Justin Cogdill
Managing Director | Border Tire LLC | Age: 30
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job in the industry was a service advisor for the truck and trailer dealership side of our business.
What attracted you to the industry?
My family has always been in the truck dealership business so that's where I started. When our parent company, Border International, decided to get into the tire business, I quickly realized it was something that I was interested in and that I enjoyed.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
The biggest challenge that I have faced so far would be the recent acquisition of two TCi locations in Arizona. We have grown very quickly but we are still a relatively small group. Adding two full service locations in Phoenix and Tucson at one time has been extremely demanding.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
There will have to be two answers for this question. First, my father who introduced me to the truck dealership world. He helped guide me through multiple positions in the truck dealership, ultimately becoming a branch manager in Las Cruces, N.M. Second, our Senior Director Jimmy Jones. He took a risk as a very experienced and sought after individual and joined a company that is new to the industry. He has helped us every step of the way and continues to teach us all daily.
What’s your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
My biggest accomplishment in the industry so far would be the rapid growth of our company in the last year. We have gone from about 10 employees with one location to five full service commercial tire locations, an Oliver retread plant, and over 60 employees. And we are not planning on slowing down.
How do you spend your work day?
Currently I am responsible for the entire Border Tire group. Most of my time is spent working with the team to develop plans on business growth, as well as implementing these plans.
What keeps you up at night?
NOTHING. I sleep like a rock! I start early and try to do as much as possible in a day so I can pretty much fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
Early bird or night owl?
Definitely an early bird! At the gym at 4:30am every week day!
Messy or neat freak?
Neat freak! Please don’t leave fingerprints on my desk….
Growing up, what was your dream job?
Engineer! I have a software engineering degree, but I obviously don’t use it! it wasn’t quite what I thought it would be.
Tell us about your family.
Amazing! Very close family that has been through a lot together but we always have each other’s back.
Describe your first car and what you loved most about it.
My first car was actually a Ford Bronco. I didn’t have it long because it had a lot of issues, but it was fun to drive.
What advice would you give your high school self?
Try more things!
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Andy Frisella. If you don’t know who he is, look him up! Especially his podcast!
Best way to spend a Saturday night: out on the town or home alone binge watching shows? (or something else)
Sitting outside on a patio with friends and family!
What song do you crank up loud and always sing along to?
Depends on the day and what the goals are. If I have a lot to do and need to get pumped up something loud with a lot of screaming!
What habit do you wish you could break?
Drinking coffee all day every day.
What’s your secret superpower?
I already told you! I can fall asleep before my head hits the pillow!
What game show would you most likely win?
Family Feud definitely!
If we gave you $1,000 and one hour, how would you spend the money?
Not the most exciting answer, but invest it!
How should the tire industry attract and retain more young talent?
Find a way to show them that there is a LOT more to this industry than what most people think.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Selling a lot of tires!
What’s the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
As a retreader, I would say import tires.
If you could spend a day supporting a charity, what would you do?
Anything to help MD Anderson. They do amazing things and deserve any help they can get.
If you could start a new career tomorrow, what would it be?
Cancer doctor.
