MTD Flashback: From Tire Store to House Floor

Editor's note: This article about tire-dealer-turned-elected-representative Dan Dorman was first published in the August 2005 issue of MTD.

Tip O'Neill once said, "All politics is local." Nobody knows that better than Dan Dorman.

When Dorman isn't selling tires at Hanson Tire Service, his single-location dealership in Albert Lea, Minn., he's at the Minnesota capital of St. Paul, working on budgets, reviewing bills and championing his constituents' concerns as a member of the state's House of Representatives.

Dorman's tire industry career dates back to 1988, when he joined Hanson Tire. But his interest in politics dates back much furthr - to the sixth grade, when he went on a field trip to St. Paul and met some politicians. "I remember thinking at the time, 'Boy, I'd like to do something like that!" he says.

Dorman followed politics throughout high school and college, which led to a degree in political science from the University of Minnesota.

"Then I graduated and started to make a living. I didn't think much about (politics) until I got active with our local chamber of commerce."

He started helping out on various campaigns and scored an opportunity to run for a House seat in 1998. He won the election - and was then re-elected in 2000, 2002 and 2004!

Dorman is registered as a Republican, but labels himself a political independent. People appreciate his refusal to blindly follow the party line, he says. "My district is very independent. People in Minnesota tend to be very independent. 

"Part of the frustration I have with the system both in Washington and St. Paul is that sometimes you get people who are more interested in party politics than they are in doing the right thing."

Dorman's reputation as a maverick works to his advantage. Earlier this year, the Speak of Minnesota' House made Dorman chair of the state's capital investment committee. Dorman's efforts enabled the state to pass an important bonding bill.

"It had a lot to do with just being able to sit down and talk with somebody from the other party and not thinking they're the enemy."

The process is not unlike selling tires, he says. "What's the other guy thinking? What's the customer thinking when he comes in through the door? What's his need? How do we get together? I think that's sometimes lacking in the political process."

Dorman's position as a small businessman also gives him a perspective that some of his colleagues don't enjoy. He spends a great deal of time listening to his constituents' concerns when they stop by his shop. And he has first-hand knowledge of how decisions made at the state capital impact business owners and their customers.

"I think (representatives) spend an awful lot of time arguing about taxes rather than who really pays them."

Dorman, whose current term expires next year, encourages tire dealers to get involved in politics, whether locally or on a larger stage. "Tire dealers should not be afraid to take positions on things. Just because you disagree with a position doesn't mean people won't do business with you."

He believes tire dealers are in a unique position to help elected officials understand the tire industry. "The key to being a successful representative is finding people you can go to in order to help you understand an issue. If tire dealers can get themselves into a position where elected officials rely on then, that's where you can really have an influence."