Ohio Dealers Tackle Challenges Head-On

The Ohio Tire & Automotive Association (OTAA) knows what its members are up against and is aggressively addressing those challenges.

In a letter sent to OTAA members last month, Jamie Ward, the association’s new president, wrote:

"It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the new president of the Ohio Tire & Automotive Association (OTAA). As someone who has dedicated my career to the tire and automotive industry, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing independent tire dealers across Ohio. I also know how important it is to have a strong, united voice working on our behalf - and that’s exactly what the OTAA delivers.

"Our Board of Directors and team remain deeply committed to creating real, measurable value for our members. Whether you’re a single shop or a multi-store operator, OTAA exists to support your success. Through effective legislative advocacy, best-in-class training, and practical member benefits, we are laser-focused on equipping you with the tools you need to thrive.

"One area where our voice is making a difference is at the state house. Advocacy remains a cornerstone of our mission and OTAA continues to represent your interests with energy and credibility. From opposing burdensome regulations to pushing forward common-sense initiatives - such as establishing safer minimum tread depth standards to protect drivers and ensure consistency across the industry - we’re fighting for policies that support safety, professionalism, and a level playing field.

"In addition to policy, we’re expanding access to training and educational opportunities. Whether it’s technician certification, service advisor development or business operations, our goal is to deliver resources that help your team grow and your business excel. We’re also investing in the future - exploring new partnerships, strengthening our benefits portfolio and looking ahead to innovations that will shape the next chapter of our industry. The road ahead is filled with promise, and OTAA, with your help, is poised to lead the way.

"Now more than ever, associations like OTAA matter. We bring together tire and automotive professionals who share values of integrity, quality, and service. Membership means being part of a community that understands your business, has your back and is working every day to protect your ability to compete and succeed. Thank you for being part of the OTAA. Let’s continue to grow together, advocate together and drive our industry forward—one mile at a time.”

Common challenges

Ward recently told MTD that independent tire dealers throughout the United States face the same challenges as dealers in his home state. (Ward also is the CEO of Cincinnati-based Tire Discounters Inc., which has more than 210 locations across a multi-state footprint and is one of the 10 largest independent tire dealerships in the country, according to the 2025 MTD 100.)

"Wage growth, shortage of staff, increased taxes and general cost increases over the past several years have really caused independent dealers to scrutinize every expense, cutting back where they can and look for other ways to reduce expenses,” he said.

"One of the largest and ongoing challenges we are seeing independent dealers face are significant difficulty recruiting and training qualified repair technicians.”

Ward said that OTAA is counteracting this by providing free technician training through instructor-led workshops multiple times each year. 

“The three-day curriculum includes ... cutting edge chassis system diagnosis and repair, as well as hands on electrical diagnostics” and instruction in other areas. "With the advanced vehicle technology in our bays today, our technicians must sharpen their skills to catch up and stay on top.

"Other challenges we are seeing are related to the rising costs we are seeing in ancilary services necessary to operate business that must be absorbed."

Ward said that members of the OTAA "can utilize negotiated programs through our partnerships that we make available to our members, such as HR services, health care coverage (and) workers compensation programs, among many other partnerships, to help reduce costs by leveraging larger group discounts."