Cody Benton
Retail management and business analytics | Blacks Tire Service Inc. | Lake Waccamaw, N.C. | Age: 24
What was your first job in the industry?
This job with BTS was my first job out of college! I have been fortunate to step into my family’s tire business and help grow it as part of the third generation.
What attracted you to the industry?
I developed a strong interest in the industry, having been surrounded by it my entire life. My grandparents own the company, and my father serves as the vice president of Black's Tire, which gave me first-hand exposure to the operations and culture that has been established.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
One of the biggest challenges I faced starting out of college has been transitioning into the real-world dynamics of the industry. Quickly adapting to the demands of the workplace, managing expectations, and taking on responsibilities that I hadn’t had to deal with in school are some challenges that I have been focusing on so far.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My dad has been the biggest influence on my career. Watching his dedication, leadership and passion for the family business inspired me to pursue it and try to grow it. His guidance, both professionally and personally, has shaped my work ethic and taught me the importance of being coachable in baseball growing up and throughout college as well as relationships being the foundation of our business.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
As I am new to the industry I would have to say getting others on board with new ideas and a way to grow and adapt to challenges we face in the industry.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
Since starting with my family business, I have been on a training program working in various markets across the Carolinas which consists of visiting and working in retail and commercial stores learning the demands of the industry. I’m also working in different departments in the family business learning and trying to figure out ways to make jobs easier and more efficient.
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
The biggest surprise has been realizing how different each store can be. Every location has its own unique way of operating, from team relationships to local challenges as well. What works well at one store might not be as effective at another, which has taught me the importance of flexibility and finding strategies to fit the specific needs of each market.
Tell us about your family.
My family is very passionate about the tire industry. My grandparents Ricky and Dianne started at Black’s Tire from working one service station and building something special. My Dad, Rick Jr., is the vice president of BTS and is head of purchasing and overall wholesale operations for BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors. My dad and his two brothers, Ryan and Jeremy, have helped play huge roles in building Black’s in the past 20-25 years.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
If I could wake up tomorrow with one skill, I would choose advanced knowledge in artificial intelligence. Mastering AI could empower me to leverage its potential across various applications, from optimizing retail operations to automating and making jobs more efficient. This skill would put us over the top but also enable us to drive meaningful change and efficiency in daily operations.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Dedicated.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
I just couldn’t see myself doing anything different as my family’s business is 95 years old and my family spent their whole lives building it from the ground up, so I want to do what I can to build it and keep it strong.
What's the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
The biggest issue would be economic uncertainty which has lead to reduced customer spending. Selling our tier-one products and selling our service has been important for us in the past year.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up I wanted to be a Major League Baseball player. I grew up playing baseball and ended up playing five years of college baseball which was a blessing and allowed me to learn the importance of working as a team, being coachable, always striving to get better and having a work ethic.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
I unwind after a stressful day by grilling or spending time with my soon-to-be-wife and dog!
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
My goal for this year is to earn respect by jumping into the business and working alongside each team in the stores. I would say I am on track as long as I stay consistent and work hard each day (and remain) willing to learn and grow.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
I hope to be running the business along with my brothers and continuing my family’s business and legacy in the tire industry!
