Tony Suglio
Director of strategic distribution for commercial solutions | Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC | Age: 37
What was your first job in the industry?
I worked as a territory manager for another manufacturer straight out of college.
What attracted you to the industry?
I was a student at the University of Akron and with Akron, Ohio, being the rubber capital of the world, I had the opportunity to learn more about the industry and the different companies in the business. The people I had met were genuine and excited about the business, so I wanted in!
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
I would say the biggest challenge I have had in my career was in those first 18 months, learning the business. There is so much to learn to get up to speed in order to become a valuable resource to the fleet, the dealer and my company. I still learn something new every day.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
It would be hard to narrow down to one individual. I have had so many managers who have motivated, coached and inspired me in this business. Each of them has left their imprint on how I approach my work and they have all influenced my career in some way.
What’s your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
My biggest accomplishment in this industry is that I have been able to live in different parts of the United States and work with so many different dealers, fleets and Bridgestone teammates. The relationships I have cultivated these last 14 years have made all the moving worth it!
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your work day?
In my current role, I manage our business development managers who support our largest Bridgestone/Bandag commercial dealers and truck stops in the U.S. We collaborate through both tactical and strategic initiatives to grow our businesses and ensure we are supporting our end user customers across all channels.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Jodi, and I have been married for seven years currently living in Nashville, Tenn. We have two English Bulldogs named Benson and Vito. They are the best!
How do you recover from a bad or stressful day?
Normally, after a stressful day, I try to get away from my home office and take the dogs for a walk or drive around Nashville with my wife. It is best to leave the phone and emails at home and get away to recharge.
Name one thing you wish the average American better understood about the tire industry.
While most would say it is not glamorous, I wish people had a better understanding of how great the industry really is. It is fun, challenging and tires are a vital component to our economy.
If you could have lunch with a celebrity, who would it be, and why?
Ryan Day, Coach of Ohio State’s Football team. I am a huge Buckeyes fan.
Name a talent you wish you had.
I wish I could be better at golf. I need to commit more time to it!
What’s the biggest issue facing the industry today?
I would say recruiting and retaining talent. There is a lot of competition across different industries so gaining new talent and then being able to keep that talent is getting harder by the year.
Tell us your biggest pet peeve.
When people drive way below the speed limit in the left lane and don’t let you pass.
What’s the best book you’ve read lately?
“The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho
If a tire dealer asked you for advice to find good employees, what would you suggest?
Try to be involved as much as possible with local colleges to find talent. This is an amazing industry and the more recruitment that can be had at the beginning of one’s career journey, the better. I was recruited directly out of college and I am grateful that I had the opportunity.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Hopefully celebrating my 27th year of marriage and 33rd year at Bridgestone while preparing to retire and travel the world.
