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Gain Traction

Gain Traction

Auteur(s): Mike Edge
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 The Gain Traction Podcast features top tire and auto repair professionals, shop owners, industry executives, and thought leaders.© 2025, All Rights Reserved. Gain Traction Podcast. Développement commercial et entrepreneuriat Entrepreneurship Gestion et leadership Économie
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  • An Open and Honest Approach to Marketing With Dan Kahn of Kahn Media

    An Open and Honest Approach to Marketing With Dan Kahn of Kahn Media
    Jul 9 2025
    Dan Kahn is the Founder and CEO of Kahn Media, a public relations and marketing agency based in Los Angeles specializing in the automotive aftermarket. A lifelong car enthusiast, Dan began his career at age 16 by pitching and landing magazine features on a Mustang he restored with his father. Before founding Kahn Media in 2008, he worked as an automotive journalist and launched digital content platforms. His latest book, The New Rules of the Road, outlines his philosophy on transparency, digital strategy, and authority marketing in a fast-evolving business world. In this episode… Trust and transparency are reshaping the way brands connect with customers. In industries like automotive repair and aftermarket services, reputation is everything. How can leaders and marketers build lasting customer relationships without relying on old-school sales tactics? According to Dan Kahn of Kahn Media, authentic engagement starts with openness and education. Drawing from decades of experience in automotive journalism and agency leadership, Dan explains how businesses can thrive by prioritizing customer empowerment and honesty. He highlights the power of authority marketing and the need to communicate value without overpromising. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge chats with Dan about keys to brand authenticity, customer trust, and business resilience. Dan shares personal stories of success and failure, insights from his book, and actionable tips for both local tire shops and national brands. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [01:53] The Mustang project that launched Dan Kahn's media career at 16[05:32] The significance of converging PR and marketing in modern business[07:09] Why Dan founded Kahn Media to serve a gap in the auto industry[8:38] The concept of "open, honest, and transparent" brand storytelling[11:36] How education trumps selling in building customer loyalty[12:46] Flat-rate pricing and transparency in auto repair shops[13:52] Owning mistakes and regaining trust with clients[25:49] How a small-town tire shop survived national competition through community ties Resources mentioned in this episode: Dan Kahn Website | LinkedInKahn MediaThe New Rules of the Road by Dan Kahn Mike Spagnola on LinkedInSEMAMike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: "Don’t sell — just educate. If people don’t get it, they’re not your customer.""Transparency makes me feel like I’m part of the process — and I’m happy to pay more for that.""Our biggest hurdle with new clients is fixing the damage done by other agencies.""When you own your mistakes, people respect you more and keep coming back.""Marketing is like falconry — you need to stay just hungry enough to stay sharp." Action Steps: Adopt a transparency-first mindset: Build trust with customers by openly sharing your process, costs, and updates.Stop selling, start educating: Empower your audience with knowledge rather than pressure them with sales pitches.Commit to consistent business development: Avoid complacency by always nurturing your pipeline, no matter how busy you are.Engage in community marketing: Sponsor local events and be present — authenticity creates brand resilience.Turn mistakes into loyalty builders: Admit errors quickly, provide solutions, and use failures to deepen relationships. Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays. We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. So, what are you waiting for? Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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    33 min
  • Legacy and Innovation With Dennis Feldman, Keleyah Miller and Justin Pursell of ITDG Next Gen

