Los Angeles, Calif.-based private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners is now a majority investor in Sun Auto Tire & Service. Tony Puckett will join Sun Auto as the company's new CEO, replacing Frank Kneller, who was stepped down to "pursue other opportunities," according to a statement from Sun Auto.

Bridgestone Americas Inc. has purchased 10% share in Wrench, a mobile vehicle services company. The partnership "paves the way" for the companies to "explore synergies in their service offerings, including pairing Bridgestone's 2,200-plus company-owned stores with Wrench's complementary mobile services marketplace."

The domestic ag tire market “is hot” right now, according to Ryan Loethen, president of CEAT Specialty Tires. And CEAT, he says, is capitalizing on that momentum by building its distribution base, ramping up its marketing efforts and rolling out new products in growing segments.

The new Nokian TR Forest 2 is designed for use on light and medium-weight tractors in forestry, landscaping and light mulching applications. It is designed "to work in challenging terrain, helping users to get the most out of their machinery," says Nokian Product Manager Teemu Vainionpaa.

“Entrepreneurship is a tough road,” says Jim Duff. “You’re exposed all of the time to pressures. But we like it.” 

Announced this past January, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J is a “game changer,” according to Jim Duff. “And we have to make it work,” adds Tommy Duff.