Personality snapshot of our 2015 Tire Dealer of the Year
Full name: Ricky James Benton
Age: 60.
Family: Wife Dianne; sons Rick (and wife Angie), Ryan (and wife Carter), and Jeremy (and wife Lucy); and eight grandchildren: Trey, Cody, Cole, Chase, Reilly, Carrington, Betsy and Harrison.
My hobbies include: racing and watching baseball games.
I am most proud of: my sons and the BTS family.
My favorite childhood memory: going to auto races with my uncle.
My biggest regret: I don’t have any.
My biggest success: being able to provide a college education for my sons, and marrying a great woman.
My favorite books: I don’t read much, but I would have to say the Bible and a children’s book that is about staying positive and facing challenges called “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon.
My favorite athlete: Michael Jordan.
My favorite movies: “The Notebook” and “Forrest Gump.”
What famous actor would best portray you in a film? Rodney Dangerfield.
My favorite motivational message: TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More. We preach it daily in our business.
My favorite food: Italian.
My favorite politician: Ronald Reagan.
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Definitely a morning person.
If I could change one thing about myself: I would learn to listen more.
My goal in life is: to watch my grandchildren grow up and succeed, and to help keep the business growing.
A perfect evening for me is: grilling in the backyard and visiting with friends and family.
The smartest thing I’ve ever done: marry my wife.
Best advice my parents gave me: Always look for the good in everyone.
My advice for my children: Live a life you can be proud of. Take care of your family and always help others. Don’t ever forget where you came from.
My advice for a tire dealer who is just starting out: Customer service always comes first; but if you take care of your team, they will take care of the customer.
The best part of the tire industry is: The people! Being able to meet and work with lots of great people over the years. I’ve made a lot of good friends in the tire industry.