TBC CEO Looks Ahead to 2026

Don Byrd, president and CEO of TBC Corp., discusses the company’s achievements over the last 12 months, as well as its plans for 2026, in this interview.

MTD: Can you bring us up to speed on TBC's year in 2025? What are some of the challenges TBC is facing? What opportunities do you see for the company?

Byrd: In 2025, we remained focused on our strategy of providing customers with the solutions and resources they need to be successful. And as a leadership team, we explored the values and principles that will shape our decisions moving forward and will inspire and empower our teams to reach their full potential with a focus on four Ps: purpose, people, planet and profit.

TBC’s wholesale division added new customers and suppliers and deepened partnerships with the Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC (ITDG) and Giti Tire, a global tire company. We also completed the divestment of our Midas franchise portfolio to Mavis. (Editor's note: Mavis Tire Express Services Corp., the largest tire dealership in the United States, aquired 1,200 Midas locations from TBC in June 2025.)

As we aim to be the franchisor and distributor of choice for complete solutions in the tire marketplace, there’s an opportunity to simplify and streamline the customer experience. We are implementing our ‘One Team, One TBC’ approach to offer superior product availability with coverage across tiers and making it even easier for customers to do business with us. 

From proprietary brands to a variety of rapid, dependable delivery options to best suit the customer - from off-shore, factory-direct to truckload via our network of regional distribution centers and daily deliveries via TBC’s local delivery centers - now more than ever, we have the capabilities to drive success for our customers and get them the products they need, when they need them.

MTD: What's your take on consumer tire demand as we wind down 2025? What are you hearing from TBC's customers?

Byrd: Based on customer needs, TBC is laser-focused on creating value and providing unparalleled service, with a world-class assortment of the tires they need to grow their businesses. We continue to expand product lines for our customers so they can offer improved convenience, compatibility and choices. Beyond that, we want to help our customers decrease inefficient spending in the tire distribution supply chain to help create value for them, as well as their customers.

MTD: What investments has TBC made in its distribution and private brand businesses within the past 12 months?

Byrd: We've made strategic investments that support our customers’ success, including investments in IT, supply chain operations and in our people. For example, we welcomed Chris Young earlier this year as TBC’s chief technology officer. In this role, he leads the development and execution of our enterprise digital information and technology strategy that makes it easier than ever to do business with TBC. Chris, in partnership with our leadership team, brings the expertise to establish a clear, shared vision (and) build organizational capacity and drive data-driven innovation that delivers value to our customers.

MTD: How is the wholesale distribution channel changing?  Does the continued consolidation of tire dealerships concern you or does this trend create opportunities for TBC? Why? 

Byrd: We continue to grow and have strengthened partnerships with existing customers and have also added new customers and suppliers to the wholesale and distribution side of our business.

MTD: Why did TBC sell its Midas franchise program to Mavis?

Byrd: Selling Midas to Mavis was another step in our transformation as we continue to focus on driving growth and innovation in our wholesale and distribution business and expanding the Big O Tires franchise business.

MTD: Can you bring us up to date on how your Big O Tires franchise program is doing? Do you see any opportunities to further develop that part of TBC's business?

Byrd: The Big O Tires franchise system is performing well and has consistently been recognized as a top franchise brand by Entrepreneur, Franchise Times and others. We collaborate with our franchise owners to provide them with the tools they need to succeed and grow. We’ve opened nine new shops since May of this year and are excited about expanding market coverage.

We have aggressive growth plans and are focused on increasing franchisee profitability, same-store sales and ensuring franchise owners have the tools they need to continue to thrive. Recently, we launched a new training platform to provide franchise owners and their shop teams with personalized learning opportunities to help them enhance their skills and keep up to date on industry trends.

We also continue to create marketing materials to help franchise owners attract customers and recently added new sizes to the exclusive Big O Tires-branded Big Foot A/T II and Legacy AS Plus to give franchisees a competitive advantage in their markets.

MTD: What will be your top initiatives for TBC in 2026? What can TBC's customers expect to see? 

Byrd: We will continue building our network of the future to best position TBC for growth and support our customers and their evolving business needs. We will also continue to invest in our sales organization to ensure we have the right team in place to support those needs. Above all, we are driving forward with our four Ps - purpose, people, planet and profit - to fuel our success and transformation. It’s a key reason I believe the best days are in front of us, as we strive to be the distributor, franchisor and employer of choice in our industry.