On the Rise: Mario Aguirre

Mario Aguirre

General manager | Southern Tire Mart LLC | Mansfield, Texas | Age: 36

What was your first job in the industry?

Working the chambers in the retread shop.

What attracted you to the industry?

I had a friend that I played rugby with who worked for Southern Tire Mart. When I expressed that I wanted a career change, he started to recruit me. Knowing very little about tires I took a tour of Southern Tire Mart's Fort Worth retail store and I was amazed at how much goes into the operation.

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

We moved our Dallas-Fort Worth wholesale warehouse from Grand Prairie to Mansfield, Texas, but we only had one month to do it. We were able to accomplish the goal without the help of any outside contract labor, and we didn't skip a day of doing business. 

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Marty Windham and Keven Haddox. My first interview was with Keven and ever since that day I have had the utmost respect for the way he is able to handle himself and the responsibilities he has for Southern Tire Mart. Marty taught me everything I know today about the wholesale business, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for him. Those are the two hardest working men I know in the industry.

What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?

I wasn't alone in this, but I would say we were able to create stronger relationships with our vendors and manufacturers and that led us to be able to make exclusive brands for Southern Tire Mart — something we had not seen before our wholesale expansion.

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

I manage our DFW wholesale distribution center — from operations to sales, all the way to what type of toilet paper we buy. Most of my mornings are spent making my rounds in the warehouse to talk to my supervisors and make sure everything is running smoothly with deliveries and inbound. I usually run multiple reports each day to look at sales, inventory and route efficiency, and then I will repeat that cycle in the afternoon when our next shift comes in for outbound operations.

Tell us about your family.

My wife and I have two beautiful boys, Koa is 2 1/2 and Sonny is 8 months old. When I leave my work madhouse I go home to an actual madhouse. But we love it. It is definitely such a joy and blessing right now at this age, but we feel like we say that every three months.

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

Communication and being personable. I know I gave two answers, but I think communication is essential in any profession you're in. Being personable is huge. Most relate it to sales but it is just as important as a supervisor or coworker. A wise man once told me, “You are not in the tire business, you are in the people business."

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

“Even Flow” by Pearl Jam, or any Eminem song.

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

It would be a tie between a coaching career or a chef.

Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?

Inbox disaster.

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

The technology of tires advances every year and the use of AI is growing. I think at some point folks will be able to go to a tire shop and pull up to get automated service without having to deal with a person. like the automated McDonalds they are building.

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

I lost my dad at 8 years old. I would love to go back and have some conversations with him.

What hobby or activity helps you unwind?

Playing any sport, but the most common one right now is basketball.

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

My selling point would be that there is a position for almost everyone. This industry touches so many professions that you can almost find a spot for any candidate.

What's one thing you would change about yourself?

Nothing. You have to enjoy who you are and act with your best qualities.

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

Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort (from “The Wolf of Wall Street”). If he can sell penny stocks he can sell tires.