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Neal Maier

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Confessions of a Shop OwnerConfessions of a Shop OwnerEp 30 - Neal Maier | He Knows Where The Bodies Are BuriedYou've been hearing us talk about the benefits of Tekmetric for months now - ready to cave in and give it a try? Do that HEREMarketing is...let's say...not my strong suit. Good thing there's Turnkey Marketing! Let Carrie-Lynn and her team help you with something that's not your strong suit either HEREElite Worldwide is making my shop WORLDS better! I'm so pleased with the results so far. One-on-one coaching is keeping me accountable and it can with you too. Learn more HEREIn this episode, we talk with Neal...2025-05-271h 01Cryptid Creator Corner from Comic Book Yeti - A Comic Book Interview PodcastCryptid Creator Corner from Comic Book Yeti - A Comic Book Interview PodcastGerry Duggan Interview - Timing/LuckI’m pumped about this show because it gives me a first on the podcast to be able to talk about the transection of two visual mediums that I love, photography and comics and I couldn’t ask for a better guest to discuss all that with than Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, Uncanny Avengers, the Hulk, and the X-Men.) Gerry has a new photography book coming out this Fall called Timing/Luck which contains over 200 pages of material covering two decades of writing and green rooms, city streets around the world, and documenting part of his own journey during COVID as a...2024-10-111h 23Gain TractionGain TractionFrom New Leads to Loyal Customers: Marketing Insights With Neal Maier, Co-Founder of Tread PartnersNeal Maier is Co-founder of Tread Partners, an agency that specializes in marketing for the tire and auto repair industry. With a history of running shops and an entrepreneurial spirit, Neal has developed a nuanced understanding of the challenges businesses face in customer acquisition and retention. His expertise is in creating tailored marketing strategies, particularly leveraging a unique framework named DRIVE, helping businesses engage with customers at every lifecycle stage. Neal offers a blend of practical experience and innovative solutions to foster growth and longevity in the automotive market. His insights have been transformative for many multi-location operations seeking...2024-05-2924 minGain TractionGain TractionRecognizing the Good and Fixing the Bad With Randy O’Connor of Dealer to Dealer Development GroupRandy O'Connor is the Owner of Dealer to Dealer (D2D) Development Group, which offers financial and operational consulting for the independent tire and auto service market in North America. The company's primary offering is a business growth strategy rooted in peer-to-peer networks, specifically the 20 Group format. Randy's strength lies in strategic analysis and process improvement. Drawing from varied roles across diverse industries, he's distinguished himself as an adept operator, crafting long-term solutions for sustained positive outcomes. In this episode… Tire and auto repair shops seem to face increasing difficulty in the way they set up their em...2023-11-0832 minGain TractionGain TractionTruth and Transparency in the Tire Industry With Frank Frattale of Trimax Tire-Maxon InternationalFrank Frattale is the Director of Sales at Trimax Tire-Maxon International. With a rich history in the automotive industry, Frank has honed his skills in management, account management, sales, strategic planning, and business development. He is an accomplished sales professional, having previously worked for Fury Tires, NAMA Tires Inc. and NEXEN TIRE. In this episode… How do you build long-term partnerships or relationships with customers? Treat them the way you’d like to be treated. According to Trimax Tire-Maxon International’s Frank Frattale, that starts with respect and complete transparency. Many distributors tend to shy...2023-10-0424 minGain TractionGain TractionLooking Back on 100 Episodes With Neal Maier, David Christopher, and Mike Edge of Tread PartnersNeal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive. Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call. David was previously a Partner at 3VE and the Founder of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and operating businesses, including his own family’s auto repair sh...2023-09-2021 minGain TractionGain TractionRevolutionizing Tire Sales With George Silagadze, Vice President of TireConnectGeorge Silagadze is the Vice President  of TireConnect, a company that has revolutionized the way tires are sold. He founded the company in 2013 and it was acquired by Bridgestone in 2015. George has worked with Bridgestone to transform the tire sales landscape, revolutionizing the practice through direct referrals and online platforms. In this episode… The true definition of entrepreneurship is the ability to recognize a gap in the marketplace, fill it with your own ideas and abilities to satisfy the