On the Rise: Manolo Galang

Manolo Galang

Sales | Balado National Tires | Miami, Fla. | Age: 29

What was your first job in the industry?

The entirety of my career in the tire industry has been with Balado National Tires. I have worked in numerous capacities within the business. In the early days, I spent a lot of time serving as the muscle of our tire operations. I got well-acquainted with the process of finding tires, loading and unloading trucks and managing inventory.

What attracted you to the industry?

The opportunity to work with family and grow Balado's legacy attracted me to the industry. Balado National Tires was founded by my wife's great-grandfather in 1949.

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

The biggest challenge to my career has been learning how to speak Spanish and sell tires in Spanish. My coworkers and a majority of our customer base in Miami primarily speak Spanish.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

The biggest influence on my career has been my wife, Alyssa, and my father-in-law, Orlando. They are in the trenches alongside me every day of the week. Their enthusiasm and commitment toward the tire business is a source of great inspiration and motivation.

What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?

My biggest accomplishment has been successfully selling tires in a non-native language, bringing in new streams of revenue, and helping Balado National Tires secure its place as the No. 1 voted best tire store in Miami.

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

My day-to-day mostly consists of meeting with customers, making sales and overseeing the overall health of our wholesale and retail operations. I serve as the Swiss army knife of the business. I fill in where needed and wear many different hats depending on the day.

Tell us about your family.

Me and my wife have a big, wonderful extended family on both sides.

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

The most essential professional skill for someone in my job boils down to communication. The ability to clearly set expectations with customers, delegate job responsibilities and manage the flow of work stems from the strength of one's communication.

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

“Levels” by Avicii

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

I would work as a photojournalist in the surfing or music industry.

Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?

Inbox zero.

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

My wedding day.

What hobby or activity helps you unwind?

Walking my dog, Cody, with my wife at sunset.

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

I would sell them on a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment that sharpens your mind through constant stimulation, challenges and opportunities to grow as a person. There is a great deal of character development that takes place as a result of working in such a setting.

What's one thing you would change about yourself?

The amount of self-criticism.

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

Matthew McConaughey. I believe that he is a natural storyteller which directly translates into sales and developing connections in the professional world.