Kairys to succeed Kormondy at Big O

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2016) — Kevin Kormondy, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Big O Tires L.L.C., will retire at the end of October after 20 years with the organization.

Big O Tires parent TBC Corp. has named John Kairys, Carroll Tire Co. executive vice president and general manager since April 2014, to succeed Mr. Kormondy as executive vice president and general manager, effective immediately.

“Kevin has made a significant impact on Big O Tires throughout his 20 years,” said Brant Wilson, senior vice president of franchise operations for TBC. “His pride in the organization, dedication to the business and belief in the franchise model assisted him and the entire organization greatly throughout the years and we cannot thank him enough.”

During his time as Big O's top executive, the franchise business has gone through a revitalization that included paring down the size of the network and re-franchising a few dozen Big O locations that TBC had operated as corporate stores for some years.

The group stands at 389 locations in 21 states, down from 542 locations in 2006 when he was named senior vice president of business development,  but is considered a stronger group.  

“I'm proud to have been a part of the Big O Tires family for more than 20 years,” Mr. Kormondy said, “and truly appreciate the relationships that I have built with our franchisees, as well as the hard work of all of those on our corporate team who made me a better person and a better leader.

Over the next month, Mr. Kormondy will work with Mr. Kairys as he transitions into his new role with Big O Tires, saying, “I…am confident that his industry knowledge and leadership skills will have a positive impact on Big O Tires for years to come.”

Mr. Kormondy first joined Big O in 1981 to oversee the construction, opening and operation of four stores in Oklahoma City. After serving in various positions, he left Big O in 1987 to work for Maaco Enterprises Inc. as vice president of operations.

He left Maaco in 1994 to work for BCS Technologies, a telecommunications equipment distributor, and rejoined Big O in 2002 as a divisional vice president and became senior vice president in April 2006.

Mr. Kairys joined TBC/Carroll Tire in 2014 after 15 years with Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., where he oversaw the development of key accounts and the execution of overall company growth in roles of increasing responsibility.

Prior to his time with Cooper Tire, he held management and leadership positions with Pirelli Tire North America, as well as with NAPA Auto Parts.

“John's industry knowledge, expertise on tires and experience working with dealers will be tremendous assets to the team,” Mr. Wilson said. “We're excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to working alongside him to make Big O Tires the best that it can be for our customers and our franchisee network.”