desires of the consumer. There’s no better example of this than the story of George Silag...2023-09-1337 minGain TractionGain TractionRelationships Drive Success With JP Gallagher, President of Gallagher TireJP Gallagher is the President of Gallagher Tire, a leading specialty tire wholesaler based in the US. Assuming leadership in 2003, JP has expertly guided the company's expansion, establishing warehouses in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Upstate New York and launching online consumer tire sales website Tires4That.com in 2017. Drawing from his vast experience at the forefront of a family business, he emphasizes the importance of both respecting current management practices and being agile in implementing changes for future success. In this episode… What is the key to long-lasting success in the tire industry? For Gallagher Tire, a...2023-09-0625 minGain TractionGain TractionGrowing Customer Awareness With Bill Bainbridge, Former VP of Marketing and Business Development with CJ’s Tire and AutomotiveBill Bainbridge retired in March 2023 after more than 45 years in the tire industry. Bill was Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for CJ’s Tire and Automotive, where he helped grow the brand from 11 to 17 locations. His journey in marketing, communications, and sales involved nearly every area of the tire business from retail to wholesale. During his career, Bill established a track record of creating and managing marketing platforms that generated exceptional return on investment. In this episode… It seems like there's a new tire brand every time we turn around, and they’re all competing for sp...2023-08-3040 minGain TractionGain TractionInnovating Software to Accommodate Customer Demands With Dave Vogel, General Manager at ASA Automotive SystemsDave Vogel is General Manager at ASA Automotive Systems, where he leads all business operations. He has worked for over two decades, previously serving as Executive Vice President and Vice President of Sales. Immediately after graduating from Boise State University in 1983, Dave started his career with Goodyear Tires and worked his way from the ground up. In this episode… Consumer behavior and inclinations have seen multiple changes in all business sectors, including the automotive industry. Until recently, customer-facing team members at tire and auto repair shops would be somewhat evasive in providing any specific information to a pe...2023-07-0526 minGain TractionGain TractionFascinating Insights Into the Production of Automotive TV Shows With Tom Diaz, Coordinating Producer at Bright Bay CreativeTom Diaz is the Coordinating Producer at Bright Bay Creative, where he contributes to the production of Netflix automotive TV shows. His first experience in the automotive industry was as a co-owner of a muffler shop in 1992. Despite not knowing what a muffler or catalytic converter were — or how to run a business — Tom’s passion for cars helped him to learn quickly. He found his muffler-related niche in import racing, and mufflers from his shop were routinely featured on the cover of Super Street, an import magazine. He then opened an auto accessory store which laid the path toward...2023-06-2833 minGain TractionGain TractionThe Value of Experienced and Empathetic Leadership With Kyle Blankenhorn of Ken’s TireKyle Blankenhorn came to Ken’s Tire as a tire changer after serving as a small town Iowa police officer and working for TSA at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. His grandparents founded Ken’s Tire, with three locations in eastern Pennsylvania, and Kyle — who has managed two of the stores — is now helping run the successful third-generation business. He attributes the success of Ken’s Tire to the longevity of the staff and their ability to learn from mistakes. In this episode…  In recent years, staffing and supply chain issues have been prevalent thr...2023-05-2420 minGain TractionGain TractionEliminating Fear From the Payment Process With Chris Talevi, Vice President of Sales at PayTomorrowChris Talevi is Vice President of Sales at PayTomorrow, a fintech company with a unique financing model designed to offer a full credit spectrum platform for businesses to offer to their consumers. Chris was Ticket Office Manager at Davidson College, his alma mater, before becoming a part-time tire changer in NASCAR with Stewart-Haas Racing. He joined PayTomorrow in 2016 as a Senior Account Representative and was promoted to VP in early 2021. In this episode… If you are a tire or custom wheel dealer, you’ve probably struggled with payments in some form or fashion. Are you afra...2023-05-1017 minGain TractionGain TractionTackling Tire Industry Software With Jay Adams, President of MaddenCoJay Adams is President at MaddenCo, widely recognized as an industry leader for tire industry software. He started working in sales there in the late 90s after graduating from Wabash College with a history degree. After two years, Jay left for law school and then worked as an attorney for four years before returning to MaddenCo in 2006. In this episode… What should tire and auto repair shops consider when implementing or changing their software systems? Should data collection be a primary factor? What hurdles often come with the switch?  