Cincinnati-based Tire Discounters — which is billed as the seventh largest independent retail tire and automotive services company in the United States — has announced a number of changes to its management team.
David Cahill is now director of training, research and development — a newly established role. Cahill, who joined Tire Discounters at the end of 2018, is an ASE Master Technician and automotive training professional with over 25 years of experience. He is responsible for expanding the company’s training program and leading future innovation.
Chris Albertz, a 17-year Tire Discounters veteran, was promoted to purchasing manager to help identify and incorporate new systems for improving merchandising and other store-focused solutions.
Dave Chirello was promoted to division director of sales. Chirello is a 25-year veteran of the retail automotive repair industry, with experience leading markets across the South. He now oversees sales and operations in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky.
Eldon Riggs is now the director of retail operations, responsible for the company’s Indianapolis expansion, opening seven stores currently under construction over the next two months. Riggs joined Tire Discounters last year after more than 25 years building and growing the Indianapolis retailer Tire Barn.
Aaron Eck, Jim Phillips, George Reynolds and John Ross have all joined the company recently as field leaders. They are tasked with supporting and leading new and existing markets, including Dayton, OH; Huntsville, AL; and Knoxville, TN.
Brandon Grubbs, a nine-year Tire Discounters veteran, is now director of commercial sales and service — a new position. As such, Grubbs will lead business development for the company’s northern and southern divisions.
Since its debut in 1976, Tire Discounters has grown to 116 stores and more than 1,200 employees across six states. The company has doubled its number of stores since 2011 and is continuing to expand its footprint in both new and existing markets. Tire Discounters plans to open 19 stores over the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, Tire Discounters has been upgrading its digital platforms over the past year with such projects as a new warehouse management system, new learning management technology and new point-of-sale software.
“We’ve completed the first phase of our technology upgrades. We’re now realigning our leadership team to streamline responsibilities and maximize the efficiencies we’ve gained with over the past year,” explained Crissy Niese, senior vice president and chief customer officer.
“I’m excited about the changes to our sales and operations teams,” said Charles Curlee, vice president of retail sales. “The folks we’ve assembled are more experienced than any I’ve ever seen. We’re scaling up the team to provide best-in-class support as we continue to grow our footprint across the Midwest and southern United States.”