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

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 Council.

In this episode…

Family-run businesses are the heartbeat of many industries, including automotive service and repair. Growing from one location to three while balancing family, legacy, and leadership challenges requires grit, planning, and deep support systems. What lessons can other shop owners learn from a husband-and-wife team who grew their business through heart and hustle?

According to Susan and Steven Moss, who own and operate Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive, success comes from building community, embracing mentorship, and working through the numbers. From joining Tire Pros to implementing lessons from a 20 Group, they transformed their family business by leaning into smart processes and strategic relationships. Their journey offers a blueprint for growth-minded entrepreneurs.

On this episode of Gain Traction, host Mike Edge welcomes Steven and Susan for a conversation about growing a multi-location tire business, the transition from technician to leader, and the power of industry networking. They share the sacrifices behind their success, how joining Tire Pros and a 20 Group transformed their business, and why trusting your team is essential for growth.

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

• [01:39] The origin of Wilson Tire Pros 
• [04:11] Why Susan Moss’ full-time involvement helped accelerate business expansion
• [08:18] How joining Tire Pros supported early growth through marketing and discounts
• [09:44] The impact of working with a dedicated Tire Pros marketing manager
• [13:38] Steven Moss’ unorthodox but successful journey to ASE certification
• [20:45] The personal sacrifices and teamwork that fueled early growth
• [26:48] Why growing from one to two locations is the hardest jump

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Steven Moss on LinkedIn
• Susan Moss on LinkedIn 
• Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive 
• Tire Pros
• 20 Groups
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Tread Partners

Quotable Moments: 

• "It’s not rocket science — just treat people the way you want to be treated."
• "Every car should be treated like it belongs to Grandma Moss: everything it needs, nothing it doesn't."
• "Our biggest asset is knowing every job in the shop — our worst asset is also knowing every job in the shop."
• "The jump from one to two locations is the scariest, but it’s also the most important step."
• "We couldn’t have grown this business without each other’s full support, both at home and at work."

Action Steps: 

1. Leverage your network for support: Cultivate relationships in the industry for guidance and encouragement.
2. Transition out of technician mode: Focus on leadership and growth by training and trusting your team to take on responsibilities.
3. Use business metrics to guide decisions: Learn your KPIs, understand your numbers, and manage your shop with data, not guesswork.
4. Join a business peer group: Consider a 20 Group or similar cohort to share best practices and gain accountability from like-minded shop owners.
5. Balance family and business intentionally: Create routines and backup systems at home and at work to support long-term sustainability.

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.