Bill Williams of Moosic, Pa.-based Jack Williams Tire Co. has been named Modern Tire Dealer magazine's 14th Tire Dealer of the Year. Williams was chosen to receive the industry’s most prestigious award from more than 25,000 eligible independent tire dealers throughout North America.
Williams is profiled in the September 2006 edition of MTD, which is currently available.
Through innovation, a willingness to take risks and sheer hard work, Williams has established Jack Williams Tire Co. as:
* the 45th largest independent tire dealership in North America with 24 outlets;
* one of the largest tire wholesalers in the U.S., actively serving more than 1,500 accounts;
* one of the most profitable family-run companies in the tire industry.
Not content to be merely a trend-setter, Bill Williams has established himself as a market maker, successfully bringing tire industry concepts to his Pennsylvania-based marketing areas well ahead of his competitors.
These include a high performance tire and accessory store in Kingston, Pa., that has grown into one of the premier performance shops in the eastern U.S.
"There are two things I think of when I think about Bill Williams: one, his leadership skills, and the other, innovation," says Jon Rich, president of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s North American division.
Williams’ leadership extends outside the tire industry to a variety of charities, including several hospitals, the Volunteers of America and other organizations.
He and his family also have established the Bill and Sandi Williams Family Charity Fund, which donates money to various charities. The fund is administered through the Luzerne Foundation, which is based in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Nominees for MTD's Tire Dealer of the Year award are evaluated based on their business success, marketing skills, management skills, industry knowledge and community involvement.
Williams was chosen by a panel of five independent judges. He will receive an etched plaque commemorating the honor, plus a framed portrait. In addition, an $8,500 donation will be made to the Bill and Sandi Williams Family Charity Fund.
Past Tire Dealer of the Year winners include tire industry giants like Paul Zurcher of Monroe, Ind-based Zurcher Tire Inc./Best-One Tire & Service (2005); Bob and Juanita Purcell of Potosi, Mo.-based Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. (2004); Larry Morgan, founder of Morgan Tire & Auto Inc. (2001); Les Schwab of Prineville, Ore.-based Les Schwab Tire Centers (2000); and others.
