On the Rise: Ellsworth Clark III

Ellsworth Clark III

President | Atlanta Tire Center Inc. | Stuart, Fla. | Age: 39

What was your first job in the industry?

I started working for my dad at the age of 16, helping out on the counter. He is the one who started the company.

What attracted you to the industry?

I’ve always loved working with people and helping them. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong ability to focus on solutions rather than getting stuck on the problems. In this industry, complex challenges arise every day, and I’m motivated by the opportunity to work through them, find answers and create positive outcomes for everyone involved.

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

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was purchasing a commercial property, tearing down the existing building, rebuilding and then moving our operations into it. I coordinated most of the process, which meant long days and very little sleep but I learned an incredible amount. Commercial properties are hard to come by, and through dedication we were able to secure an off-market deal and bring it to life. It was an intense, high-pressure experience, but it allowed me to apply my skills in a completely new context and proved that persistence pays off.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

It’s hard to narrow it down to just one person, because so many have made an impact on my career. My dad, who started the business, set the foundation. My office manager, Rhonda, and my service manager, Matt, have grown up in the industry alongside me. Many other team members as well. And my wife, who has been by my side since I was 15, has been my constant support. Over the years, I’ve made a point to surround myself with good people and to take away a quality from each of them. Including other Tire Pros dealers, every one of these individuals has influenced me in a meaningful way.

What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?

As of today, my biggest accomplishment which is the same as the challenge has been building the facility we’re currently in. From planning to completion, everything came together exactly as envisioned and the final result couldn’t be more perfect. I am also proud that we are able to help many different local charities in our town. The town supports us and we give back.

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

I’m typically at work from 6:30 a.m. until we close officially at 5:30, but often closer to 6 p.m. My role covers a wide range of responsibilities, including managing the team, handling payroll and bookkeeping, selling services and building client relationships. In our small town, many of our clients have my personal cell number, so my phone stays busy throughout the day. Whether it’s problem solving, supporting the team or ensuring customers have a great experience, I’m always available and fully engaged in the business.

Tell us about your family.

My dad is still very active in the business, and my mom has been a dedicated stay at home parent. My wife and I have been together since we were teenagers, she was 14 and I was 15 and she’s truly amazing. We have an 11-year-old daughter who just started middle school and was the only sixth grader to make the volleyball team, which we are incredibly proud of. My sister lives in upstate New York and works in marketing.

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

In 2025, I believe the most essential professional skill is building trust. Trust isn’t earned overnight — it takes consistent effort, honesty and integrity. Once you gain someone’s trust, it’s vital to protect it at all costs. I’ve learned that always telling the truth, even in uncomfortable or embarrassing situations, is key to maintaining strong relationships with both clients and team members.

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

I am definitely a hip hop guy. Any DMX, Lil Wayne, or Lil Jon track instantly takes me back to high school. Good times.

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

Although I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, I’ve always loved sales and relationship building. For me, the product itself isn’t as important, that can always be learned. What excites me is high pressure environments where I can build meaningful relationships and provide results.

Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?

Zero. I would not sleep with a disaster!

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

Over the next 10 years, I think the biggest challenge in the tire industry will be balancing quality service and fair pricing with maintaining a healthy compensation plan for employees. With the cost of living continuing to rise, especially here in Florida, it will be essential to find ways to keep employees motivated and fairly compensated while still delivering value to customers.

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

Nothing, I have loved every part of the journey and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

What hobby or activity helps you unwind?

Golf, golf and more golf! I closed on the weekends so we — me and all of our staff — could spend time with our families.

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

I’d tell them to first find the right company. Many shops are being purchased and turned into corporate stores that focus solely on numbers, not people. If you join a company that values its employees and customers, and you provide excellent service, you’ll be in an industry that rewards hard work and continues to give back, even during the toughest economic times.

What's one thing you would change about yourself?

You might want to ask my wife, Jenna, or my office manager, Rhonda, that question! Patience is something I work on every day. I tend to be very impatient and dislike waiting for things to get done, but I see it as a work in progress and am always striving to improve. (I do not want to add to the list, but I take my business very personally, and I have to work towards taking it slightly less personally.)

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

If you ask my wife, she’d probably say Tom Brady and I would agree! I’m not a Patriots fan, but his determination, ability to handle pressure, and focus on performing in high stakes situations are exactly the qualities that would make him succeed in the tire industry.