More than 700 Big O Tires LLC franchise owners, managers, corporate associates and vendors recently gathered in Las Vegas, Nev. for the annual Big O Tires convention.
Throughout the convention the message of 'Raising the Stakes' was heard loud and clear by all in attendance. In addition to identifying sales objectives and opportunities, Big O Tires’ CEO and Executive Vice President Kevin Kormondy addressed the team’s goals to continue strengthening the brand through a relevant advertising campaign with targeted messaging. He also unveiled the organization’s revamped mission, vision and values statement reminding all in attendance about Big O Tires’ commitment to customers, associates and the communities they serve.
The overarching goal of the Big O Tires annual convention is for franchisees to learn and share valuable ideas they can bring back to their individual store teams and incorporate into everyday business operations. Big O Tires, a subsidiary of TBC Corp., is committed to exceeding consumer expectations and providing franchise owners with the operational tools to succeed in their distinctive business model.
Attendees had the opportunity to interact with fellow attendees and share best practices; hear an overall evaluation of 2014 and a game plan for 2015 from the Big O Tires leadership team; celebrate the victories of fellow franchisees during the annual awards ceremony; and interact with 90 vendors during the tradeshow, which occupied more than 90,000 square feet of space.
TBC CEO and President Erik Olsen addressed the importance of Big O Tires to TBC and the growth opportunities on the horizon for the entire organization.
“TBC continues to expand our offerings and services to our customers and franchisees to further solidify our industry leading position,” Olsen said. “Big O Tires is an integral part of our operations and is well-positioned for sustainable growth.”
Brant Wilson, TBC senior vice president of franchise, reinforced the strength of the brand and the future of the Big O enterprise.
“For over 50 years, Big O Tires has worked diligently to be the team you trust in your community,” Wilson said. “As the organization continues to grow and expand its footprint, it will be brand recognition created through an award winning advertising campaign, an underlying commitment to exceeding customer expectations and knowledge of the industry that will propel Big O Tires to the next level.”
The keynote speaker was Sean Tuohy, a franchisee extraordinaire widely recognized from the 2009 film "The Blind Side." His advice to the audience was to take risks; after all, his whole life changed when he took a risk and welcomed Michael Oher, now an offensive lineman in the National Football League, into his family. Taking risks also propelled him to be the successful franchisee he is today. He currently owns more than 90 franchises primarily in the restaurant industry. Tuohy said, “You can make a difference…it starts with you."
Convention attendees had the opportunity to contribute to the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund. This year, nearly $50,000 was raised.
The following awards were presented during the convention's awards ceremony:
Point Of Light Award went to Scott Koldenhoven, a second-generation Big O Tires owner and partner in 13 stores in Colorado and New Mexico with nearly 20 years in the business. The Point of Light Award recognizes extraordinary franchisees that have contributed to the organization with their knowledge, expertise and dedication.
2014 IFA Franchisee of the Year was presented to Kent and Kory Coleman, two brothers who joined the Big O Tires team in 2006 and now own and operate four stores throughout the state of Utah.
Standing “O” Awards - Each year at the convention, Big O Tires recognizes franchisees and corporate associates for going above and beyond to support the Big O Tires community, whether it's by serving on committees, helping fellow franchisees and team members or providing outstanding customer service. Winners include: Don Helphrey, a franchise business consultant; Brent Blevins, a Big O Tires franchisee for more than 25 years and member of Big O Tires' marketing advisory committee; Rod Schmidt, Big O Tires franchisee in Casper, Wyo.; Laura McLaughlin, director of franchise finance and accounting; Anthony Shay, a leader with more than 15 years in the organization who started as a service manager and now is working for a new Big O Tires franchisee; Mike Kinnen, former vice president of operations who recently retired; and Jim Miller, former divisional director of operations for Big O Tires and now a Big O Tires franchisee in Northern California.
The Platinum Performer Award is new in 2015 and was presented to Tom Huls of Yucca Valley, Calif., for his commitment to exceeding expectations in everything that he does.
For more information, visit www.BigOTires.com.
