Tommy Schadl
Outside sales representative | K&M Tire Inc. | Aurora, Ohio | Age: 24
What was your first job in the industry?
I started at K&M Tire as a warehouse employee.
What attracted you to the industry?
Both my dad and my uncle work in the industry. Their work sparked my interest!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
Being a young sales rep, overcoming the challenge of earning trust and respect since I may look young and inexperienced. I've had to prove my experience and capabilities.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My dad. His guidance, work ethic and leadership has had a huge influence on my career.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
Being trusted by K&M Tire to build my network and community. As a result, I was promoted twice in two years and chosen to be part of a leadership training program within our company.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
Building and maintaining relationships with my customers while simultaneously trying to find new opportunities for them to grow their business. Other responsibilities include: managing accounts, supporting customers, resolving issues that may arise, collaborating with other departments throughout our organization, and making the customer the most important person in our business.
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
The amount of selfless support I get within our organization without any of them wanting recognition. They help solely because our goal is making our customer the most important part of our company.
Tell us about your family.
I have an incredible support system. I am from a very large family as is my wife, so we definitely feel loved and supported. I got married in June 2024 and just found out that my wife is pregnant and I will become a dad in 2025!
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
The ability to have the most effective time management skills so that I can balance more tasks and maximize productivity.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Dependable.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
I love my career and I hope to advance within the company over time.
What's the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
SKU proliferation which makes it difficult to have the most accurate inventory.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid I wanted to play in the NFL.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
I usually go home and work out, or my wife and I take our dog for a long walk.
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
My main goal was to advance within the company which is a goal that I have completed this year. An additional goal is for continuous improvement and increasing knowledge in my new position.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
In 20 years I hope to have the opportunity to lead a high performing sales team and help develop as many individuals as possible.
