When K&M Tire Inc. purchased the Mr. Tire program from Universal Cooperatives Inc. in Nov. 2010, there were 191 Mr. Tire members. Two years later, there are 401.
At the 2013 K&M Tire Dealer Meeting in Orlando recently, the program took center stage. According to Program/Marketing Manager Jeff Wallick, the company doesn’t have a specific number of franchise locations in mind.
“Continued growth within our dealer network will remain a high priority for at least the next several years. For us, dealer engagement with our preferred vendor partners is critical to the success of our Mr. Tire and Big 3 Tire programs.”
(In areas where Monro Muffler Brake Inc. has exclusive rights to use the Mr. Tire name, K&M uses the name Big 3 Tire.)
Wallick added that further expansion will come through organic growth and acquisitions.
In addition to expanding the Mr. Tire and Big 3 Tire network, K&M tire expects to:
* open warehouses in Barnesville, Minn., and Oklahoma City, Okla.;
* expand its warehouse square footage in Dallas;
* improve its delivery in more areas.
K&M Tire works closely with its franchise dealers and wholesale customers. Dealer feedback led to the creation of the company’s new “Good, Better, Best” tire website tool, which gives dealers the option of simplifying -- and controlling -- the selling process at the point of sale.
“When given the option, 60% of customers purchase the ‘better’ tire,” said Christy Lindeman, K&M Tire’s car dealer sales representative.
Based in Delphos, Ohio, K&M has 15 distribution centers and operates in more than 20 states.
Who else attended the 2013 K&M Tire Dealer Meeting? And what happened? To find out, check out the following:
The MTD Facebook page at www.facebook.com.
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