Wholesaler K&M Tire hosts virtual dealer conference

DELPHOS, Ohio — After enduring the challenges of last year, the team at K&M Tire Inc. thought it fitting to name this year's annual dealer conference, "Keep on Rollin' 2021."

"We have a calling to keep America on the road, to keep our country rolling, and so we did," Jeff Wallick, director of training and development at K&M Tire, said.

The Delphos-based wholesale tire distributor held the conference virtually this year Jan. 20-21.

K&M's main focus in 2020, Mr. Wallick said during a presentation, was listening to customers to understand how to become a better partner.

In response to feedback, the wholesaler "made some fairly significant changes" to its weblink online ordering website, Mr. Wallick said, to make online ordering more efficient. K&M also is adding an advanced chat system to better serve customers online.

Delivery accuracy also has been important for the company.

"It's not enough to simply be easy to work with, we also recognize we need to be absolutely accurate in our deliveries to you, so you can serve and take care of your customers," he said.

K&M continued its phased roll-out of its new inventory management system to six warehouse in 2020, and it plans to install the system at six more sites this year.

"We understand and recognize that even a single inaccurate or missed delivery to you is a failure on our part," Mr. Wallick said. He added that while they have not reached their goal of 100% accuracy, the company did make "tangible" improvements increasing accuracy by 10% in 2020 over 2019.

The Delphos-based company operates 31 locations, servicing customers in 27 states. Last year, K&M added larger locations and more warehouse space in Wisconsin and South Dakota, Mr. Wallick said.

In 2020, K&M also acquired Safemark, a division of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, expanding its distribution footprint in eastern Pennsylvania.

"This acquisition brought with it a team of tire professionals, a new warehouse, and an even greater focus on making K&M Tire the leading and most trusted farm tire distributor in the places we choose to do business," he said.

Dave Miller, K&M director of marketing, said the company tried to bring the full experience of an in-person event online. There were several seminars for customers to watch live or on demand, and a virtual trade show featured an informational landing page for each company with resources, deals and information.

At each step, there was opportunity to chat with presenters, suppliers and the K&M team. There was also a "lounge" with live chats on several topics open to all attendees to have a discussion. There were also plenty of chances to enter the drawing for game and prizes.

K&M, which held its 2020 show in Columbus, Ohio, announced its intention to hold the 2022 conference in Kansas City, Mo.