Joe Flynn III, president of Flynn's Tire & Auto Service based in Mercer, Pa., came to the 2010 SEMA Show to see "equipment, software and tires," not necessarily in that order.
The last time he visited the Las Vegas, Nev., show during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week was four years ago. He's back -- with five employees in tow -- to catch up on the latest technology. Specifically, he is checking out:
* equipment. Flynn is focusing on tire changers and balancers, alignment equipment and tire pressure monitoring systems. "We have 18 retail stores and we always need equipment."
*software. "The software package we have is five years old. It still works, but a couple years down the road we might be looking to update."
* tires. Flynn's stocks Goodyear, Kelly, Dunlop, GT Radial, Vanderbilt, Michelin, Sailun, Yokohama, Vredestein, and "a little" BFGoodrich and Uniroyal. "I always like to see what's new... whether (it's a) light truck tire or winter tire."
Flynn adds he also likes to go to the show to talk with his current suppliers.
The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show and the Global Tire Expo -- Powered by TIA will run through Friday, Nov. 5.
