Industry veteran Jerry McCormick dies

March 22, 2012

Dayton, Ohio-based Grismer Tire and Auto Service Centers reports industry veteran Jerry McCormick, 62, died March 11, 2012. He had been with the company 23 years.

McCormick began his tire industry career in 1972 with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. During his 14 years with Firestone, he moved through the ranks and became an area supervisor in Youngstown, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. After taking control of the Columbus market, he boosted sales to the number one position within a 12-month period.

“This success was attributed to Jerry’s infectious personality and caring attitude that he shared with employees and customers alike,” says Grismer Tire.

“He was one of the first successful individuals to bring auto service to the tire retailing, making it more convenient for his customers.”

In 1987 McCormick joined forces with Grismer Tire when the Elder-Beerman automotive service stores were acquired.

“With him he brought a renewed excitement, experience, and the idea of tires and service together which helped grow the business exponentially in his 23, almost 24, years with Grismer Tire and Auto Service Centers,” reports the dealership.

“Jerry was a husband, brother, father, and a grandfather. He was dedicated to his family, his friends, his employees, and especially to all our customers who meant so much to him.  He was charismatic, with a generous heart, and made business fun. Jerry was most definitely ‘one of a kind.’

“Jerry inspired our employees to provide every customer with the highest standard of ethics and quality service. This enabled Grismer Tire and Auto Service Centers to be honored by the Better Business Bureau for two Eclipse Awards, one for Integrity and one for Service Excellence, along with winning the Dayton Daily News' ‘People’s Choice Award’ two times,” the company notes.

“Jerry left a wonderful legacy that will continue to motivate Grismer Tire and Auto Service Centers to excel.”