Matthew Castellano
Online Sales | Allen Rubber Co. Inc. dba The TireNet | Age: 31
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job in the industry was as a driver; making deliveries to our customers and assisting in the warehouse where needed.
What attracted you to the industry?
What honestly attracted me to the industry was the need of a new job and a good contact who said “We’re hiring. Come fill out an application” I came into the industry with little knowledge about tires but picked up very quickly on every aspect of the business short of the administrative work. Over time, a real passion for the tire industry took root. I began to care more about the work I was doing. “It’s not work if it’s your passion” is the mindset that was cultivated.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
The biggest challenge I have faced in my career is not allowing emotion to influence decision making.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
The person who has had the biggest influence on my career is the man who hired me and eventually became my mentor, Wes Myers. His patience and time invested into teaching me the ins and outs on the industry, as well as his help in my personal growth, has paid dividends to all parties involved over the years. Wes has displayed more fairness and compassion than anyone I have ever known and I credit my success to his time and talks over the years.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
My biggest accomplishment in the industry is knowing my efforts assisted in building the multi-million dollar online sales department known as the TheTireNet.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your work day?
My job responsibilities include processing online orders for shipping, inventory control for my section of the warehouse, and engaging with customers about their concerns or desires for a particular tire. I deal with a lot of interesting individuals, and deal with odd, discontinued stock.
What did you do before you entered the tire industry?
Before the tire industry, I worked at two Champion (Toyota & Honda) dealerships detailing the cars on the lot.
Aside from the basics like health insurance, what’s the most important perk/benefit you’d want from your employer?
Aside from the basics, the perk or benefit I'd most desire from my employer is having an open mind. Life happens and it's hard to find bosses that understand that and can be flexible with certain circumstances.
What’s the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
The biggest issue facing the tire industry, in my opinion, is the massive increase in drop shipping. Granted I am in a similar field, from my view, there are entirely too many out there forcing a lot of other sellers to compete with ridiculously low pricing. When a Michelin is priced close to the same a private brand would be, the Michelin becomes devalued and consumers will want that lower price continually.
Tell us about your family.
It’s just me and my Mom (maternal grandmother) who raised me to work hard for what I want in life.
It’s report card time. What grade would you give yourself for how you’ve handled 2020?
My report card has a B. While I did not fall into a slump like most this year, I did have a couple slips but bounced right back.
What’s been your biggest challenge this year?
My biggest challenge this year was adapting my vision to fit what the new normal has become. Being single with no family, I view and process things differently than other people do.
Did you pick up any new hobbies or habits during the pandemic? Good or bad, tell us about them.
I developed an interest in financial literacy during the pandemic.
What song do you crank up loud and always sing along to?
Ariana Grande: "thank u, next." It’s such a catchy song.
Tell us something about yourself others might not know.
Most people do not know I am an ordained minister.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would it be?
If I could wake tomorrow with one new skill, it would be the skill to effectively manage people better.
What keeps you up at night?
Racing thoughts. My vision is immaculately detailed; constantly thinking of the next project to further my cause.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Insatiable. I can be difficult to please and my ambition knows no bounds.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Twenty years from now, my vision is complete with enough wealth generated to spend my days taking up watercolors throughout Central and South America.