Acc...2023-05-0326 minGain TractionGain TractionSimply Subscribe to Your Sweet Ride With Immanuel Klaiber and Jürgen Lobach of FINNJürgen Lobach is Chief Fleet Officer at FINN, overseeing the acquisition management and remarketing of over 20,000 vehicles. With more than 30 years of experience in the mobility sector, Jürgen is considered a proven and experienced industry expert. He spent almost two decades at Choice GmbH, an automotive provider. Immanuel Klaiber is Head of Subscription Pricing and TCO at FINN where he is responsible for FINN’s global subscription pricing and US remarketing team, which helps to market and sell FINN’s used vehicles. Immanuel started his career at BMW financial services, where he was part of its US...2023-04-2632 minGain TractionGain TractionUsing Technology To Increase Your Shop’s Efficiency With James Krakower of JMKJames Krakower is the Director of System Development at JMK Computerized Tire Dealer Information System. He has an extensive background in technology, and his operations experience has provided him with the ability to discern what works and what doesn’t work on a day-to-day basis. James started his career in academics leading a graduate course on how to market tires. In this episode… Are tire and auto repair businesses lagging behind other industries when it comes to the effective use of technology? According to James Krakower from JMK Computerized Tire Dealer Information System, many owners of t...2023-03-2231 minGain TractionGain TractionTires and Technology in Tandem With Kevin Marley, Managing Director at E-Solution ProfessionalsKevin Marley is Managing Director at E-Solution Professionals, who has been developing e-commerce software for the tire industry since 2001. He has worked in the tire industry for more than four decades. Throughout his career, Kevin has worked in positions including store manager, warehouse manager, State Manager for Toyo Tires, and Regional Manager for Goodyear Australia. In this episode… In an industry that is slow to embrace it, how has the tire business been changed by technology? In what ways will technology continue to change the tire industry moving forward? For some unique insights on tires an...2023-03-1521 minGain TractionGain TractionSuccessful Franchising With Charles Bonfiglio, CEO at Tint WorldCharles Bonfiglio is CEO at Tint World, a privately-owned window tinting and vehicle accessory center. His areas of expertise include leading automotive companies to maximize profits and market share, along with franchising, e-commerce, web design, software development, and financial management. Charles is also Founder of Cars Cafe and Auto Parts Network, and previously served as CEO and Franchise Developer at Meineke Car Care Centers for over 30 years. In this episode… Have you seen a service in the tire and auto industry that you thought you could turn into a worldwide brand? According to Charles Bonfiglio fr...2023-03-0829 minGain TractionGain TractionThe Benefits of Association Membership With Tony DeSimone, Executive Director at New England Tire and Service Association (NETSA)Tony DeSimone is Executive Director at New England Tire and Service Association (NETSA) and Business Development Manager at TD Consultants. He has led NETSA to be a well-known, active, and growing association representing thousands of members. Tony previously served as president of NETSA before becoming executive director in February 2018. In this episode… If you own a tire and auto repair shop, are there advantages to being a member of a tire association? According to Tony DeSimone from the New England Tire and Service Association, there certainly are! Those benefits include regular updates on national and local legislation, th...2023-02-1622 minGain TractionGain TractionBringing Tires to the People With Jay Condrick, Owner at Boston Mobile TireJay Condrick is the Owner at Boston Mobile Tire. He has worked in sales and marketing for more than 15 years and has owned Boston Mobile Tire, a direct-to-consumer tire business, since February 2020. Jay has been involved in endurance racing and is a racer in ChampCar. In this episode… Is online tire shopping and service the wave of the future? For customers of Boston Mobile Tire, the future is now. Jay Condrick is a Boston Mobile Tire franchisee who says he only shops online whenever his car needs maintenance. He says several customers go to his website, “hit the...2023-02-0831 minGain TractionGain TractionBuilding Long-Lasting Client Relationships With Matthew Peters, Business Development Manager at Tread PartnersMatthew Peters is the Business Development Manager at Tread Partners. He joined Tread Partners in November 2022 after serving in the same role at