Record-setting year fuels Point S into 2020

SAN DIEGO — The record-setting year that was 2019 will be difficult to top, but Walter Lybeck and his team at Point S Tire & Automotive Service USA have every intention of doing just that.

Last year, the independent dealer cooperative set records in sales, best month and number of locations added, Mr. Lybeck, the CEO of the group, and others in his management team told a group of more than 500 dealers and guests attending the recent Point S Annual Owners Meeting in San Diego.

By the numbers: Sales growth topped 10% and the network grew by 19 locations and into four new new states, expanding to 225 outlets in 22 states. Sales in October 2019 were the group's best monthly performance on record.

The conference was held at the Paradise Point Resort in San Diego, Feb. 20-22.

The banner year meant the co-op redistributed $5.5 million to the dealers within the group. The big year was helped, Mr. Lybeck said, by a robust promotion schedule with its preferred partners — Goodyear, Hankook Tire America Corp., Nokian Tyres P.L.C. and Toyo Tire USA Corp.

Toyo became a preferred partner last year after its decades-old exclusive distribution agreement with Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc. expired in early 2019.

"We have a unique, industry-leading partnerships with our tire manufacturing partners," Mr. Lybeck said. "Our members are intimately focused on providing their customers with tires that fit their driving habits and lifestyle needs, now more than ever.

"I feel like we have partnerships and programs that match that desire from our membership.

Point S was hosting a handful of prospective dealers during the meeting to give them a feel for the cooperative, and it is expected several will join.

"The barometer of our success was never clearer than it was in 2019, as seen with our new store and same-store sales growth," Point S COO Clint Young said. "The independent tire community can sniff out value. That's why it is essential that we provide tools that actually make a difference for the business."

Point S touted several tools it is rolling out to its network of dealers.

The most expansive is its proprietary All-Trac Platform, which provides support both for the stores and its customers throughout the purchasing cycle. Among its capabalities are: service bay management; scheduling; customer communication; and retention.

Steve Helstrom, director of information technology and operations at Point S, said designing platform in-house "means we know, understand and emphasize what's important when acquiring, communication and following up with customers."

Point S also reported success with its "No Stress with Point S" marking initiative that was launched last year. According to Devin Barr, Point S MBT marketing director, the tagline has become part of the group's DNA, prominent in stores, commercials and with customers.

"We were able to translate what stress-free tire buying and car maintenance means into our markets with true, authentic strategies," Mr. Barr said.

Mr. Lybeck said the Point S team is eyeing more success in 2020.

"We have lofty goals in supporting our existing members and pushing our footprint into new markets," Mr. Lybeck said. "The trajectory of our success doesn't have a finish line, (and) 2019 was fabulous year for our co-op. But, now, it's something we need to learn from, grow and beat in 2020."