Troy Altman
Customer service representative | Atturo Tire Corp. | Waukegan, Ill. | Age: 31
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job within the industry was a warehouse associate at Atturo.
What attracted you to the industry?
Owning a Wrangler, I have always liked the look of aggressive looking tires. Getting in with a company that has great looking a quality tires was even better.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
My biggest challenge so far in my career was to get rid of the warehouse label I had on me when I transitioned into the office. Once that happened, I became one of the people counted on within the walls of Atturo.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
There are a few. There was my friend who convinced me to apply for the job in the first place. However, the biggest influence on my career has to be those in leadership positions; Karl and Michael. They’ve given me the responsibility and positive encouragement to continue to grow with the company.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
My biggest accomplishment so far, because I know there will be more and bigger, is becoming a five-tool player. Being able to assist with our accounting, marketing and sales department at a moment’s notice, on top of being one of the top performers within our customer service department, definitely feels like the biggest accomplishment I currently own.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
My current job responsibilities include assisting customers — helping dealers find availability of our tires (and) processing orders from our array of distributors and dealers.
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
The biggest surprise I have had currently here is everyone's willingness and want to assist each other to succeed. That is a difficult thing to find at an employer.
Tell us about your family.
My dad is a Navy veteran who still boils water to this day even though he has been off the ship for awhile. My mom loves helping people out and talking to people. While she is shopping she will start up a conversation with a complete stranger just to try to make their day.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
My new skill would be to pause time. I feel like I never have enough time in a day to do everything, so to be able to pause it to do more in a single day would be great.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Loyal.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
I would try to start a podcast or become a sports radio host.
What's the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
I feel the biggest issue is getting quality employees that are hungry to learn the business.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I really wanted to play baseball. I grew up a big Chicago Cubs fan always dreamt of stepping into the box and taking a few hacks out there.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
I unwind by running and participating in a bags/cornhole league a few nights a week. It keeps the competitive juices going (and allows me to) spend time outside the office with friends.
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
My goal was to learn more about the company and help it grow each and every day. I feel like I have definitely succeeded in that goal.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Hopefully, I will be able to continue to grow within Atturo as it grows.
