Marks succeeds Cox as ITDG CEO

TEQUESTA, Fla. — Independent Tire Dealers Group L.L.C. (ITDG) has hired Dave Marks, an industry veteran with 35-plus years' experience, to take over as president and CEO from the retired Michael Cox.

Mr. Marks brings extensive wholesale and retail experience with him to ITDG, having worked for Big Brand Tire, EMPCO Industries, Toscalito Enterprises Inc., Tire Dealer's Warehouse and Tireco Inc.'s Tire Distributor Xperts (TDX) wholesale arm over the past three-plus decades.

The group is maintaining its office in Tequesta for the time being. Mr. Cox and Ed Long established that office in 2003 after Mr. Cox took over as the group's top executive. Mr. Long, executive vice president since 2014, also has opted to leave ITDG at this time.

Chris Berry continues as West Coast sales manager.

Mr. Marks, who has been based in California for much of his career, said he plans to hire a regional sales director for the Midwest/Southeast as soon as possible and then consider an additional regional sales person or two in the coming to look after the group's growing network.

"My job is to analyze and strengthen our relationships with all of our members," Mr. Marks said, noting that the ITDG has grown to 620 points of sale in 46 states, controlled by 104 shareholders; group purchases exceeded $210 million last year.

Mr. Marks said he thinks his experience at both the wholesale and retail levels gives him an edge in dealing with group members and helping them grow. In addition, he said he's worked with a number of ITDG members over the years during time with TDW and TDX, so there's already a sense of familiarity.

ITDG will mark its 25th anniversary in 2019, by which time Mr. Marks said he hopes the group will be in all 50 states and be considerably stronger in those regions where it's currently under-represented.