Speakers, Hall of Fame Induction Highlight CTDA Event
Guest speakers and a hall of fame induction highlighted this year's California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA)/1-800 EveryRim New Year Luncheon, which took place on Jan. 26.
Dick Gust, CEO of the Tire Industry Association, and Steve Swanson, speaking on behalf of the Specialty Equipment Market Association's Wheel & Tire Council, outlined the various programs and initiatives that they are providing for their members. (Swanson also is the national sales manager for styled wheels at the Carlstar Group.)
Billy Eordekian, president of 1-800 EveryRim OEM Wheels (second from right), presents custom-made bobbleheads to Swanson and Gust. (Photo: MTD)
Ken Kevorkian, who owned United Vulcanizing in Los Angeles, Calif., for 50 years and was one of the first members of the CTDA, was inducted into the association's hall of fame during the event.
Kevorkian took over the reins of United Vulcanizing in the 1950s from his father, after having served with the military in Korea.
United Vulcanizing had one location from which it sold new tires and produced retreads for passenger, light truck and truck tires. Kevorkian said the company shut down its retreading operation in the mid-1980s when he added automotive service to his retail operation.
In addition to running his business, Kevorkian participated heavily in the CTDA and served as its president in 1993 and 1994. He also served as chairman and member of the California Transportation Commission for eight years under governors Deukmejian and Wilson and was a director of the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association from 1991 through 1997.
In addition, he served as a director for the California State Assistance Fund for Enterprise, Business and Industrial Development and was president and member of the California/Nevada Super Speed Train Commission. He has also served as moderator and chairman of the trustees for the United Armenian Congregational Church in Los Angeles.
Kevorkian said a key to his success was a saying that he often used, which is “never be afraid of work. Let work be afraid of you.” (Photo: MTD)
Approximately 80 people attended the luncheon, which was held in Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
Next year’s luncheon is set for January 18, 2024
Sponsors of this year’s luncheon were 1-800 EveryRim OEM Wheels; platinum sponsor Federated Insurance; gold sponsors Yokohama Tire Corp., Advanced Auto Parts, Mighty Auto Parts, RoboTire LLC, TireTutor and Wholesale Tire Distributors; and silver sponsors Penn Tire; Optimize Digital Marketing; NetDriven; ShopMonkey; Conceptual Minds: and Atturo Tire Corp.