Erik Jandreau
Director of merchandising and logistics | VIP Tires & Service | Auburn, Maine | Age: 38
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job was with VIP back in 2004 as a senior in high school. I was hired as a part-time parts counter associate back when VIP was selling parts over the counter.
What attracted you to the industry?
When I was in high school I had a two-wheel drive Chevy pickup with the wide tires and loud exhaust and I thought that was the best thing, so I figured I’d like to work somewhere that had all the things I was into back then. As I got more acquainted with tires I enjoyed learning more and getting better at selling them.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced really wasn’t a challenge more than a decision. The decision to uproot my family and move away to pursue this career. It had its challenges and ups and downs, but it has definitely been a great decision for me and my family.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Tim Winkeler and Gary MacCausland have had the biggest influence on my career. From pushing me and my wife out of our comfort zone to move and make a huge career change, to supporting me in my professional development. Also, my wife for supporting me in this journey as this hasn’t just been a change for me, but for her and our kids as well.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
At the end of 2023 our company made a change from TBC Corp., who we had been partnered with for close to 40 years, to Tireco Inc. As we started to make this change, I took over the department. Shortly after this we made the decision to move our warehousing locations to better serve our retail locations. Overseeing both of these tasks and having successfully executed them was a great accomplishment, but one I couldn’t have completed without a great team surrounding me.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
I oversee the merchandise department and manage the logistics partnership we have with U.S. AutoForce. I have five great team members who make my life easier! A typical day usually has me in about 17 Excel spreadsheet at any given time, but also working to come up with new ways to support our stores, build better relationships with our partners, and continue to grow.
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
How things continue to change and evolve even when you think you have a grasp on it.
Tell us about your family.
My wife Amanda has given us three great kids. My son Brady, and two daughters, Brooklynn and Belle. My wife is currently in nursing school so she can make the next leap forward in her career.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
Better conversationalist.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Problem-solver.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
Pilot. I always thought it would be cool to fly a plane.
What's the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
In my opinion it’s the external factors that we have no control over. Things have been so unstable that it’s hard to confidently predict anything moving forward. Coupling that with an unstable economy and record inflation, it’s not a great mix.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Game warden.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
Relax at home.
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
Going into this year my goal really was to make sure all the changes we had planned went off without issue. So far that goal has been achieved.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
In 20 years I hope to be an influential voice in the tire industry, but I’ll also be eyeing the end of the road hopefully for my career to enjoy life after work.
