Nate Shingleton
General manager, business development | Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC | Age: 32
What was your first job in the industry?
I started my career in the tire industry as a commercial sales representative.
What attracted you to the industry?
Growing up in the Akron, Ohio, area I was always surrounded by family and friends who worked in the tire industry. My grandfather spent his 35-plus year career working for a major tire manufacturer and traveling the world. I always admired his drive and passion for the industry.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
I was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer in January of 2022. From January through June of 2022, I underwent five days of chemotherapy every two weeks at the Cleveland Clinic. I was able to successfully work remotely between Nashville and Cleveland during the six months of treatment. At the end of June I was officially in remission and cancer free! Over the course of those six months, I learned a lot about myself and what it means to overcome adversity.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
There have been many teammates and leaders who have influenced me in so many positive ways, but one that stands out is LaTres Jarrett. LaTres brought me into marketing after most of my early career was spent in commercial sales. She played a pivotal role as not just a great leader and coach, but a mentor and a friend. LaTres kept up with my treatments and sent care packages for each round of chemotherapy I went through - Garrett's popcorn from Chicago, fun dress socks, and all the sports/motivational books I could absorb. She defines what it means to be a great leader in our industry.
What’s your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
As the brand manager for Bandag in 2018, our marketing team successfully launched the MaxTread brand. MaxTread was created with the small/medium fleet in mind to address our fleet base that are price led value seekers as well as give tire dealerships the ability to compete against low cost import tires. While introducing the new MaxTread brand, the character "Max" had evolved. This fun cartoon character soon became the face of our MaxTread brand and because we shared similarities in appearance, many teammates and customers would soon refer to me as Max!