    Legacy and Innovation With Dennis Feldman, Keleyah Miller and Justin Pursell of ITDG Next Gen
    Jul 2 2025
    Dennis Feldman is the Chair of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and a third-generation operator at Performance Plus Tire, a family-owned business in Long Beach, California which specializes in classic car tires and aftermarket wheels. Keleyah Miller is the Vice Chair of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and part of the third generation at Main Street Tire in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she and her siblings are leading a company that is now 80% wholesale. Justin Pursell serves as Secretary of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and oversees commercial, wholesale, and retread operations at Bergey’s Commercial Tire, a fifth-generation company in Pennsylvania with a century-long legacy in transportation. In this episode… The tire industry continues to evolve as family-run operations face digital transformation, shifting market pressures, and generational handoffs. As new leaders step into roles shaped by legacy and innovation, balancing tradition with forward-thinking becomes crucial. How can young leaders modernize operations while honoring decades of family heritage? According to Dennis Feldman, who chairs the Next Gen Committee for Performance Plus Tire, the key lies in strategic upgrades, relationship building, and community collaboration. Along with Keleyah Miller and Justin Pursell, he emphasizes the role of ITDG’s Next Gen group in preparing young leaders for succession and growth through networking, mentorship, and shared learning. Together, they reflect on how family ties, vendor partnerships, and conferences strengthen both culture and business outcomes. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Dennis, Keleyah, and Justin for a conversation about generational leadership, the mission of the ITDG Next Gen Committee, and the practical steps they’re taking to future-proof their tire businesses. They dive into the emotional dynamics of working with family, the challenges of modernizing legacy systems, and the strategies that keep independent operations competitive in a shifting market. Dennis, Keleyah, and Justin provide insights into the importance of community, the power of long-term vision, and how peer support within ITDG fuels innovation across the board. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [01:48] Dennis Feldman shares his role at Performance Plus Tire and his niche in classic car tires[02:36] Justin Pursell explains his leadership at Bergey’s and the scope of their operations[03:28] Keleyah Miller describes Main Street Tire’s wholesale focus and family involvement[04:52] The goals of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and how it nurtures leadership[06:38] Challenges and advantages of working within multigenerational family businesses[17:26] Keleyah’s family mantra: “Prepare for your grandkids, and your kids will fall into line”[18:32] Justin’s wildlife photography hobby and connection to nature outside of work[19:57] Dennis reflects on modernizing his family business while preserving legacy Resources mentioned in this episode: Justin Pursell on LinkedInPerformance Plus TireMainstreet Tire USABergey’s Tire & Auto Service CentersIndependent Tire Dealers GroupMike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments “Prepare for your grandkids, and your kids will fall into line.” – Keleyah Miller“What other career lets you see your dad every day while building something meaningful?” – Dennis Feldman“We're going to get up in the morning and sell tires — no matter what.” – Justin Pursell quoting Jason Rook“Next Gen is here to educate, connect, and guide young leaders into broader roles.” – Dennis Feldman“You can gain a lot of success when you make the right relationships.” – Keleyah Miller Action Steps Evaluate your leadership transition plan: Identify next-gen leaders in your organization and outline how to involve them in long-term strategy.Join a collaborative group: Gain access to networking, vendor partnerships, and growth opportunities without losing your brand identity.Modernize your systems: Consider upgrading legacy point-of-sale or e-commerce platforms to stay competitive and efficient.Foster legacy and connection: Build a company culture where both family members and long-term employees feel deeply valued.Attend industry conferences: Engage with peers, vendors, and leaders through events like ITDG’s annual conference to stay informed and inspired. Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays. We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. So, what are you waiting for? Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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    24 min
  • Secrets to Scaling Your Auto Service Business With Joe Tomarchio Jr. of FOCUS Investment Banking

    Secrets to Scaling Your Auto Service Business With Joe Tomarchio Jr. of FOCUS Investment Banking
    Jun 25 2025
    Joe Tomarchio Jr. is a Managing Director at FOCUS Investment Banking, where he specializes in helping auto service businesses scale and prepare for acquisition. Before joining FOCUS, Joe co-founded and scaled a 26-location tire and auto service chain, generating over $50M in revenue before selling it to Monro. With over 65 major acquisitions under his belt, he is one of the most seasoned professionals in the industry. Joe now consults for private equity firms and dealers seeking exponential growth or strategic exits. In this episode… Auto service businesses often undervalue their labor, hurting both profitability and employee retention. Many operators struggle with hiring because they don’t charge enough to offer competitive wages or create appealing work environments. How can owners realign their pricing and culture to build a more sustainable and attractive operation? According to Joe Tomarchio Jr., who leads strategic growth initiatives for FOCUS Investment Banking, the key lies in charging what you're worth and investing that revenue back into your team. By adjusting labor rates and responding rapidly to cost increases, Joe helped transform underperforming stores into profitable ones. His four-pillar hiring approach focused on attitude, enthusiasm, work ethic, and moral compass fosters loyalty, high standards, and accountability. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Joe for a discussion about strategic pricing, acquisitions, and creating a workplace where technicians and staff want to stay. Joe shares his leadership principles, anecdotes from his time at Monro, and actionable advice for shop owners looking to grow, sell, or simply survive in today’s competitive market. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [02:04] The journey from one store in Baltimore to a $50M tire and auto service empire[06:22] Why Joe Tomarchio Jr. focused solely on acquisitions for the last 8 years at Monro[08:05] The link between low labor rates and hiring challenges in auto shops[09:15] Why paying employees well is essential for customer satisfaction and retention[15:06] Joe’s customer service philosophy: empower frontline staff with $500 autonomy[16:50] Why allowing employees to make mistakes is crucial for growth[18:01] The four pillars Joe used for hiring: enthusiasm, attitude, work ethic, and moral compass[29:26] Joe’s current work at FOCUS Investment Banking helping dealers grow or exit Resources mentioned in this episode: Joe Tomarchio Jr. on LinkedInFOCUS Investment Banking Richard Balan on LinkedInRaven Truck AccessoriesRobert Gross obituary Mike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: “If you can’t charge enough, you can’t pay enough — and then you can’t retain the right people.”“Pay more, but demand more. I strive for perfection and settle for excellence.”“To beat me, you have to eat me. If I haven’t won, the war isn’t over.”“You pay peanuts, you get monkeys — and monkeys don’t deliver superior service.”“I know the top 10% and the bottom 10% of my team. Guess which one you don’t want to be?” Action Steps: Raise your labor rates now: Don’t wait for inventory to turn — adjust pricing as soon as costs increase.Invest in your team: Pay above market rate to attract and retain top technicians and managers.Screen for character, not just skill: Use the four pillars — attitude, enthusiasm, work ethic, and moral compass — as your hiring filter.Empower store managers: Give them financial autonomy to resolve customer issues quickly and effectively.Lead from the field: Spend time in your stores to connect with employees and understand operational challenges firsthand. Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays. We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. So, what are you waiting for? Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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    32 min

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