The Independent Tire Dealer Group LLC (ITDG) presented its highest honor, The Chairman’s Award, to Michael Cox, the group’s CEO and president, during its annual meeting last weekend in Desert Springs, Calif.
Current ITDG Chairman Chris Wyborny, managing partner of Ramona Tire, and last year’s ITDG chairman, Richard Howard, co-owner of Bruce’s Tire, jointly presented Cox the award and said he was receiving the honor for the outstanding performance he has delivered for the group during his 10-year tenure as its leader.
Cox took over the group when it was a regional group in four states with $48 million in combined purchases. In 2012, ITDG members had purchases of $171 million, and as of the first quarter of 2013, had members in 31 states. The group is targeting joint purchases over $200 million in 2013.
The ITDG, under Cox’s direction, has started a captive insurance company and a leasing company to help its members. It also has looked globally with its partnership with point S Development out of Europe.
Cox, in accepting the award, said, “I’ve enjoyed every second of my time at ITDG. We have great individuals who have made the group’s success a team effort. I couldn’t accept this without the support of ITDG vendors, suppliers and members, who I consider my friends.”