Tireweb Marketing for more than three years and at Icon Internet Media for nearly two years. Having worked in the tire industry for more than 30 years, Matthew possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience. In this episode… As a B2B business owner, how do you view your relationships with your clients? Is it a transactional, one-and-done relationship or is it a potential lifelong partnership? For insights on building and maintaining long-lasting cl...2023-01-1123 minGain TractionGain TractionImplementing a Strategic Process With Randy O’Connor of MTD TENRandy O'Connor is the Executive Director of MTD TEN. He is a strategic specialist with a talent for analyzing and improving process and procedure. Randy has held a variety of roles in the tire business, from retail to distribution. He maintains a long-range perspective and thrives when he’s in position to handle a problem. In this episode… How are you preparing your tire and auto repair shop for 2023? In the past two years, we’ve seen record-breaking car counts, revenues, and units sold. Unfortunately, according to Randy O’Connor, Executive Director of MTD TEN, “not every...2022-12-0727 minGain TractionGain TractionEvery Phone Call Is Valuable With Jeff Scherer, Founder of NtelegenceJeff Scherer is the Founder of Ntelegence, which offers affordable communication solutions to help manage multi-rooftop businesses. Jeff is a pioneer in communication solutions for the automotive industry. As a thought leader, writer, blogger, and industry speaker, Jeff specializes in digital marketing, lead acquisition and management, LMS/CRM, business process improvement, call tracking, and process management. In this episode… As the owner or manager of a tire and auto repair shop, do you know if your customer service staff is communicating with every customer who reaches out? If your staff is busy, how many calls are they mi...2022-11-1623 minGain TractionGain TractionBuilding a Great Culture with Max Gardner, Founder of Tire MaxMax Gardner is the Founder of Tire Max, which has six retail locations in North Carolina. He has been in the tire business for almost 40 years and opened his first Tire Max location about 20 years ago. Max believes in building a culture that employees feel comfortable in, which in turn translates to customers feeling comfortable in-store. In this episode… If you own or manage a tire and auto repair shop with multiple locations, how do you keep everyone on the same page? How do you build a welcoming and positive culture that customers sense the mi...2022-11-0915 minGain TractionGain TractionFamily and Fun + Tires and Cars With Rick Benton II, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors and Black’s Tire and Auto ServiceRick Benton II is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BTS Tire & Wheel distributors and Black’s Tire and Auto Service. Rick is in charge of wholesale distribution, logistics, and purchasing, among many other responsibilities. Rick and his brothers, Ron and Jeremy, are second-generation tire dealers. In this episode… As anyone who has been in the tire and auto repair business for a considerable period of time can tell you, it’s not easy. It takes a special place with a unique culture to sustain a tire and auto business through multiple generations. How can that type o...2022-10-2631 minGain TractionGain TractionMinimizing Headaches and Maximizing Efficiency With Crissy Zellers of Accelerate Personalized Sales SolutionsCrissy Zellers is the Owner of Accelerate Personalized Sales Solutions, which helps tire dealers succeed with retail tire programs. She uses unique tracking tools and detailed program knowledge to help retailers stay focused on their weekly goals, maximize their earnings and prioritize their purchases. Crissy started her own business in September 2020, after 11 years of working in management and sales for tire distributors Max Finkelstein and Tire Centers.  In this episode… As a tire dealer, have you found yourself managing multiple programs at once with a particular distributor?  What about multiple programs with multiple distributors? If so, your emai...2022-09-2812 minGain TractionGain TractionProviding Great Customer Experiences Regardless of Circumstances With Sally Thomas, Co-Owner of J.P. Thomas & CompanySally Thomas is Co-owner of J.P. Thomas & Company. She is most-commonly associated with Thomas Tire & Automotive, a family-owned and operated full-service repair shop that’s been in business since 1981. With 10 retail and commercial service centers in North Carolina, Thomas Tire & Automotive’s mission is to be the first and only choice for all automobile-related needs.  