The induction of retired tire dealer Bob Holley into the Louisiana Independent Tire Dealers Association (LITDA) Hall of Fame was one of the highlights of the association's annual convention and trade show, held recently in Lafayette, La.
Holley, former owner of Bob Holley Tires of Baton Rouge, La., was one of original two dealers who signed the association's charter in 1971.
The induction was followed by a retirement "roast" of Executive Director Norman Rhea, who announced his retirement last November. Nicknamed "Stormin' Norman," Rhea has served the association for more than 20 years.
Another highlight of the convention was an insightful round table discussion, led by Dennis Richard Jr., general manager and partner of Twin Tire in Harvey, La., and the LITDA's educational director. He was joined by Larry Morgan, the Tire Industry Association’s incoming president.
"Nearly every facet of our business, from marketing, personnel, legal issues, sales mix, shop flow, critical income statement percentiles and more, were covered in the discussions," says LITDA President Charles Gowland.
The convention, the largest in the LITDA's history, was attended by more than 300 dealers and guests. More than 40 suppliers, ranging from parts and equipment suppliers to computer software representatives, participated in the trade show.
