Ken Little, a leader in the Big O Tires organization who operated several Big O Tires stores in California for more than 30 years, died in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., on May 15. He was 70.
TBC Corp., which owns the Big O Tires franchise, shared these thoughts on the passing of the Big O Tires Hall of Famer:
Ken, a member of the Big O Tires family for more than forty years, was an integral part of the Big O Tires organization. His willingness to help his fellow dealers is a common theme we’ve heard since his passing. His spirit and presence is greatly missed.
Ken began working at his father's retreading plant when he was just 8 years old. He learned the Big O Tires program well (his father had a major hand in developing some of the organization’s unique programs).
After purchasing the family store in Pomona, Calif., in 1976, Ken went on to own and co-own several Big O Tires operations in California during the late 1970s and 1980s.
Some of Ken’s accomplishments include:
* being inducted into the Big O Tires Hall of Fame in 2006:
* contributing his time by serving as franchisee chairman, advertising chairman, and as a representative of the franchise advisory council; and
* being named "Franchisee of the Year" in 1998 by The International Franchise Association.
Ken continued to play an active role at his store in Lake Havasu City until his recent retirement, and he has provided the opportunity of ownership to his managers.
Ken’s grandchildren now work at his son’s tire store in Sandpoint Idaho, keeping the family legacy as a fourth-generation tire family alive. He is survived by his wife Sue and sons Todd and Jeff Little.
According to his obituary, the Little family requests a donation be made in Ken’s honor to the family of Kasey Cesena, an employee who was recently severely injured, in leiu of flowers and cards. The Go Fund Me address is: www.gofundme.com/u4cmz7w.
Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the Little family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.
