NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas Inc. has promoted Ben Skubish to general manager of the Bridgestone Affiliated Retailer Nationwide Network, succeeding Barry Feasel, who's retiring, effective Jan. 1.
Mr. Skubish was an independent tire, service and parts retailer in Boulder, Colo., before joining Bridgestone in 2019.
Mr. Feasel's retirement caps a 40-year industry career.
He started in 1980 with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. as an assistant store manager in a Firestone retail store and went on to hold various sales and management positions with Firestone and then with Bridgestone following the Japanese tire maker's purchase of Firestone in 1988.
He has led the company's Affiliated Retailer Nationwide Network Program since 2002.
"I am excited to get started, take ownership of the program, and continue to serve our independent dealers," Mr. Skubish said.
"Having been an Affiliated Retailer member and served on the Affiliated Retailer Advisory Committee for two years, I have been provided with great insight into the needs of today's independent tire and service retailers."
Mr. Skubish joined Bridgestone after his family sold its retail tire business, which had been an active member of the Affiliated Retailer Nationwide Network for over 15 years.
"There are many reasons I pursued a career with Bridgestone after our family sold our store in 2018, including the professionalism of the Bridgestone team, the quality of the company's products, and the genuine concern Bridgestone has for the independent dealer. I look forward to leading this new chapter of the Affiliated Retailer program."
In his remarks, Mr. Feasel noted it "has been a privilege to work for such a great company.
"The quality of the people I have had the opportunity to work with over the years has been exceptional. During my 16 years of managing our Affiliate program, I have had the good fortune to build relationships with some of the finest entrepreneurs in our industry, our independent retail dealers."
Regarding Mr. Skubish, Mr. Feasel said:
"I am totally confident in the future direction of the Affiliated Retailer program. Ben brings a unique perspective and vision to the program, and I have no doubt he will continue to grow the program, foster relationships and achieve plateaus not yet reached."
The Bridgestone Affiliated Retailer Nationwide Network is an independent retailer program available to qualified independent tire and service retailers. It comprises 3,100 points of sale nationwide.