Family-owned Warren Tire celebrates 40th anniversary

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. — Don't look for one well-known dealership in upstate New York to be gobbled up in the next wave of mergers and acquisitions.

Having just celebrated the 40th anniversary of Warren Tire Service Center Inc., Bob Kellogg, president of the organization and son of founder Wayne Kellogg, said he and his family have no interest in selling.

"We like what we do and have a very solid third generation in place, with four hard-working, talented family members currently working in the business between the ages of 26 and 32," Kellogg told Tire Business.

One of those working in the business is Kellogg's daughter, Megan Doster, currently the company's vice president, marketing manager.

Warren Tire, with 16 locations spread across the Empire State, tied its milestone anniversary to its annual Big Spring Sale, advertising the promotion across television, radio, social media and via email blasts.

To commemorate its 40 years in business, Warren Tire gave away 10 sets of four tires — 40 tires in a all — through random drawings in each of the stores. The dealership also gave away 10 brake services and 10 batteries.

Kellogg said it added up to $15,000 in giveaways.

Warren Tire also brought in barbecued food catered for a lunch for customers, vendors and associates. More than 200 meals were served.

Kellogg described the sale as "a big success:" he said sales were up 13% and tire units up 3%.

"We have been doing this big spring sale for 40 years," Kellogg said. "Every year we more than double a typical week (of) sales during this event."

In addition, Warren Tire hosted a dinner at the local restaurant for 30 people, including for senior leadership at Warren Tire and for longtime vendors, Goodyear and U.S. AutoForce (formerly Max Finkelstein Inc.).

Warren Tire received several plaques, Kellogg said, and workers and customers received special anniversary T-shirts.

"Every step of the way, (the event) exceeded our expectations," said Kellogg, who has been president of the company since 2007.

The Warren Tire president credits his "talented associates," vendors such as Goodyear, and most importantly, the support of his family, including his wife of 31 years, Ella, for fueling the dealership's success.

Warren Tire has grown from five employees to 150 today. Last year, Warren Tire ranked tied for No. 64 on the Tire Business list of Top Retail Dealerships by locations. It had sales of just under $30 million in fiscal 2021.

"We could not have done this without the founder Wayne's drive and the support from talented associates and vendors like Goodyear," Kellogg said. "We always have striven to surround the business with the best people and empower them to do their job to the best of their ability."

Warren Tire purchased a small building and property in Greenwich, N.Y., and is expanding that location. The dealership will add 14 parking spaces, three service bays and two more associates by the time the expanded facility opens in August 2023.

In addition, Kellogg said the dealership is leasing a 6,000 sq.-ft. truck center in Schenectady, starting June 1, in order to increase capabilities in the capital district market with commercial tires.

"These improvements will help boost another record year for Warren Tire," Kellogg said.

He said finding and retaining experienced technicians continue to be a challenge. The dealership is training from within and promoting younger workers as others retire.

He said consumers are trending toward lower tier brands, but the dealership often sells higher tier products once consumers are told "all the features and benefits they offer. Goodyear also has a very good rebate and credit card program with Citi Bank that helps tremendously."

Kellogg was the 2019 winner of the prestigious Tire Business Tire Dealer Humanitarian Medal, an honor given to a dealer who goes above and beyond for his or her community. Warren Tire continues to support a plethora of causes, including the Wait House, a shelter for homeless youths and a transitional home of mothers needing a place to stay.

"We continue with charity programs because they represent an important segment in our society," Kellogg said. "Give back."

Kellogg said customers tell his team that when the hear "Warren Tire," they "tell us they think of words like professional, quality, friendly, clean, hard working."

His advice to other independent dealers who are just starting out?

"You have to be in your business working every aspect of it on a consistent basis," he said. "It is a big commitment and sacrifice, but with discipline and good decisions, you can make it. You just have to out-perform your competition."