Tire Discounters Designs Growth through Expansion of Management Team

This entry was posted on Aug 28, 2014 by Tire Discounters.

Tire Discounters—the nation’s ninth-largest independent provider of tires and automotive services—today announced the expansion of its management team with four additions and two promotions. According to Paul Brunner, President and CEO of Tire Discounters, the investment in the company’s management infrastructure is executing on the company’s strategy for continued growth over the next three-five years.

“Tire Discounters has plans to open 12 new stores and remodel many existing stores over the course of the next 12 months. Our growth depends on retaining and recruiting the very best talent to serve our customers, our personnel, and our tire manufacturers. The new team members bring diversity, valuable experience and foresight that will help Tire Discounters continue to excel across various categories and markets,” explained Brunner. “If we are to grow the business and maintain our excellent customer service, we must have the right people on board.”

Among the changes to the company’s management team were the following:

Enrique Sanders joined as a Regional Manager. Sanders’ 23 years of experience include stints with an independent automotive dealer, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and TBC Corporation. The Columbia College graduate and member of the American Marketing Association is passionate about the growth of the company, direction and leadership team that surrounds the foundation.

Abbey Dryden has been named the Vice President of Communications.  The seasoned marketing and communications professional worked with some of the world’s best-known brands, including Pampers and Sunglass Hut, during her tenure at Procter & Gamble and Luxottica Retail North America, respectively. She received her MBA from Thomas More College.

Adam Hudak, Controller, joined the company following tenure at VRI, Contech Engineered Solutions and United Way. Adam is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Global Management Accountant and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. 

Mike Symon is filling a new role as Sr. Director of Market Research and Analytics. Mike’s background in Retailing (Target, Supervalu), Market Research (Nielsen), and CPG (Perfetti van Melle) will be leveraged as he helps form consumer-based growth strategies.  In his new role, Mike will lead research efforts and develop information partnerships with our manufacturing partners.  He received his MBA from Miami University - Oxford, Ohio.

Promotions from within include: 

Rafe Barber has been promoted to Director of Sales after having previously served as regional manager overseeing the company’s expansion into the greater Nashville area. The 2-time Regional Manager of the Year has been with the company since 2007.

Forry Hargitt has been promoted to Director of Training and Operations. Forry, who has served Tire Discounters since 2006, was previously the company’s director of sales and operations. This is the second promotion during his tenure with Tire Discounters, having also served as General Manager for five years.

Jamie Ward, Executive Vice President of Tire Discounters, noted Barber and Hargitt’s promotions continue the company’s history of recognizing and rewarding talent. “They are both dedicated professionals who bring a history of the company’s work ethic, deep industry experience and a commitment to stellar customer service to their respective roles. These promotions are well-deserved recognitions of their talents and contributions to our company,” said Ward.