Johnny G & Friends

Nate Zolman, president of Zolman Tire, is known for hard work, smart decisions, and adaptability. He transformed the company into a regional powerhouse in tires and truck repair. The Origins of Zolman Tire The story of Zolman Tire begins with Bud Zolman. He built the Indiana-based tire shop from scratch with grit. Nate practically grew up in the shop, changing tires and fixing cars. He learned firsthand what running a business takes. When his time came, he didn’t just follow in his father’s footsteps—he forged his own path. Expanding Under Nate’s Leadership Under Nate’s leadership, Zolman Tire has expanded to eight retail locations and four commercial truck centers. He has competed with national chains, online retailers, and industry giants. Instead of backing down, he focused on building a team that treats customers like family. Cultivating Team Culture and Integrity at Zolman Tire Today, Nate joins Johnny G & Friends. He discusses growing Zolman Tire, challenges for independent tire dealers, and staying ahead in the industry. Nate also reflects on pivotal moments that earned him respect, including a memorable standoff that marked his leadership rise.  He also explores how he cultivates a strong team culture and his non-negotiable stance on integrity. This sets the business tone at Zolman Tire.

Bauer Built Tire & Service [https://www.bauerbuilt.com/] has been a family name in the tire business since 1944. Sam Bauer founded the company in Durand, Wisconsin. It started as a small operation and grew into a powerhouse with 35 locations across nine states. Today, the rich Bauer Built Tire history shows the company’s dedication to growth, service, and community. Jerry Bauer stepped into leadership at just 24 years old. He guided Bauer Built Tire & Service through its substantial growth. Along the way, he balanced family ownership with smart business strategy. Under Jerry’s leadership, Bauer Built became one of the most respected independent tire dealers in the country. Jerry’s impact doesn’t stop there, though. Today, he mentors the next generation of leaders. Tad and Mandy, his children, are now key leaders in the business. Jerry joins us on Johnny g & Friends. He talks about the lessons he’s learned and shares the challenges of running a family business. He also explains how Bauer Built has stayed strong for 80 years. The story of Bauer Built Tire history highlights resilience, vision, and family values. For more episodes of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, click here. [https://www.tirereview.com/category/video/johnny-g-friends-video/] Tire Review: www.tirereview.com Firestone: www.firestonetire.com

Throughout the year on episodes of Johnny g & Friends [https://www.tirereview.com/category/video/johnny-g-friends-video/], Johnny would ask each guest: How do you work on the business instead of in the business? In this Season 4 wrap-up, find out how each guest answered that. In this episode, hear from this year's guests including Andrew Firestone [https://www.tirereview.com/johnny-g-andrew-firestone-s4/]; Bridgestone Golf CEO Dan Murphy [https://www.tirereview.com/johnny-g-dan-murphy-p1-s4/]; Bubba, Kim and Pat McMahon of McMahon's Best-One [https://www.tirereview.com/johnny-g-mcmahons-best-one/]; Sally Thomas, owner of J.P. Thomas & Company [https://www.tirereview.com/johnny-g-sally-thomas/]; Stacey and Frankie Pugh of Pugh's Tire [https://www.tirereview.com/johnny-g-pughs-tire/]; John Quirk, executive chairman of VIP Tires & Service [https://www.tirereview.com/johnny-g-vip-john-quirk/]; and Tim Tallman, president of Tallman's Tire & Auto [https://www.tirereview.com/johnny-g-tim-tallman/].

From humble beginnings changing tires in New York snowstorms outside his single-bay corner gas station to becoming President of Tallman's Tire and Auto Repair, based in Utica, New York, Tim Tallman is cultivating a legacy that beautifully integrates family values with his sharp business acumen. His journey began immediately after high school, fueled by a passion for cars and a keen mechanical aptitude. With his wife’s encouragement and a timely opportunity to buy his first business, Tim unknowingly embarked on a 44-year career in the tire industry that would not only shape his future, but also the landscape of tire and auto services in his community.  Under his leadership, Tallman Tire and Auto has today expanded to six locations, a warehouse and a Quick Lube, and his story proves that with the right mix of passion and perseverance, small beginnings can lead to substantial achievements. Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

John Quirk is a fourth-generation tire dealer with a storied history. His grandfather started in the tire industry opening Quirk Tire in Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1926. Back then, the business grew with the advent of the Interstate Highway System and serviced mainly commercial and off-the-road tires. But as transportation evolved, so did the business. By 1985, John’s father, Edward S. Quirk, retired, and in June of that year, John left the computer sales industry, returned home to Boston from Manhattan and took over the business as President & CEO.  Two weeks after Sept. 11, 2001, Quirk Tire purchased VIP Discount Auto Center and the two firms were merged. John decided to keep the VIP name thanks to its tremendous brand recognition throughout New England, changing the name in 2004 to VIP Parts, Tires & Service, and again in 2012 to VIP Tires & Service when the parts division of VIP was sold to O’Reilly Auto Parts.  Today, VIP Tires & Service operates 70 locations, with 50 of those co-occupied by both VIP Tires & Service and O’Reilly Auto Parts, and on March 1, 2024, VIP opened its first store in Connecticut with the acquisition of Joe’s Tire Shop in Waterbury, CT.  Tire Review: www.tirereview.com