eligible stores for top franchisee honors were defined by criteria based on several sales performance metrics. Franchisees in the top 40 were then invited to submit information recognizing their community involvement, their participation in franchise activities and programs and how they lived out the vision, mission and values of Big O Tires.

Fellow franchisees, along with Big O Tires field team members, had the opportunity to support nominations for consideration by an executive committee consisting of Erik Olsen, president and CEO of TBC; Mr. Wilson; Bill Birkins, senior vice president of franchise field leadership for TBC; and Kevin Kormondy, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Big O.

“On behalf of all members of the Big O Tires family, I would like to again congratulate Ryan, Dutch and Tony on this incredible accomplishment,” Mr. Kormondy said.

“They are great representatives of the Big O Tires brand; their commitment to our underlying values, to their businesses, to their fellow franchisees, and to their local communities is truly exemplary.”

Mr. Tryon was recognized earlier as Big O's franchisee of the year; he also was Big O's Point of Light award winner in 2014.

Mr. Williams also was recognized last year as Big O's franchisee of the year during the International Franchise Association (IFA) annual awards event.