From Tires to Touchdowns With Jack Limbaugh, President of Jack’s OK Tire Service
Release Date: 01/22/2025
Gain Traction
Joe Schafranek is an Account Manager at Tread Partners, a marketing agency focused on the tire and auto repair industry. With roots in Detroit and hands-on shop experience at Firestone and Big O, Joe brings a unique perspective to digital marketing through his understanding of both operations and data. Prior to Tread Partners, he helped grow BAIC and explored data-centric roles in the auto aftermarket. Today, Joe leverages that diverse background to help multi-location shops increase car count through performance-driven strategies. In this episode… Marketing in the auto repair industry often...
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Dan Kahn is the Founder and CEO of Kahn Media, a public relations and marketing agency based in Los Angeles specializing in the automotive aftermarket. A lifelong car enthusiast, Dan began his career at age 16 by pitching and landing magazine features on a Mustang he restored with his father. Before founding Kahn Media in 2008, he worked as an automotive journalist and launched digital content platforms. His latest book, The New Rules of the Road, outlines his philosophy on transparency, digital strategy, and authority marketing in a fast-evolving business world. In this episode… Trust and...
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Rob Howden is the Director of Business Development and Series Announcer for USF Pro Championship Racing. Known as “The Voice of the Series,” he has been a fixture in motorsports media for over 30 years. He’s also the founder of Howden Media Group and eKarting News, where he continues to cover karting events across North America. Rob’s passion for racing started in go-karts and has evolved into mentoring and following drivers from childhood through to professional careers in IndyCar and beyond. In this episode… Motorsports is not just about speed — it's about precision, development,...
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Mike Spagnola is President and CEO of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), a leading trade organization in the automotive aftermarket industry. With over 50 years of hands-on experience in the automotive world, Mike has been deeply involved in everything from car builds to legislative advocacy. Before leading SEMA, he built a career rooted in entrepreneurship and industry innovation, helping small businesses navigate evolving regulations. Today, he champions the interests of automotive enthusiasts and businesses, ensuring that the industry continues to thrive. In this episode… Joy...
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Nathan Rhodes is the Owner of Total Automotive, an independent auto repair shop based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With a background in machining and welding, Nathan’s passion for cars began as a teenager maintaining his own vehicle. After working his way up from an installer at Pep Boys to a skilled technician, he eventually opened his own shop in 2019. Today, he leads a tight-knit team focused on quality service, honesty, and building long-term customer relationships. In this episode… The auto repair industry has evolved dramatically with the complexities of late-model engines and rapid...
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Roy Littlefield IV is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association. In his role, Roy leads advocacy efforts across state and federal levels to support independent tire and auto repair shops. With deep roots in the industry — his father also served in TIA leadership — Roy has been involved in policy from a young age. He now champions initiatives like the Right to Repair Act, helping protect consumer choice and shop independence nationwide. In this episode… The modern vehicle repair landscape is becoming more exclusive, locking out independent repair shops and...
info_outlineJack Limbaugh is President of Jack's OK Tire Service, a family-owned tire service business based in Algona, Iowa. Under his leadership, the company has expanded significantly, now operating multiple locations and providing exceptional customer service to agricultural and commercial customers. Jack is passionate about college football, with a rich family history of involvement in the sport, including his sons and grandsons playing at the university level.
In this episode…
What does it take to transform a small-town tire service into a flourishing multi-location business? How can a commitment to community and a strong family legacy guide success over decades?
According to Jack Limbaugh of Jack's OK Tire Service, his family's business, founded in 1952, expanded through strategic growth and strong community ties. Jack describes how his father's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach set the foundation for their success. His father empowered employees to take ownership of new locations, fostering a culture of opportunity and loyalty. Jack highlights how the business has adapted over the years, embracing technology and expanding service offerings to meet the evolving needs of their agricultural and commercial clients.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge chats with Jack about the evolution and legacy of a family-owned tire service. He offers insights into navigating growth in a small-town business. Jack shares personal anecdotes, such as his father’s participation in key historical events and strategies for expanding the business while maintaining a family-oriented approach. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running a multi-generational enterprise and the role of faith and community in driving success.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [01:44] How a chance meeting sparked this podcast episode
- [02:34] The college football legacy within Jack Limbaugh’s family
- [06:02] Jack discusses his father's entrepreneurial spirit post-World War II
- [11:59] The risk Jack's father took to start his business
- [20:25] How Jack's family-oriented approach impacts the business
- [22:25] The mantra guiding Jack's company ethos every day
- [26:44] Why Jack was a perfect fit for the podcast
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Jack Limbaugh on LinkedIn
- Jack’s OK Tire Service
- Eric Crouch
- Tom Osborne
- Mike Edge on LinkedIn
- Tread Partners
Quotable Moments:
- "My dad's first sales job was selling the guy into selling him the business."
- "After you've been through World War 2, that's nothing, right?"
- "Jack's Tire and Service: Our family cares for your family's tires."
- "We've been here. God's blessed us, and we just try to be good stewards of His blessing."
- "Whatever we do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God."
Action Steps:
- Foster a family-oriented work environment: Emphasizing a family culture within your business can enhance employee loyalty and satisfaction.
- Adapt and evolve with industry changes: Ensure that your business remains competitive and relevant, addressing challenges like changing technology and market demands.
- Invest in employee growth and opportunities: Providing opportunities for employees to take ownership or grow within the company can foster a motivated and driven team.
- Engage actively in community and networks: Being involved in community organizations and maintaining a strong local presence can enhance your leadership presence and business credibility.
- Maintain resilience and optimism in leadership: This attitude helps leaders navigate difficult times and seize opportunities, fostering a forward-thinking and resilient mindset in their teams.
Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners.
At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops.
By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.
We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches.
So, what are you waiting for?
Visit www.treadpartners.com or email [email protected] to learn more.