In this episode… Tire and auto repair can be a tough business. Shop employees not only need to be skilled at diagnosing problems and repairing vehicles, but also have the ability to communicate those problems to a customer who may not be read...2022-08-1720 minGain TractionGain TractionFinding the Right Customers for Your Shop With Neal Maier, Co-Founder of Tread PartnersNeal Maier is Co-Founder of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency that helps auto repair and tire shops drive success through coordinated marketing strategies. He is a skilled negotiator, salesperson, and business planner with expertise in Search Engine Optimization and Customer Relationship Management. Tread Partners has designed a full-scale reengagement program called ReTread that brings old customers back into auto repair and tire shops.  In this episode… Are you an owner or manager of a tire and auto repair shop that could benefit from seeing more customers walk through your doors? Or maybe you’d like...2022-08-0313 minGain TractionGain TractionGet Your Old Customers Back with Neal Maier, Co-Founder at Tread PartnersNeal Maier is Co-Founder at Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency that helps auto repair and tire shops drive success through coordinated marketing strategies. He is a skilled negotiator, salesperson, and business planner with expertise in Search Engine Optimization and Customer Relationship Management. Tread Partners has designed a full-scale reengagement program called ReTread that brings old customers back into auto repair and tire shops. In this episode… If you are the owner of an auto repair or tire shop, have you noticed that you haven’t seen several of your quality, loyal customers in the last...2022-06-2321 minGain TractionGain TractionMaximizing Customer Retention with Clare Hetherington of DriveRightDataClare Hetherington is the Marketing Manager at DriveRightData. She is a data-driven marketer who is passionate about customer relationship management and the results that strategic marketing and marketing automation can deliver. At DriveRightData, Clare takes ownership of all global marketing activities from branding, strategy, and value proposition building to lead generation and data insight. In this episode… Are you a tire manufacturer or tire retailer with a website showcasing your products? Do you include product and pricing information on your website, or do you ask that the customer call you to find out that information? If you re...2022-06-0820 minGain TractionGain TractionIntroducing Floww DigitalKeith Heavilin is the President of YellowFin Digital, a full-service creative design and digital marketing agency based in Texas that provides comprehensive website and digital marketing services. Keith is also the Co-founder of Floww Digital, a company that provides digital marketing solutions for independent auto repair and tire shops across the United States. Keith’s management portfolio includes the development of four unique businesses in four distinct industries, which he led from initial startup to maturity and acquisition. In this episode… Are you an independent tire and automotive repair shop hoping to achieve straightforward yet powe...2022-05-1126 minGain TractionGain TractionCultivating a Culture of GrowthBeth Barron is the CEO of Chabill’s Tire & Auto Service based in southern Louisiana. Under Beth’s leadership, Chabill’s has grown into a market force with 17 retail locations. Before becoming CEO, Beth spent 26 years as the Vice President for Chabill’s. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Northwestern State University. In this episode… Many business owners are focused on the bottom line. They worry about numbers and work employees to the ground trying to keep the business alive. But not Chabill’s Tire & Auto Service.  Chabill’s knows...2022-04-0621 minGain TractionGain Traction[Year in Review] Connecting Pioneers Across the Automotive Industry Neal Maier is the Co-founder of Tread Partners; a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive. Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call. Mike Edge is in Business Development at Tread Partners. He has had a lengthy career in his field, previously being the Owner and Business Development expert for Resource Connection, Inc., Director of Business...2022-03-2335 minGain TractionGain TractionPicking the Right Location for Your Shop Neal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners; a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive.  Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call. David was previously also a Partner at 3VE and was the Founder of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and operating b...2022-03-1613 minGain TractionGain TractionHow To Smoothen Your Acquisition ProcessChris Garman is the Vice President of Business Development at Sun Auto Tire & Service. Sun Auto Tire & Service is the leading provider of quality aftermarket automotive repair, maintenance, and tire service in the Southwest. Chris oversees Sun Auto Tire’s merger and acquisition activities. Before being acquired by Sun Auto, he was the President of his family’s automotive store, GB Auto in Phoenix.  