Big O Tires COO Gary Skidmore, joined by the Big O Tires leadership team, “kicked off” the company’s annual convention in Las Vegas
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (April 17, 2025) – Big O Tires, an industry-leading tire and automotive service franchise brand and subsidiary of TBC Corporation, recently hosted its annual convention in Las Vegas, with attendance from hundreds of franchisees, vendors and corporate team members. With the theme “Double Down on Success,” franchisees were encouraged to bet on themselves and learned ways to grow their businesses through franchisee-led panels, workshops on operational efficiency and profitability, a keynote address, vendor exhibits and much more.
The Big O Tires leadership team “kicked off” the convention with a show-stopping performance. Big O Tires Chief Operating Officer Gary Skidmore started the general session presentations by highlighting investments in training, technology and enhancements in communication to support franchisees and fuel their success. Patricia Del Aguila, vice president of marketing and merchandising for Big O Tires, provided updates on products, pricing and fresh branding and marketing plans, including new franchise store designs and uniforms for store teams.
“We are committed to working closely with our franchise advisory council and committees so that franchisees have the tools they need to take their businesses to the next level,” said Skidmore. “Our annual convention provides yet another forum for our franchise system to learn from their peers, master new strategies and celebrate achievements together as a team. It is the cumulative efforts from each and every individual that makes Big O Tires a truly successful organization.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from Waldo Waldman, a New York Times bestselling author, decorated veteran and sales expert, who delivered a keynote address on the importance of being mission-ready and techniques to build trusting relationships.
Attendees also participated in a fun and inspiring charitable activity, in collaboration with United Way of Southern Nevada, and created 1,000 kits for local veterans and students in Las Vegas. The 500 kits for veterans included hygiene products such as a comb, tissue pack and lip balm as well as a patriotic pencil and a personalized notecard to thank them for their service. The 500 kits for students included a coloring/activity book, colored pens and pencils and other school essentials.
To benefit the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund, attendees bid for the chance to take home prizes like a custom-built 2025 Toyota Tundra during a fun and interactive, gameshow-style event. Established in 2003, this fund was created to support Big O Tires employees, franchise owners and their shop employees, plus their immediate family members, with pursuits for additional education at a college, university or trade school. This year’s event raised nearly $120,000 for the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund.
Franchisees, their teams, and Big O Tires corporate support team members were recognized throughout the convention for sales achievements and more. This year’s winners included:
- Franchisees of the Year: These awards are based on growth in total sales, tire units, and volume, plus community involvement and feedback from fellow franchisees. Tim and Terri Hollander were honored in the single-store owner category for their shop in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Kyle and Kylie Uchtmann were recognized in the multi-store owner category for their two shops in Cabot, Arkansas and Conway, Arkansas.
- Standing “O” Awards: This honor recognizes individuals for going above and beyond to support Big O Tires, including serving on committees, helping fellow franchisees and team members, and providing outstanding customer service. Five individuals were recognized with this award including franchise owners Charlie Alexander, Russell Hammond and Josh McCullough and Big O Tires corporate team members, George Alexiou and Randy Boukal.
- Point of Light Award: This award honors outstanding individuals in the Big O Tires organization, who demonstrate the transformative power of service to their customers and fellow franchisees and positively impact the Big O organization in a major way with their knowledge, expertise, and dedication. This year’s award went to Matt Greco, a franchise owner with 17 Big O Tires locations.
- Hall of Fame Inductee: This year, Big O Tires was pleased to induct Rand Rogenes into Big O Tires’ Hall of Fame. Rand has been a franchise owner for 38 years and currently operates a Big O Tires location in Cathedral City, California.
About Big O Tires
Big O Tires, LLC, a subsidiary of TBC Corporation, has more than 460 franchise stores in the United States. Big O Tires franchise locations offer a wide range of diagnostic, repair and routine maintenance services, backed by one of the most comprehensive service warranties available. Qualified associates and certified technicians combine hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology to address automotive needs and safely get customers back on the road. For more information, visit www.bigotires.com and follow Big O Tires on LinkedIn.
About TBC Corporation
TBC Corporation (TBC) is one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through wholesale and franchise operations. TBC serves wholesale customers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America, through TBC Brands, NTW, TBC International, and TBC de Mexico. Additionally, consumers receive total car care at approximately 2,400 franchised and licensed tire and automotive service centers under the Big O Tires® and Midas® brands. For more information, visit www.tbccorp.com and follow TBC Corporation on LinkedIn.
