Visions - Winter 2008 - 8

Living Related Business TBC Private Brands Never “Tires” of Advancing Management Emphasizes Product Development, Economic Change and Core Values at Annual Meeting W ith TBC Private Brands sales for fiscal year 2007 at over $400 million, this division of SCOA can look in the rear view mirror and see success. But in the tire business, one always looks at the road ahead, and for TBC Private Brands, there is much to look forward to. At their annual meeting in Palm Desert, California, this past January, in conjunction with the TBC Wholesale Marketing Meeting, members of TBC Private Brands management spoke about the year’s advances in product development, new opportunities and proven performance.TBC Private Brands takes its place in the TBC family as the largest marketer of private brand tires in North America. TBC Private Brands president Gary Paulson explained that Private Brands’ success always harkens back to mutual core values. “The fundamentals in how we built our businesses and our approach to the marketplace are NOT going to change,” said Paulson in a joint address with Treadways president Lyle Symonds. “And I guess you could say that, more importantly, our integrity will not change either. As in the past, we will continue to manage our business in a professional manner. Our honesty, integrity and credibility will continue to be the core values in our long-term business model.” “Secondly, if we view our opportunities in this business and in this industry from the proper perspective, and with the proper attitude, I believe and I think our customers should believe that our business and our industry virtually cannot fail. Not only will it not fail, but it will continue to provide strong periods of growth and tremendous personal opportunities for all of us in this room today.” Bill Dashiell,TBC Wholesale Vice President of Product Marketing, and Marty Krcelic,TBC Private Brands Vice President of Sales, followed through on last year’s predictions of bolstered business. “Last year, I said 2007 would be a breakout year for TBC and our customers,” Dashiell reiterated to the 200 tire dealers attending the meeting,“and considering we had mid-year launches of our new lines and other challenges, I believe we did exactly that. Today, our product lines are better than they have ever been, but that doesn’t mean we will cease our product development, or that we have stopped looking for the next opportunity for our customers.” 8 visions Winter 2008 The TBC Private Brands office and warehouse in Memphis, Tennessee. Krcelic said he understands that the tire industry is more dynamic today than any other time in its history. “Change is not going to slow down any time soon,” he said. “Rising oil prices will continue to pressure consumers to move to smaller more fuel efficient vehicles. This move will drive a change in the type and size of tires needed for these new smaller vehicles.” Also mentioned was the development of a new line of passenger, performance, and light truck products from Private Brands’ new commercial tire supplier, Sailun Tire. “This new line will be marketed under the Sailun brand name,” Krcelic stated.“and will be backed by all of the incentives normally associated with other manufacturer’s brand offerings such as co-op advertising support and aggressive promotional programs.We are convinced for a whole host of reasons that Sailun will become one of the leading tire manufacturers. So stay tuned for further details as the year continues on. The new Sailun program will offer a great opportunity for all of us to get in on the ground floor and literally build a brand.” Dashiell also said with the addition of new sizes, new lines, and exciting new programs,TBC Private Brands has strengthened its already extensive selection of products. “I understand that we must create new opportunities, plan for change, and look to overcome the challenges that we will all face. TBC Private Brands has accepted the challenge and knows that we need to have the products that retailers need today, and not just plan for tomorrow’s products.” Sumitomo Corporation GM for the Americas Michihisa Shinagawa spoke at the meeting of SCOA’s continuing commitment to delivering expanded products and services, harkening back to the purpose of the original acquisition of TBC Corporation. “This acquisition was significant for Sumitomo not only for
Visions - Winter 2008

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