Bethel Park, Pa.-based Bruce Brothers Tire Pros services around 80 cars a day through 15 service bays.
The dealership also installs an average of 80 tires per day.
What’s the secret to Bruce Brothers Tire Pros’ remarkable productivity? “Great service,” says Scott Bruce, the company’s owner and sole proprietor.
“We’re known in our area as the place to go” for new tires and auto repair – a hard-earned reputation built on “how we treat our customers. We’re very personable. We do the job right. And we give customers great service for their money.”
‘A great team’
Located 10 miles south of Pittsburgh, Bethel Park is next to U.S. Route 19, a busy north-to-south highway. Pennsylvania Route 88, another thoroughfare, runs through the municipality.
Both roads ensure a steady flow of cars and customers.
Bruce Brothers Tire Pros’ retail store, which features 10 service bays, is next to a busy shopping plaza. An overflow facility, which contains five bays, is just a few minutes away.
Bruce started his tire industry career when he was 12 years old. “My dad had a small shop and I worked for him. My first job was studding winter tires.”
He bought his father's business in 1993 at the age of 18. “I had $14,000 saved up. My first day (as an owner), I sold one used tire and made $10.95. I thought, ‘Maybe this is a big mistake.' But over the years, it’s turned out very well for me and my family.”
Bruce Brothers Tire Pros was a tires-only operation until 2015. Since then, the company’s sales mix has evolved. Fifty-five percent of its revenue now comes from auto repair. The rest is derived from tire sales and related services.
The dealership has 20 employees. “I couldn’t do it without them – from our service writers and the people who answer the phones to the people who change tires,” says Bruce. Many have been with the company for a long time. “We train them very well. We have a great team.”
He credits Store Manager Jesse Whitney for much of Bruce Brothers Tire Pros’ success. Whitney “started with me 25 years ago. He does a very good job of making sure everybody’s happy with everything they’re doing and getting."
‘Our customers listen’
“We’re known as a very honest shop and our customers trust us,” says Bruce.
That level of confidence extends to the tire recommendations Bruce and his employees make. Many of the dealership’s customers are less brand-oriented than in the past. A growing number are focused on price. “As far as service work, they aren’t pricing as much, but as far as tires, we’re getting more price-shoppers.”
His dealership’s spacious showroom features individual work stations and massage chairs for customers.
After customers leave the store, he makes a point to stay in contact with them. “We follow up to keep them coming back. We send out something as soon as they leave and thank them for their business. We follow up after three months to thank them again and make sure everything’s going well with their vehicles.”
Bruce says competition in Bethel Park can be tough. “There are a lot of independent (tire dealers) in the area and a lot of big box stores. Within a few miles, I probably have 10 competitors.”
At the moment, Bruce Brothers Tire Pros has no plans to expand. The dealership’s current volume of business provides plenty of regular, profitable work.
Business this year “has been exceptional,” says Bruce, who targets annual, year-over-year revenue growth of 5%. “We’re on track to meet that goal.”
