Training Program Helps Point S Dealers Improve Profits

The first graduates of a new members-only Master Shop leadership program for Point S USA members have recorded measurable improvements — including an increase in average net profit of $165,000 over the previous year.

The program is lead by Tony O'Billovich, who joined the Point S corporate team in January 2022 after working for the cooperative's largest member, Eric Gill at Gills Point S Tire and Auto Service. O'Billovich has spent more than two decades working in the wholesale and retail tire industry. As part of the Master Shop program, he leads Point S participants through a 12-month program aimed at improving profitability and store-level results.

“Our initiatives are all about helping our owner’s grow profitably, and our newly created Master Shop program with Tony at it’s helm is proving to be wildly successful at doing just that for its participants," says Clint Young, president and chief operating officer of Point S USA.

O'Billovich says the average $165,000 improvement in profitability "is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teams at each location and their owners that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching."

The Master Shop program is designed to help owners address challenges at their stores. Point S USA says O’Billovich focuses on developing various opportunities at each site, ranging from streamlining vehicle processing to conducting comprehensive courtesy inspections that lead to opportunities to help customers. O’Billovich says he's learned sustainable change can only be achieved by nurturing and motivating employees, and providing them with opportunities to grow.

"Great companies create opportunity and have clear expectations, and that’s the winning ingredient of every great team or company," says O’Billovich. "When our employees thrive, our business thrives, and I teach and help owners to create this environment.

"In addition to the team development aspect of my program, we also take a hard look at the owner’s business both operationally and financially to look for opportunities to optimize performance."

Bryan Frank, owner of Franks Point S in Union Gap, Wash., says as a result of the program, "We nearly doubled our net profit! Tony helped us sharpen our focus on mechanical aspects. He made me realize the importance of aligning our shop's appearance with our identity, resulting in a much cleaner presentation. He taught me how to empower my employees, which was the true catalyst for our growth."

Garth Williams, owner of Direct Discount Point S in Stillwater, Okla., says, "I've spent 46 years as the owner of this tire store, never working for anyone else. Seeking guidance from someone with Tony's experience was a significant decision. With a successful track record of running 18 retail locations, I valued his opinion. Tony promptly boosted our warranty sales, but what truly matters is how he nurtured our employees, ultimately enhancing my own capabilities as an owner. I wholeheartedly recommend Tony to anyone seeking similar growth and expertise."

The year-long program is open to approximately 15 Point S owners per year.