Tommy Gaynor is the Pacific Northwest Market Director at Sun Auto Tire & Service. Tommy was the General Manager at Gaynors Automotive before joining Sun Auto Tire & Service. He is an accomplished leade...2022-03-0925 minGain TractionGain TractionTurning Missed Maintenance Into Sales OpportunitiesPatrick Murphy is the CEO and Co-founder of SideKick360. SideKick360 is a web-based reporting platform that provides on-demand reporting and operations tools for shop management systems. Patrick is also the Founder and Head Coach at Retail Tire & Service Solutions. He focuses on solving operational, data, and people challenges faced by auto repair shops at both companies. In 2014, he founded MyCarCareRewards, now BAYiQ, which brought real-time integrated loyalty marketing to the tire and auto repair industry. His current project is developing distributor and manufacturer "value add" programs that increase loyalty and improve the sellout capabilities of B2B clients. In this...2022-02-0919 minGain TractionGain TractionContinuing Education for Tire EmployeesScott Blair is the Founder of T.R.A.C.K. Auto Training & Network, which is poised to soon be the premier tire, rim, and chassis training center in the US. Their team serves both the mobile tire industry and traditional tire stores with customers ranging from one-store family-owned to multi-state national chains.  As a 28-year veteran of the tire and custom wheel industry, Scott is passionate about everything related to tires and wheels. He is the Managing Partner of 2U Tire of Alabama, Co-founder of 2U Mobile Solutions, and Inventor of the Wheel Fit a...2022-01-1224 minMidnight Madness RadioMidnight Madness RadioMidnight Madness Radio Episode 148Midnight Madness Radio Episode 148 with Calling All Astronauts, No Paradise, Not Now Norman, Earl Of Hell, Downfall 2012, Deltrem, Feral Sun, JATA, Ajay Mathur, Carla Cherrie Hendriks, People Get Ready with Skip Martin feat. Az Yet; Dazz Band; Royal Bayyan; Robert Kool Bell; Maxi B; Reggie Calloway; Kevin Chalfant; Jay Chan; David L. Cook; Darcus; Taylor Dayne; John Elefante; Doug E. Fresh; Howard Hewett; John P. Kee; Stefan Maier; Neal McCoy; Ray Parker Jr.; Steph Payne; CeCe Peniston; Tom Schuman; Tony Terry; Alyson Williams; and Stevie Wonder, Renaissance Rock Orchestra, Salt River Shakedown, The Adam Brown, The Persian Leaps, Without End...2022-01-024h 00Gain TractionGain Traction​​Establishing Credibility Through Social MediaDuncan Alney is the Founder and CEO of Firebelly Marketing, a social media marketing agency that makes brands more likable and profitable. Duncan juggles the roles of catalyst, program overseer, problem solver, and strategist within the organization. He also hosts The Firebelly Social Show, which features food and beverage brands on a mission to make the world better, and he’s a member of the Digital Agency Elite (Agency Owner Mastermind).  In his free time, Duncan enjoys spending time with his son, playing vinyl on vintage stereo equipment, amateur DJing, cooking, and sipping on Italian-style espr...2021-12-2228 minGain TractionGain TractionBuilding Up the Automotive Community with Tricia Sauls of ASTATricia Sauls is the Executive Director of Automotive Service and Tire Alliance (ASTA). Her breadth of experience lays within the fields of data management, finance, and branding, specializing in social media and creative marketing. Previously, she was the Office Admin of Marketing for Unity of the Triangle and a Project Manager for Atlanta Business Technology.  In this episode… It’s easy to feel isolated as a small business. Day after day, you see huge companies reaching new pillars of success and wonder, “Will I ever get there?” The truth is, people at the to...2021-12-1515 minGain TractionGain TractionStop Merely Getting Sales and Start Building CustomersSteve Ferrante is the Founder and CEO of Pinnacle Performance Training. Steve helps elite auto shops sharpen their sales and customer service skills through consistent education. He’s now recognized as a leading sales and customer service trainer in the tire and automotive service industry and has been the contributing “Selling Smart” columnist for Tire Review magazine since 2010.  In this episode… Your business is carried on the shoulders of your employees. How can you develop a team culture that provides a service-first experience for customers?  It boils down to employee training and development. It’s just like a workout —  i...2021-12-0837 minGain TractionGain TractionCreating a Work Happy, Values-Based Culture with Marc Pons of Chapel Hill TireMarc Pons is the President of Chapel Hill Tire, a multi-location tire dealer based in North Carolina. Thanks to Marc’s leadership, Chapel Hill Tire has become one of the nation’s premier tire shops by focusing on its customers, staff, and core values.  