On the Rise: Russell Disalvo III

Russell Disalvo III

Store manager | Chabill’s Tire and Auto | Houma, La. | Age: 35

What was your first job in the industry?

I started as a general service tech (a tire hand) working for Goodyear part time when I was 18 — essentially doing tires, oil changes and flat repairs.

What attracted you to the industry?

I was looking for a part time job while I was in college and they were hiring. I did not realize at the time that this was going to be my career path.

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

Well that's tough as I have had a few. I started with Chabill's when I was 20 as a general service tech but I wanted to work in the front someday. So, transitioning to the front as a service advisor, then a few years later to managing a store. All the little things that go into doing these jobs that you don't realize until you get there, and you can try to improve along the way.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

That's a very tough question because there have been so many people that have been there to help me along the way. However, I would have to say Martin and Carey (Chabill's vice presidents) have consistently been there to help teach and guide me along the way. They always pushed and challenged me to do better — even when I didn't think it was that important of a task. I look back at it now and realize that the lessons that they were teaching me were more valuable than I ever thought they were. I will always thank them for that and putting up with me all these years, even though I was and still can be a pain at times.

What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?

I started with Chabill's when I was 20. I worked my way up to a service advisor by age 22 and then to a manager when I was 26. In doing so, I was able to win the service advisor of the year award three times and manager of the year twice with two different locations. These awards are given out at our annual Christmas party.

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

My day consists of managing workflow, taking care of customers, and estimates. If we are behind or shorthanded, I'll work in the back if that is what it takes to not only assist my crew but to get our customers taken care of.

Tell us about your family.

I'm married to my beautiful wife, Brittany. I also have two beautiful kids, a 10-year-old son named Cohen and a 7-year-old daughter named Charleigh. We also have a very spoiled bernedoodle named Cosmo.

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

I feel like having a whatever-it-takes type of mentality. I feel like with those types of skills, it allows someone to look past excuses and find solutions to make things happen.

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

“Comatose” by Skillet. To this day Skillet is still one of my favorite bands.

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

To be honest, I like what I do. I get to walk in every day, help people out of situations and know that they can trust us to do the right thing for them.

Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?

I'm kinda in the middle.

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

I feel like there are many issues that we will face, but at the fast rate of what things cost as a whole will make things difficult.

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

Holding my two kids in my arms for the first time.

What hobby or activity helps you unwind?

I love to play golf when I can. I don't have a ton of free time but when I do, the golf course is where I would like to be unless the Saints are playing, then I'm watching that.

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

The unlimited opportunities for a career path. You can essentially choose what you want to do, and under the right company, like Chabill's, they will help you excel in the area you want to pursue as long as you put the work in to make it happen.

What's one thing you would change about yourself?

My height. I'm 5'5" and that's me stretching it. I accept it at this point, but a little extra height would be nice.

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

Ryan Reynolds, he is a very likeable person. He's got a funny yet charismatic way about things.