Manuel Gomez
Service Manager | Big O Tires | Age: 25
What was your first job in the industry?
Working for my grandfather's shop at the age of 15 is what first piqued my interest and passion for the automotive field.
What attracted you to the industry?
Seeing my grandfather work on cars and my other grandfather's old pictures of circle track racing.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
Keeping up with the changing technology and advancements to automotive systems.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My family.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
Developing and maintaining growth for multiple Big O Tire stores in the Tucson area.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your work day?
I spend most of my day assisting customers in the front office as well as helping with repairs in the back shop.
What’s one thing you wish someone would have told you before you took your current job?
How busy it was and how hot it gets as compared to the shops I worked in while living in Wisconsin.
Tell us about your family.
I am happily married to my wife Danielle with a little one on the way!
What did you learn about yourself in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic?
I learned that I chose to go into a great career path. During the pandemic mechanics were still a position that needed to be filled.
Name a talent you wish you had.
I wish i could play golf better
How do you recover from a bad or stressful day?
Usually I like to unwind by going to the gym.
What’s the best book you’ve read lately?
I am more of an article reader. I read how there are drones in Saudi Arabia that make synthetic rain by running electricity through the clouds. It blew my mind.
What’s your favorite, can’t-miss podcast?
Dave Ramsey.
If you won an Olympic gold medal, how would you have earned it? (You can make up a sport.)
Having the most reasons to ask for a raise.
What’s the biggest issue facing the industry today?
The biggest issue facing the industry is a mix between the advancements of technology and the lack of skilled/willing workers.
What advice would you give to tire dealers who are desperate to find good employees?
I would say recruit younger people to pique their interest into the industry. We are going to have to train the next generation of mechanics.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Still working at Big O Tires and selling real estate.
