Dabrowski hires industry veteran Hannon as CEO of Tire Warehouse Central

Nov. 9, 2007

Tire Warehouse Central Inc., one of the largest retail tire chains in the United States, is gaining a CEO.

Owner Bob Dabrowski, who also serves as president of the 50-store chain based in Keene, N.H., has hired Jim Hannon to run the company. He will start Nov. 12.

The search took a couple of months with the help of a consulting firm, according to Dabrowski.

After the initial 30 applicants were whittled down to five, Dabrowski personally interviewed the finalists. Hannon had the most retail and industry experience.

"I think it's good for me, good for the company," he says. "I want some time off."

Dabrowski, 69, opened his first store in 1972 as part owner. He bought out his partner in 1998; however, he has not run the business alone. His five key executives are:

* Mike Pallotta, vice president of purchasing, distribution and franchise development;

* Steve McGrath, vice president of marketing;

* Steve Chipman, vice president of real estate;

* Tom O'Loughlin, controller; and

* Bobby Shlosser, vice president of store operations.

Dabrowski will remain president and sole shareholder of the company.

Hannon previously was vice president of business development for Treadways Corp., a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corp. of America.

Prior to joining Treadways, he was president of Xanthus Inc., a travel and banking software company he joined after 27 years with Somerset Tire Service Inc. (STS). He left as chairman of Bound Brook, N.J.-based STS in 1998.

"I still have fun with life," says Dabrowski, who likes to drive race cars and run bulldozers. "I just want to have more of it."