loader from loading.io

The Art of Building Relationships With Scott Bishop of Sailun Tires Americas

Gain Traction

Release Date: 03/19/2025

Marketing Strategies To Boost Bay Traffic With Joe Schafranek of Tread Partners show art Marketing Strategies To Boost Bay Traffic With Joe Schafranek of Tread Partners

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...

info_outline An Open and Honest Approach to Marketing With Dan Kahn of Kahn Media show art An Open and Honest Approach to Marketing With Dan Kahn of Kahn Media

Gain Traction

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...

info_outline Legacy and Innovation With Dennis Feldman, Keleyah Miller and Justin Pursell of ITDG Next Gen show art Legacy and Innovation With Dennis Feldman, Keleyah Miller and Justin Pursell of ITDG Next Gen

Gain Traction

Dennis Feldman is the Chair of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and a third-generation operator at Performance Plus Tire, a family-owned business in Long Beach, California which specializes in classic car tires and aftermarket wheels. Keleyah Miller is the Vice Chair of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and part of the third generation at Main Street Tire in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she and her siblings are leading a company that is now 80% wholesale. Justin Pursell serves as Secretary of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and oversees commercial, wholesale, and retread operations at Bergey’s...

info_outline Secrets to Scaling Your Auto Service Business With Joe Tomarchio Jr. of FOCUS Investment Banking show art Secrets to Scaling Your Auto Service Business With Joe Tomarchio Jr. of FOCUS Investment Banking

Gain Traction

Joe Tomarchio Jr. is a Managing Director at FOCUS Investment Banking, where he specializes in helping auto service businesses scale and prepare for acquisition. Before joining FOCUS, Joe co-founded and scaled a 26-location tire and auto service chain, generating over $50M in revenue before selling it to Monro. With over 65 major acquisitions under his belt, he is one of the most seasoned professionals in the industry. Joe now consults for private equity firms and dealers seeking exponential growth or strategic exits. In this episode… Auto service businesses often undervalue their labor,...

info_outline Driving Success as a Family Business With Steven and Susan Moss of Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive show art Driving Success as a Family Business With Steven and Susan Moss of Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive

Gain Traction

Steven and Susan Moss are the owners of Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive, a three-location tire and automotive repair business in Burlington, North Carolina. Steven, who took over the business from his father in 2009, brings a hands-on background in automotive repair and business operations. Susan, after managing military contracts in her family's hosiery business, joined Steven full-time, catalyzing the company's growth and operational evolution. Together, they’ve become prominent leaders in the Tire Pros network, with Susan now serving as the first female Chair of the National Dealer...

info_outline Why Racing and Auto Shops Go Hand in Hand With Rob Howden of USF Pro Racing show art Why Racing and Auto Shops Go Hand in Hand With Rob Howden of USF Pro Racing

Gain Traction

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,...

info_outline How To Build a Culture While Scaling Fast With Logan Leslie of Main Street Auto show art How To Build a Culture While Scaling Fast With Logan Leslie of Main Street Auto

Gain Traction

Logan Leslie is the Founder and CEO of Main Street Auto, a fast-growing network of tire and auto repair shops across the United States. After serving over eight years in the military, Logan pursued a joint law and business degree, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures. He launched Main Street Auto in 2021, starting with a single location and scaling to nearly 100 shops in under four years. Logan is also a passionate advocate for hiring veterans, building culture, and redefining leadership in the blue-collar business world. In this episode… The tire and auto repair...

info_outline How SEMA Supports Tire Shops and Small Businesses With Mike Spagnola of SEMA show art How SEMA Supports Tire Shops and Small Businesses With Mike Spagnola of SEMA

Gain Traction

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...

info_outline From Food Service to Repair Shop Ownership With Nathan Rhodes of Total Automotive show art From Food Service to Repair Shop Ownership With Nathan Rhodes of Total Automotive

Gain Traction

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...

info_outline Right To Repair With Roy Littlefield IV, VP of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association show art Right To Repair With Roy Littlefield IV, VP of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association

Gain Traction

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_outline
 
More Episodes

Scott Bishop is the Vice President of Passenger and Light Truck Tire Sales for the independent channel at Sailun Tire Americas, which specializes in offering a diverse range of tire brands. He has a wealth of experience in the tire industry, having worked his way up through other reputable companies like Bridgestone and Falken Tire over the years. Scott developed a passion for cars early on building motors and drag racing with his father.

In this episode…

Scaling an automotive business requires open communication and a focus on value. What is the key to success in the tire industry?

According to Scott Bishop, Vice President of Passenger and Light Truck Tire Sales for the independent channel at Salem Tire Americas, success comes from building relationships, providing value, and focusing on existing customers more than pursuing new ones. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and offering data-driven solutions to grow your business. Scott also notes the importance of open communication, even when addressing difficult issues.

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Scott to discuss his career in the tire industry, which started with his love of cars and has led him through sales, retail, and management positions. They talk about the value segment of the tire market, as well as building relationships with customers.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [02:15] Scott Bishop details his unforgettable first encounter with Mike Edge
  • [05:10] The challenges and joys of running a tire store
  • [06:14] Why relationships are vital in the tire industry
  • [15:58] The growth potential within your existing customer base
  • [19:17] Memorable stories from Scott's adventurous tire career
  • [25:59] Scott's favorite travel destinations and culinary experiences

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments: 

  • "The quality of our product is really, really good. I would compare it to a tier two all day long."
  • "Relationships are everything. That's why I enjoy this part of the business; there's so many people I communicate with daily that I really like."
  • "We're not looking to sign new independent dealers. We're just looking to grow with what we have."
  • "If you want good food, go to Louisiana. It makes my mouth water just saying the name."
  • "People want the straight story. They don't want to go around the situation to get to it."

Action Steps: 

  1. Build and maintain strong relationships: By fostering genuine relationships with clients and colleagues, you can create a supportive network that helps navigate challenges and enhances your professional life.
  2.  Embrace continuous learning and adaptability: Staying curious and adaptable allows you to seize new opportunities and remain competitive in a constantly evolving market.
  3. Leverage data to identify growth opportunities: Using granular data can uncover potential growth areas for existing customers, ensuring you’re meeting the needs of your clients more accurately.
  4. Approach challenges with transparency and directness: Addressing issues head-on builds trust and credibility with clients, establishing a reputation for honesty and integrity.
  5. Diversify your interests and experiences: Having diverse experiences can make you more versatile and resourceful, allowing you to tackle challenges from different angles and adapt to new situations more effectively.

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.