Nick Dougherty
Regional Retail Business Consultant | Tire Pros/American Tire Distributors Inc. | Age: 32
What was your first job in the industry?
I was a lot porter at a car dealership and boy was it eye opening. I did not know what I was getting myself into. I did everything from cleaning toilets to directing traffic and washing cars. I learned very quickly that I not only loved working in this industry, but watching others and gaining knowledge from them helped me succeed.
What attracted you to the industry?
Growing up watching fast cars on the track, and I have always liked working with people. Also, being able to help someone and make sure they are safe on the road is a great feeling.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
Having to step back in certain situations when I could help is tough from a consulting standpoint — especially coming from a fast-paced tire retail environment.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My peers starting out in this industry have had the biggest influence on my career. Learning from them and using those tools have helped me get to where I am today.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
Being able to train about the industry and empower everyone to have the passion and drive that I had when I started. Also being able to share my success stories with my fellow Tire Pros locations.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your work day?
I am a Tire Pros regional business consultant and I help independent business owners grow their businesses. My responsibilities include a wide assortment of tasks ranging from sales training to increasing bottom line profits.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Golfing on courses I never would have been able to in my prime. Maybe traveling on a flying car that needs tires. We should dream big, right?
What’s the biggest issue facing the industry today?
Technology. It is always changing and you have to be on top of it or you won’t be in the game in today’s society.
What’s the one thing you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
How elaborate this field can be. The knowledge and technology is always changing, and it's a lot of work to keep on top of it.
What class(es) do you wish you had paid more attention to in high school?
I wish I would have paid more attention to math and English.
Tell us about your family.
I have a beautiful wife and an amazing son who has his mother’s good looks. My son loves trucks and cars, so why not start them early in the business.
What’s your favorite weekend activity?
I love spending time with my family as they are always the most important in life. I also love to do outdoor activities, including fishing and golfing.
What keeps you up at night?
Sometimes the dog next door.
How do you encourage others to enter the industry?
Work hard and have a positive attitude and this industry can take you anywhere you want to go. Learn from your mistakes and use them to your advantage.
Tell us something about yourself others might not know.
I almost went professional in bowling, but I made more money as an amateur because I didn’t have to travel as much.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies. The whole box.
Name a talent you wish you had.
To hit a golf ball 400-plus yards.
What’s your favorite food?
Pizza and some frozen yogurt.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
My deceased grandfather. I never got to meet him and was told he was an inspiration to my family and more.
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
The ice cream truck that would come through our neighborhood and everyone on our block would chase it down.
If we took your cell phone away and said it would cost you $1,000 to get it back, how long would you survive until you paid the ransom?
A few hours as I would need to contact my family.
Other than your cell phone, what’s a tool you must have to get through a work day?
A positive attitude and my work computer.
