TBC Corp.’s Big O Tires organization pledged even more support to franchise owners during the recent Big O convention in Las Vegas, Nev.
“We are committed to working closely with our franchise advisory council and committees so that franchisees have the tools they need to take their businesses to the next level,” said Gary Skidmore, Big O Tires chief operating officer, during the event.
“Our annual convention provides yet another forum for our franchise system to learn from their peers, master new strategies and celebrate achievements together as a team. It is the cumulative efforts from each and every individual that makes Big O Tires a truly successful organization."
During the meting, whose theme was “Double Down on Success,” Big O franchisees “were encouraged to bet on themselves and learned ways to grow their businesses through franchisee-led panels, workshops on operational efficiency and profitability, a keynote address, vendor exhibits and much more,” according to TBC officials.
Patricia Del Aguila, vice president of marketing and merchandising for Big O Tires, provided updates on products, pricing and fresh branding and marketing plans, including new franchise store designs and uniforms for store teams.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Waldo Waldman, a New York Times bestselling author, decorated veteran and sales expert, who delivered a keynote address on the importance of “being mission-ready" and techniques to build trusting relationships.
“Attendees participated in a fun and inspiring charitable activity, in collaboration with United Way of Southern Nevada, and created 1,000 kits for local veterans and students in Las Vegas. The 500 kits for veterans included hygiene products such as a comb, tissue pack and lip balm as well as a patriotic pencil and a personalized notecard to thank them for their service. The 500 kits for students included a coloring/activity book, colored pens and pencils and other school essentials.
To benefit the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund, convention attendees also bid for the chance to take home prizes like a custom-built 2025 Toyota Tundra “during a fun and interactive, gameshow-style event. "Established in 2003, this fund was created to support Big O Tires employees, franchise owners and their shop employees, plus their immediate family members, with pursuits for additional education at a college, university or trade school. This year’s event raised nearly $120,000 for the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund."
The convention also included an awards component. Tim and Terri Hollander of Carlsbad, N.M., won the Big O Franchise of the Year award in the single-store owner category, while Kyle and Kylie Uchtmann were recognized in the multi-store owner category for their two shops in Cabotand Conway, Ark.
Five individuals were recognized with Standing “O” Award, including franchise owners Charlie Alexander, Russell Hammond and Josh McCullough and Big O Tires corporate team members, George Alexiou and Randy Boukal. “This honor recognizes individuals for going above and beyond to support Big O Tires, including serving on committees, helping fellow franchisees and team members and providing outstanding customer service," say Big O Tires officials.
Matt Greco, a franchise owner with 17 Big O Tires locations, took home the “Point of Light Award. And Rand Rogenes of Cathedral City, Calif., was inducted into the Big O Tires Hall of Fame. He has been a Big O franchisee for nearly 40 years.
