On the Rise: Alex Gobble

Alex Gobble

Director of strategic accounts | S&S Tire | Killen, Ala. | Age: 36

What was your first job in the industry?

I joined S&S Tire in 2017 as an auto dealer specialist on a newly formed team dedicated to serving new automotive dealerships. After three years learning the intricacies of this channel and the needs of the customer, I was promoted to leading the team as a business development manager for the auto dealer division.

What attracted you to the industry?

Growing up, my family owned and operated a GM dealership in Tennessee. I was raised in the automotive industry and understand the business from the customer's perspective which made this career choice a natural fit.

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

I take pride in my ability to execute at a high level and S&S Tire continues to entrust me with significant responsibilities which is not something I take lightly. My biggest professional challenge is balancing time away from home for work and dedicating quality time to my young family. My wife and children are my priority, and I insist on being a dedicated husband and father.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Two men have greatly influenced my career. My dad instilled in me a strong work ethic and I continue to lean on him for career advice. Bob Jenkins, vice president of sales at S&S Tire is my current supervisor but more importantly my mentor. Beyond helping me understand how to approach things, he makes the effort to help me understand ‘why,’ which is really impactful to my individual growth.

What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?

In the time that I've been with S&S Tire, I've been entrusted with the direction of the auto dealer channel, and I’ve been fortunate to see how my impact accelerated our growth in the division. It is truly an accomplishment that S&S Tire is now a trusted provider to our customers, a respected competitor in the market and a recognized partner to the automotive manufacturers.

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

As the director of strategic accounts, I'm responsible for leading our auto dealer division and advancing our relationships with large and national retailers. I work collaboratively with both my sales team and across all departments within our company. Strategically my focus aligns with the company's vision to be the simplest, fastest and most reliable to do business with so on any given day I may be analyzing data to establish sales goals or working to improve systems and processes that impact our customers.

Tell us about your family.

I've been married to my beautiful wife for seven years. We have a 5-year-old son who just started kindergarten, a 2-year-old daughter who keeps us on our toes at all times, and a miniature dachshund that helps the kids with snacks and dinner.

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

Being an efficient and effective communicator has served me well in my career thus far and is one of the most critical skills for someone in my role. To create value for our customers, I have to understand their needs and priorities and ensure our sales and operations teams can execute them as expected. I work with such a broad scope of people both internally and externally, and that requires we're all on the same page. Strong communication is crucial.

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

“Roses” by OutKast

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

Financial manager

Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?

100% inbox zero. I am also a bubble clearer on my phone.

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

Advancing technology. Increasing automation and the continuous develolpment of AI will change when and how automobiles will be serviced.

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

Any moment with my grandmother. She was one of the most loving women I've ever known.

What hobby or activity helps you unwind?

Golf.

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

Job security. Even with major economic changes, over the past 50 years the number of vehicles and the number of miles driven has increased. Though driving habits fluctuate, people continue to drive and vehicles continue to need tires and service.

What's one thing you would change about yourself?

I have an OCD nature that proves useful to me, but I've also found at times it can slow me or the process down more than needed. 

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

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The Rock has built his brand on strength, reliability and consistency — exactly what people want in a tire dealer. If he tells you these tires will grip the road, you’re going to believe him.