Magazine for the professional tire industry
Issue link: https://mtd.epubxp.com/i/328077
MTD June 2014 By Greg Smith T he group that calls itself the "Band of Brothers" has been on a fast track of growth since its inception 20 years ago. Te Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC (ITDG) celebrated its anniversary in Cancun last month. ITDG was founded by a handful of Southern California tire dealers in 1994 with an idea to combine purchases for greater buying power. Te group now has a presence in 37 states with more than 500 locations. It is targeting $200 million in purchases for 2014. "It all started when four or fve of us met with Mike Levit, who had this idea of creating a dealer buying group," said Don Digby, owner of Ramona Tire & Service Centers. "My interest at the time was the same primary objective that our members have today — to protect the independents from the large chains by providing them with buying power and exclusive lines they could take to market." Te other founding members of ITDG were Globe Tire & Automotive, Victoria Tire & Wheel, All Star Tire, Ram Tire Co., Te Tire Man and Grand Prix Performance Tires. During the celebration, some of the early members joked they would have been happy with $5 million in total purchases, but now are confdent that the group will continue to grow. "No way, no way ever did I think we'd reach this level," joked Richard Howard, owner of Bruce's Tire Inc., a six-store chain Focus on dealers ITDG celebrates 20 years of growth 'Band of Brothers' continues on fast growth track ITDG CEO and President Mike Cox, left, recently played host to group members John and Karen Marshall in Can- cun, Mexico. John Marshall is president of Grismer Tire Co. which is based in Dayton, Ohio. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 17131 58