On the Rise: Parker McClain

Parker McClain

Market manager — outside sales | Southern Tire and Wheel | Memphis, Tenn. | Age: 35

What was your first job in the industry?

Robison Tire Company in Laurel, Miss.

What attracted you to the industry?

I've always enjoyed vehicles and tires as a kid. Having a project on a vehicle was always something that happened. After the first few weeks of being in the warehouse I saw a totally new side that I was very interested in.

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

COVID-19 I believe was a hard challenge to navigate. It wasn't pricing or inventory necessarily as much as it was just the surge in business. Our business nearly doubled that year but also the workload changed. Every person was all hands on deck. Long hours, long days — it felt like it never would stop.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Jerry Sr. Pelham, our owner's father, has been a great influence on me. He's spent hours with me on the phone discussing the new market trends, inventory problems, pricing, supply chain, warehouse operations — you name it, he's done it. I don't know if I've met anyone with the amount of knowledge and work ethic as him. Working with him in the warehouse numerous times you figure out what you are made of.

What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?

Being named Rookie of the Year through ITDG was an outstanding accomplishment and we were very thankful to receive this award. In saying that I believe our biggest accomplishment has been the reputation and relationships with our customers. Our service is what we take pride in and I believe our customers would give us a five-star rating for that.

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

The majority of the time is spent face-to-face with our customer base. I cover about a 120 mile radius roughly in and surrounding the Greater Memphis Area. If I am not in front of a dealer, I am usually on a phone call. Taking orders is part of the job, but being on the front lines interacting with customers is the best part of my job. I am confident when I say we know almost everyone we do business with personally.

Tell us about your family.

I have been married now to my wonderful wife Erin for about eight years now. We have two boys Tristan, 7, and Crew, 2. When we are not slinging tires our family enjoys the lake life. Tristan and Crew are both cowboys because their grandaddy is. Crew likes to follow his brother around and do whatever he is doing until they start fighting.

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

Discernment. Knowing how to read people is a key in the industry in my opinion. I would like to get as much business as possible. But not all business is good business. Being able to know the difference is important.

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

“Yeah!” By Usher

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

I'd probably try to do something in sports again. I went back to school in between working in the tire industry and I got a degree in sports management. This allowed me to work with the Memphis Grizzlies for two seasons. It was a great job but having a family made the hours hard to stick with it. But I enjoy the tire industry now too much to make a change.

Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?

I'd rather be inbox zero. I can't stand clutter. I am OCD. I do not like to be unorganized.

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

I think online sales will be great for a lot of people and it will be very beneficial for the convenience of the individual. I believe this will allow people to be better and more savvy buyers. But I think it will hurt the wholesalers and retail shops in the end. Individuals are going to focus more on pricing and cheaper labor rates rather than quality and service in a storefront (at a) local, hometown business.

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

My wedding day. Erin and I had the best day. All of our favorite people were there. We just danced, laughed and made a great memory that day. I could do that day over anytime.

What hobby or activity helps you unwind?

The gym. I firmly believe in spiritual, mental and physical health. Being in the gym consistently helps me have a little time to reflect and think on matters that I can't during the day.

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

I would tell them if you want to have a trade that you can't be taught anywhere else but on the job tires in the place. You can literally start unloading trucks and work your way to the top if you work hard. It's not an easy industry and you have to have some tough skin, but it's truly been rewarding to me personally. 

What's one thing you would change about yourself?

I'd be more patient. It's my worst characteristic as an individual. I want it to happen now not tomorrow.

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

Mathew McConaughey just for the way he talks and he's a likeable guy. I feel like he could find a way to talk to just about anyone.