MONTGOMERY, Texas — One might come to the understanding that Joe Tomarchio knows a thing or two about running a tire and automotive service shop.
Come to think of it, he may know a hundred things about running a thousand shops.
It wasn't too long ago when Tomarchio oversaw store operations for more than 1,100 tire and automotive service locations in 27 states for industry giant Monro Inc., as well as tire procurement, tire merchandising and marketing and acquisitions.
The man who founded the Mr. Tire Auto Service Center franchise with his brother Fred in 1970 remains an imposing figure, nine months after retiring from nearly 20 years with Monro.
When the Tomarchios sold the 26 Mr. Tire locations to Monro in 2004, the dealership had the top market share in the Baltimore metro area, according to Monro. Joe Tomarchio was named divisional vice president of tire stores at Monro upon the ownership change.
So it is with that reputation for success — along with an ability to deliver that message convincingly — that Tomarchio shared his industry tips recently with Point S USA members at the annual owners' meeting, held at the Margaritaville Lake Resort in Montgomery, on Lake Conroe.
Here are some of his thoughts on how tire dealers can not only grow their businesses, but grow their bottom line: