Dorsey Tire believes ‘people make the difference'

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Dorsey Tire Co. Inc.'s slogan, "People make the difference," says it all about the dealership and retreader.

Dorsey, founded in 1977 by Billy Dorsey, has six locations in Georgia and South Carolina. The family-owned venture really is all about treating its people as family, April Clark, Dorsey's accounting manager, said.

"The longer I am employed with Dorsey Tire, the more and more I come to believe (that slogan)," she wrote in an email to Tire Business. "We are family oriented, and the owners will give if they know there is a need. We are treated like part of the fold, not merely just an employee number."

Dorsey is a finalist in Tire Business' annual Best Places to Work Survey.

The Best Places to Work survey is conducted by Best Companies Group (BCG), an independent research firm. Each participating business must be a retail, commercial, OTR, retread or wholesale tire dealership in the U.S., and have at least 15 employees. Each owner completes an online survey detailing company policies, practices, benefits and demographics and employees are asked to complete a series of questions rating the company.

Dorsey celebrates its employees through company events. One of its largest is a night out at a Savannah Bananas game — the Bananas are an exhibition baseball team known for their on-field antics — where Dorsey reserves a balcony for employees.

The company holds a Christmas/holiday party for everyone in the Dorsey Group. Employees are also treated to appreciation lunches at least monthly, Clark said.

Dorsey also recognizes when employees hit milestone anniversaries, with rewards that get larger the longer an employee is with the company. Dorsey's female staff also are honored with an annual "Ladies Luncheon," Clark said.

Like many in the industry, Dorsey has struggled in a difficult hiring environment. The company has responded by using an in-house recruiter who works with local high schools and colleges to get young employees in at the ground floor, she said.

The dealership also offers employees referral incentives. "If they know someone that wants a job, they get incentives the longer the new hire stays on with us," Clark said.

The company offers 360-degree performance reviews to all employees annually.

Dorsey also supports further training for all of its employees, Clark said.

"All of our technicians are TIA certified; retread employees are encouraged to certify on all equipment; we send our alignment techs to Hunter training; and if there is an Excel masterclass that is beneficial to our admin staff, we make sure they are able to attend."

Employees are eligible to enroll in Dorsey's health care plan after 30 days of employment. The company also offers "better you" health programs, Clark said, that support health goals, such as quitting smoking or losing weight.

Dorsey's people-focused culture doesn't stop at the shop. The company participates in several community-oriented events and organizations, including Make-A-Wish and non-profit Savannah AMBUCS (American Business Club) Inc.

"Many of our employees coach sports teams and we are always willing to lend a hand," Clark said. "Our neighboring community is sponsoring a back-to-school bash to give needy families the necessary assistance getting school supplies."

Dorsey owes its success to two groups of people.

"We are grateful for our employees, new and old. We are also grateful for our loyal customer base. We would not be here without either of them and we cannot wait to see what our new growth brings us," she said.