"Tire Pros is a dealer-led organization," Bell said, "focused on empowering auto shops with the resources they need to deliver exceptional service to their customers while maintaining the freedom to run their business in the way that works best for them."
Bell and other leaders provided attendees with tips and strategies for success, such as integrating digital tools to engage customers and building long-term relationships through exceptional customer service and communication.
These solutions were devised to help dealers bolster their business as they navigate an increasingly complex market, Bell said.
To contribute to Tire Pros dealers' ongoing growth and development, ATD/Tire Pros launched an expanded training program for Service Advisors and Technicians through Tire Pros University. This features onboarding pathways, such as videos and interactive modules, as well as podcasts to help dealers with professional and personal advancement.
The podcasts will be developed in-house with industry experts and will feature topics like customer service skills, sales strategies, right-to-repair legislation, and more, Bell said, noting that management will tailor content to fit the specific needs of dealers through functional training topics, professional development content and flexible learning.
Other initiatives rolled out during the conference included:
- Enhanced resources under the Tire Pros University umbrella, including recommendations for attracting, retaining and developing talent. Specifically, dealers were introduced to new training pathways for technicians and service advisers, enhanced onboarding for new hires, interactive modules, as well as professional development and situational training.
- Direct access to staffing services, including CareerPlug and LSI Staffing, at the conference's vendor fair.
- Availability of support for mobile installation, such as an integrated website and point-of-sales systems to help streamline processes for the consumer, new partnerships to create cost-effective options for dealers, and go-to-market consumer strategies for attracting new buyers.
Consumers are turning increasingly to mobile installation, Bell said, and with new sourcing, financing, and training options, dealers have the option to provide this service to customers.
There are approximately 20 Tire Pros mobile tire service/installation vans in operation now, the company said, with 40 additional prospective owners heading into 2025.
As part of ATD's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, Tire Pros dealers were introduced to eco-friendly products, waste reduction strategies and recycling efforts.
Bell and other Tire Pros executives emphasized during the conference — which was held three weeks prior to ATD's filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection — that the Tire Pros program remains a "vital component" of ATD's business strategy.
Michael Feder, ATD's interim CEO since mid-August following the resignation of Stuart Schuette, reiterated ATD's commitment to Tire Pros and outlined ATD's goals and priorities for the organization.
