Joshua Singer
Warehouse Manager | K&M Tire Inc. | Age: 33
What was your first job in the industry?
I first started out in the tire industry as a delivery driver with Kansasland Tire. I was recruited by K&M Tire approximately a year later when I met one of the managers while on my route.
What attracted you to the industry?
I love to drive, so I was looking for a driving job.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
Being a part of K&M Tire’s acquisition of another company. It greatly impacted how my warehouse operated. It was a new process for everyone involved, so I had to band my team together and learn as I went to figure out what was the best course of action to make sure the job was done. If it weren't for my team of guys, it wouldn't have been possible and I'm grateful for their willingness to heed the call.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My relationship with Jesus Christ and the pastor of my church, Craig Groeschel, have had the biggest influence on my career. I seek guidance through studying God's word, the Holy Bible, and through leadership podcasts and sermons given by Craig. I'm not perfect by any means, but I try to give my best every day so that I can continue to grow as a person and leader.
What’s your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
Learning to do what I can with the resources I have and trusting God to help me take care of the things I can't control. I used this thinking to help me get through my biggest challenge. It might be considered my biggest accomplishment.
How do you spend your work day?
I manage the operations of an 80,000 square-foot. warehouse in Wichita, Kan. We have eight routes that are run out of the warehouse and seven full-time warehouse employees; four during the day and three that work overnight. I answer phone calls, talk to local customers, schedule incoming shipments, process e-mails and paperwork, help load and unload trucks, put up tires, and clean and organize the warehouse among other things!
What keeps you up at night?
Technology, learning and video games. I’m a night owl!
Early bird or night owl?
110% a night owl. I feel most productive and creative during the night. It’s quiet and peaceful.
Messy or neat freak?
Mostly a neat freak, but sometimes a messy neat freak; it may look messy, but I know what’s what, lol.
Growing up, what was your dream job?
Stunt driver for film and television. Still is and I believe it could still happen someday.
Tell us about your family.
My wife of nine years, Stephanie, and I have four children together. Two are still with us: Skysan, 8, and Avryn, 3; and two are waiting for us in heaven: Ellowyn and Aden.
Describe your first car and what you loved most about it.
My first car was a green 1994 Honda Accord LX Sedan. I loved that it had a manual transmission; that’s the best way to experience a car in my opinion.
What advice would you give your high school self?
Take more risks and try more things and trust God more. Don’t let fear have a stronghold in your life. Embrace failures as opportunities to learn.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Right now, I’d say my grandmother Jaqueline Simpson. We lost her to breast cancer when I was 12 years-old. We were very close. I would love to catch up and share with her all the ways I’ve grown and my accomplishments since we spoke. I’d love for her to meet her great-grandchildren.
Best way to spend a Saturday night:
I’m an outgoing introvert, so while I can sometimes be the life of the party, I very much value my alone time to recharge. You’ll usually find me playing a video game long into the night after the rest of the family is in bed.
What song do you crank up loud and always sing along to?
I mostly listen to music from the Electronica genre. There’s so many good ones, it’s hard to pick just one. I’ll just say almost anything by one of my favorite artists, Netsky.
What habit do you wish you could break?
Self-doubt. I have the tendency to doubt myself a lot and think I can’t do things, when it’s just not true. But I’m working on it by rejecting the lies from Satan with the truths from God. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!
What’s your secret superpower?
I used to be a gymnast, so I’m pretty flexible and can walk on my hands proficiently — not sure I can do the backflip anymore though. I also do automotive photography on the side. (http://jsingerphoto.com).
What game show would you most likely win?
Probably Wipeout. I was a stunt tester for the show once and considered the obstacles rather easy.
If we gave you $1,000 and one hour, how would you spend the money?
I’d tithe 10% then most likely try to find something to purchase for my computer or car.
How should the tire industry attract and retain more young talent?
With any industry, I believe you will attract and retain young talent by being genuine, authentic, upfront, kind, and respectful. The people and the relationships you build play a big part of that.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
In 20 years I’ll be in my 50s. Hopefully I’m retired or I’m working in the film industry making independent films with my brother.
What’s the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
I can’t say that I have an opinion on that, to be honest. I think there are many facets of the industry that I’ve not yet experienced to have an accurate answer for that question.
If you could spend a day supporting a charity, what would you do?
I’d probably volunteer my time for Bridget's Cradles, whose mission is to provide hospitals with knitted and crocheted cradles to hold babies who were born into Heaven in the second trimester of pregnancy. I can’t knit or crochet, but they have other services that they need volunteers for. My wife volunteers a lot and I help out when I can, if I’m not working.
If you could start a new career tomorrow, what would it be?
Something in the film industry, be it stunt driving, acting, photography, or any type of behind the scenes production work. My brother is a director and I’d love to work with him on future projects as his career grows.