Chapel Hill Tire was founded in 1953 by Sion Jennings and was purchased in 1964 by Marc’s father, Al Pons. Marc worked in the tire shop as a teenager but began his professional career as a Sales Assistant for Chase Manhattan Foreign Exchange in New York. When his father unexpectedly passed away in 1996...2021-11-2422 minGain TractionGain TractionCreating an Inclusive Automotive Business with Jody DeVere of AskPatty.comJody DeVere is the Founder and CEO of AskPatty.com, a training program for automotive retailers on attracting, selling, retaining, and marketing to women. AskPatty.com has been featured by The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, O, The Oprah Magazine, and Woman’s Day. Jody is also a Professional Speaker for the National Automobile Dealers Association, the COO of Women’s Automotive Association International, and a Founding Member of the Board of Directors of the Women in Automotive Conference.  As a social media guru who is an expert in marketing to women - as...2021-11-1732 minGain TractionGain TractionOffering Affordability and Impeccable Service with Jared Kugel of Tire AgentJared Kugel is the Founder and CEO of Tire Agent, one of the fastest-growing tire e-commerce sites. Tire Agent allows customers to purchase tires online and get live expert tire advice and installation at the location of the vehicles. Jared has grown Tire Agent into a market leader for selling tires online through his marketing and business development skills. Previously, Jared was the Director of Business Development for Future Tire and received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing from Hofstra University In this episode… Most people say there are two ways to ma...2021-11-1025 minGain TractionGain TractionPreparing for an Exit with Dennis McCarronDennis McCarron is a Partner at Cardinal Brokers. Cardinal Brokers offers full brokering services with a focus on the tire, service, and automotive-related industries. Their partners have over 40 years of combined experience working in the tire and automotive service industry at nearly every level of the business.  Dennis is widely known for his teaching on finance, sales, and leadership, as well as his contributions to Modern Tire Dealer magazine. Previously, Dennis was the Executive Director for the DSP Twenty Group and the Senior Development Instructor for Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC. In this episode… Most...2021-09-2926 minGain TractionGain TractionBuilding a Thriving Startup with George FandosGeorge Fandos is the Managing Partner of The James Agency, a business consultancy that helps startups and established B2B businesses innovate and bring new ideas to life. They offer strategies, plans, and hands-on assistance for operations, pricing, financial modeling, and more. George has over 30 years of experience as a customer-facing executive and strategic consultant. He brings a unique combination of strategy and practical execution to every situation. In addition to his work at The James Agency, George currently holds executive and leadership roles at Pixmettle, Achieve Health Management, and Blackstone and Cullen. In this episode… ...2021-09-2221 minGain TractionGain TractionHiring and Retaining Quality Employees with Mike AllenMike Allen is the CEO of Carfix, a growing group of auto repair shops in North Carolina. A third-generation tire dealer, Mike grew up working in his father’s auto repair shop and has since grown his own shop into a three-location business. Carfix has been named one of the 10 ‘Top Shops in America’ by Motor Age Magazine twice.  Mike is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Service Consultant and is also the Director of the Independent Garage Owners Association of North Carolina. Before Carfix, Mike was an Auto Advisor for Auto Pro to Call. In this episode…2021-09-1519 minGain TractionGain TractionThe Recipe for a Successful Website in the Tire Industry with Matt Peters of Tireweb MarketingMatt Peters is the Business Development Manager at Tireweb Marketing, a full-service agency that creates retailer and e-commerce websites, as well as software, for the tire and automotive industry. Matt has been in the tire and marketing industries since 1999 and uses his expertise to craft websites that succeed.  Before joining Tireweb Marketing, Matt was the Business Development Manager at Icon Internet Media, Inc. and the Division Director at E-Solution Professionals. In this episode… Websites are one of the most important marketing tools a company can use to gain customers, revenue, and get their brand out the...2021-08-1817 minGain TractionGain TractionAchieving Successful Sales Strategies with Dan Molloy of Molloy Sales Development GroupDan Molloy is the President and CEO of Molloy Sales Development Group, a company that teaches and implements successful strategies to achieve growth and gain more sales from the top down. Dan started Molloy Sales in 2001 when he was a Partner and Owner of ProCare Automotive, and realized sales were at the core of every successful business.  Dan has been in the sales and automotive industries since the start of his career, spanning more than four decades. In this episode… On this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, Neal Maier sits down with Founder and CEO o...2021-07-1917 minGain TractionGain TractionWho is the Real Competition to Tire Dealers and Auto Shop Owners?Neal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive. Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call. David was previously also a Partner at 3VE and was the Founder of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and operating businesses, including his own family’s auto repair sh...2021-07-1926 minGain TractionGain TractionStarting an Agency and Finding Your Niche with Neal Maier and David Christopher of Tread PartnersNeal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency focused on using SEO, marketing, and branding to help tire companies and auto-repair shops grow and thrive.  Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE and COO of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has worked for multiple automotive companies such as Autoshop Solutions and Auto Pro To Call. David was previously also a Partner at 3VE and was the Founder of TexTivia, which rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and operating businesses, including his own family’s auto repair sho...2021-07-1926 minGain TractionGain TractionHow Action Gator Tire Increased Leads by Over 276.45%Neal Maier and David Christopher are Co-founders of Tread Partners, a digital marketing agency focused on marketing, strategy, and branding for tire dealers and auto-repair shops to help them grow and thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Neal was previously a Partner at 3VE, which rebranded into Tread Partners in 2021. In addition to having owned and operated repair shops, he’s helped to market and grow shops all across the country. David was also previously a Partner at 3VE and was the Founder of TexTivia, which later rebranded into 3VE. He has over 20 years of experience owning and op...2021-06-1729 minThe Carpreneur PodcastThe Carpreneur Podcast006 Neal Maier | Buying your way into entrepreneurship, and succeeding, twiceNeal Maier is the COO of 3VE Auto, a marketing agency in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. What's extremely interesting about Neal is that he is NOT one of the original co-founders of the company; he's an entrepreneur who bought in to help grow the business and make it what it is today. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app2020-07-0716 minWithout Your HeadWithout Your HeadCast of "BFF Girls!"The cast of BFF Girls Allison Maier - Rose, Jessica Shipp - Lily, Jessica Nam - Superhero Lily, Sydney Thomas - Violet, Carolann Utley - Superhero Violet, Lawrence Sykkmon - Fabuloso Doom, Laurence Harvey - Neko Sensei and Michael St. Michaels - Narrator! BFF Girls debuts March 24th at The Boston Underground Film Festival! Nasty Neal and Troy finished off the show with: - Boston Underground Film Festival line up - Kobra Kai series coming - Chopping Mall anniversary and proposed remake - Boar with Bill Moseley and more! Subscribe to...2018-03-231h 46Without Your HeadWithout Your HeadCast of "BFF Girls!"The cast of BFF Girls Allison Maier - Rose, Jessica Shipp - Lily, Jessica Nam - Superhero Lily, Sydney Thomas - Violet, Carolann Utley - Superhero Violet, Lawrence Sykkmon - Fabuloso Doom, Laurence Harvey - Neko Sensei and Michael St. Michaels - Narrator! BFF Girls debuts March 24th at The Boston Underground Film Festival! Nasty Neal and Troy finished off the show with: - Boston Underground Film Festival line up - Kobra Kai series coming - Chopping Mall anniversary and proposed remake - Boar with Bill Moseley and more! Subscribe to...2018-03-231h 46Summit SessionsSummit SessionsSummit Sessions 139 with Audio NoirBrian Bacchus Recorded Live from Upstairs Lounge, St. Louis God Within - Raincry (Spiritual Thirst) Sabota & Grenier - Two Hands (Sei A rmx) Piatto - Piatto Punky Bell Joy Kitikonti and Furilla- 2 Days (Unreleased Mix) Sid Le Rock - Bag Of Bliss (James Teej's Super Eight Remix) Inner City - Good Life (Ian O'Donovan Remix) Way Out West - Future Perfect (Henry Saiz Remix) Aquastic - Brigantine (LoQuai Remix) Peter Kreis - Just Another Kreis // Original Mix Stockwerk2 & Shineline - Blue Sky // Dj Vivid & OneBrotherGrimm Remix Simon Leitner & Neal Porter - Elefantös // Neal Porter Mix Ricardo Princess feat. Elaine W...2015-09-292h 00Summit SessionsSummit SessionsSummit Sessions 139 with Audio NoirBrian Bacchus Recorded Live from Upstairs Lounge, St. Louis God Within - Raincry (Spiritual Thirst) Sabota & Grenier - Two Hands (Sei A rmx) Piatto - Piatto Punky Bell Joy Kitikonti and Furilla- 2 Days (Unreleased Mix) Sid Le Rock - Bag Of Bliss (James Teej's Super Eight Remix) Inner City - Good Life (Ian O'Donovan Remix) Way Out West - Future Perfect (Henry Saiz Remix) Aquastic - Brigantine (LoQuai Remix) Peter Kreis - Just Another Kreis // Original Mix Stockwerk2 & Shineline - Blue Sky // Dj Vivid & OneBrotherGrimm Remix Simon Leitner & Neal Porter - Elefantös // Neal Porter Mix Ricardo Princess feat. Elaine W...2015-09-292h 00