On the Rise: Andrew Rick

Andrew Rick

Director of key accounts | McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc. | Wilkes-Barre, Pa. | Age: 37

What was your first job in the industry?

Commercial sales representative.

What attracted you to the industry?

My father-in-law was a customer of McCarthy Tire for a long time, and when I was transitioning out of the military as an active-duty military recruiter (Go Army!), he told me about an opening in sales with McCarthy Tire that sounded interesting to me, so I gave it a shot, and here I am, almost 10 years later.

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

My first couple of years were extremely challenging for me. Transitioning from the Army, after eight years of service, is difficult enough, but coming into an industry I had no experience or background in was very tough. I've always been eager to learn and be the best version of myself, so I listened and learned as much as possible from coworkers and experienced tire professionals. By year two, I felt like I finally understood the expectations and what it takes to become successful in the industry. There will always be challenges in any industry, but without the help and patience of others, I would not be where I am today in the tire industry.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Customers. I've learned so much through our customers, whether it's a phone conversation or a face-to-face meeting. Whether they decide to partner with us or not, the feedback and information a customer provides has been essential to helping me grow, think differently and ultimately make the best decision for not only our company, but most importantly, the customer.

What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?

Mentoring and inspiring our younger sales team so they can accomplish their short- and long-term goals. I've enjoyed helping and watching them grow over the years and look forward to continuing to be there for them as they continue to do great things in our industry. As I am younger as well, I think I relate well to our younger teammates, and I believe they are receptive to my guidance and advice.

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

No workday is ever the same for me. However, I am typically out on the road or flying somewhere throughout the country every week to meet with current customers, our stores, our sales team, or new potential customers. Moving up within McCarthy Tire, I've definitely learned to manage my time and prioritize.

Tell us about your family.

I am happily married to my wife Rachel of 12 years, and we have four amazing children: Ella, 14, Cory, 12, Cecilia, 9, and Wesley, 6.

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

I believe the most essential skill for someone in my job is to build trust and rapport with not only the customers, but your teammates as well. Once the foundation of trust is built, this creates reliability, vulnerability, communication, respect, and overall, building this foundation can lead to a great partnership.

What song takes you back to high school? (Include the artist)

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem

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

I've always wanted to be in the sports industry. Growing up, I've always played multiple sports, and they were a big part of my childhood. Being a sports agent or sports analyst has always sounded like a fun and exciting career. 

Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?

Inbox zero. 

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

I think the biggest change in our industry will be technology. Much like other industries, technology is rapidly evolving. Customers have become more data driven in their decision making. If you want to be a key dealer in coming years, you must be heavily invested in the technology space.

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

For me, it's hard to just say one moment in life, when there's been so many moments in life that if I could live over again I would. Some examples are my wedding day, the births of my children, certain accomplishments and experiences that my family has had or I have had. All in all, life is good, and I am grateful for the things my family and I have been blessed with.

What hobby or activity helps you unwind?

Spending time with my family, watching my kids play sports, movies, watching professional/college sports, exercising and hanging out with friends.

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

The people — whether it's customers, technicians, teammates, manufacturer representatives, vendors — are what make this industry great, and I've been fortunate enough to work with and meet some of the greatest people, all because of the tire industry. I've always enjoyed getting to know new people and hearing their stories, professionally or personally.

What's one thing you would change about yourself?

Sometimes I wish I could just "turn the switch off," but this has also helped me get to where I am because of my care for customers, teammates and my relentless drive to succeed.

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

Jocko Willink, a retired Navy SEAL and author of a book called “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win.” (I highly recommend.) He is an advocate of discipline and accountability and has become a very successful entrepreneur. I believe through his leadership and the way he motivates other to accomplish a common goal (or mission), he would be able to lead a successful tire dealer and adapt to the constant changes and challenges our industry faces.