On the Rise: Dustin Smith

Dustin Smith

General manager | St Louis Wholesale Tire | St. Louis, Mo. | Age: 36

What was your first job in the industry?

After finishing college in 2011, I started my first job in the industry working in business development for a classic and collector car dealership. It was a unique way to break into the automotive world combining sales strategy with a deep appreciation for the history and craftsmanship behind classic vehicles. That role really sparked my interest in the business side of the specialty automotive industry and what brought me to selling rubber instead of burning rubber.

What attracted you to the industry?

What attracted me to the industry was the opportunity to work as a supplier and build lasting relationships with both wholesale distributors and independent tire dealers. The industry is built on partnerships between suppliers, distributors and customers, and I thrive in environments where strong, trust-based relationships are key to success. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the people and the connections you create that make the entire supply chain stronger.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?

One of the biggest challenges was leading teams through system and process changes, like implementing new technology or reworking daily operations. Change is never easy, but I’ve learned how to keep people motivated and on the same page while driving progress forward.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My grandfather has had the biggest influence on me, not just in my career, but in life. He instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication and discipline, always emphasizing the importance of working hard for your family. His example shaped how I approach every challenge with a focus on doing what’s right, staying committed and putting in the effort to create lasting success. Inside the tire industry my biggest influence would be Joe Inchiostro. Joe exemplifies what it means to lead by example, showing me that effective leadership isn’t about giving orders but demonstrating commitment, integrity and respect in every decision. His approach has shaped the way I lead today, always focusing on people first and striving for meaningful, lasting results.

What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?

My biggest accomplishment in the industry was my fast rise to general manager. Starting in business development, I worked hard to learn every aspect of the specialty tire business, focusing on relationship building, operational improvements, IT improvements and leadership. My ability to apply core values of hard work, dedication and discipline allowed me to quickly take on larger responsibilities and lead critical projects. I have loved every second of it and find overcoming the challenges in our industry rewarding.

Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?

As general manager of St. Louis Wholesale Tire, I oversee the daily coordination of our company’s operations to ensure everything runs smoothly. My role adds a layer of management that allows our team to address issues quickly and effectively while also freeing up time for CEO-level strategic growth initiatives.

On a typical day, I divide my time between employee management, day-to-day operations, IT support, project coordination and business development. I also dedicate time to strategic planning, reporting and analysis to make sure we’re tracking performance and positioning the company for long-term growth. Being part of a family-owned and operated business means I wear many hats, but ultimately my focus is on keeping the company moving forward in the right direction.

Tell us about your family.

I’m engaged to my amazing fiancée, Hannah, who has been my biggest supporter and partner in everything I do. I’m also a proud dad to my daughter, Ada, who just started kindergarten this year. Watching her grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Family has always been at the heart of who I am, shaping the way I work, lead and live. My mother and grandparents instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication and discipline, and those lessons continue to guide me every day. They’re the reason I push myself to build something lasting and meaningful.

What is the most essential professional skill for someone in your job?

For a general manager, I believe the most essential professional skill is adaptability. In a family-owned business, no two days look the same. You have to be able to shift quickly between leading people, solving operational challenges, supporting IT needs, analyzing data and pursuing growth opportunities. Adaptability allows me to wear many hats while keeping the bigger picture in focus. It’s what ensures the business runs smoothly today while also positioning us for success tomorrow.

What song takes you back to high school?

Green Day’s “American Idiot”

If you could start a new career tomorrow, what would you do?

If I could start a new career tomorrow, I would still choose to work in the tire industry. It’s an industry I have grown to love, and I genuinely enjoy the combination of technical knowledge, problem solving and helping customers find the right solutions. Growing up, I saw the impact a well-run business could have on people’s lives, and now being part of a family owned company, I love that I get to carry that forward every day. Even if I started fresh, I’d be drawn to the same challenges and opportunities that make this business so rewarding.

Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?

I live by inbox zero or as close to zero as I can get. Staying on top of emails helps me keep the business running smoothly, respond quickly to issues and free up mental space for bigger-picture priorities.

In the next 10 years, what will be the biggest change in the tire industry?

It is hard to say what the future holds in the next 10 years. I imagine the tire industry will be transformed by advanced technologies and AI, producing smarter, more durable tires. These innovations will improve performance, predict maintenance needs and extend service life, while also providing new opportunities to offer data driven solutions to customers. Companies that leverage these tools effectively not just in operations but also in sales will lead the market.

What moment in life would you like to live over again?

Picking a single moment is tough. It would either be the day I brought my daughter home from the hospital or a simple, random summer day spent at my grandparents’ farm. Both are filled with memories of love, connection and the people who have shaped me.

What hobby or activity helps you unwind?

Fishing is my go-to way to unwind. Being out on the water lets me disconnect, clear my mind and recharge. I even keep a small picture of the first fish I ever caught with my grandfather on my desk.

If it was your job to persuade new people to join the tire industry, what would be your best selling point?

If I were persuading new people to join the tire industry, my best-selling point would be the combination of stability, innovation and variety. This is an industry where you get to solve real world problems and see the tangible impact of your work every day. There’s also room to grow whether in technical expertise, sales, or leadership making it a career with both challenge and reward.

What’s one thing you would change about yourself?

If I could change one thing about myself, I’d like to be a little more patient. I tend to move fast and want to see results right away, which can be a strength but sometimes slowing down would serve me even better.

Pick a celebrity and explain why you think he/she would be a great tire dealer.

I would pick Tim Allen for his practical, hands-on approach and “everyman” persona, he’s reliable, relatable, and has a strong work ethic perfect for connecting with customers and running a tire business.