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Gain Traction

Gain Traction

By: 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. Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
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Episodes
  • Right To Repair With Roy Littlefield IV, VP of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association

    Right To Repair With Roy Littlefield IV, VP of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association
    May 14 2025
    Roy Littlefield IV is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association. In his role, Roy leads advocacy efforts across state and federal levels to support independent tire and auto repair shops. With deep roots in the industry — his father also served in TIA leadership — Roy has been involved in policy from a young age. He now champions initiatives like the Right to Repair Act, helping protect consumer choice and shop independence nationwide. In this episode… The modern vehicle repair landscape is becoming more exclusive, locking out independent repair shops and consumers from essential data. As cloud-based systems and EV technology evolve, traditional tools like OBD2 ports are being phased out, creating barriers to access. How can the industry and lawmakers ensure fair repair rights for everyone? According to Roy Littlefield IV of the Tire Industry Association, the key lies in mobilizing grassroots support and pushing for bipartisan legislation. Roy explains how right to repair laws, such as those in Maine and Massachusetts, are being held up in court despite overwhelming public support. He also reveals the strategic moves being made to pass a federal Repair Act that would secure nationwide access to vehicle repair data. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Roy for a conversation about the right to repair movement, legislative hurdles, and how independent shop owners can take action. Roy shares insights on consumer rights, industry trends, and the importance of grassroots advocacy. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [02:10] Why Right to Repair is the most urgent issue facing the auto industry[03:25] How EVs and new tech give OEMs the upper hand in the repair market[05:08] The challenge of cloud-based systems replacing traditional OBD2 ports[10:44] Roy Littlefield IV and Mike Edge share personal stories of inflated dealership repair estimates[11:33] How VIP Tire and Auto led a Right to Repair victory in Maine[12:45] Why automakers claim they "can't comply" with basic consumer access laws[15:44] How bipartisan support is building for national legislation[16:25] Grassroots advocacy and how shop owners can make an impact Resources mentioned in this episode: Roy Littlefield IV on LinkedInTire Industry AssociationReport a Right to Repair IssueBrian Bates on LinkedInEAS Tire and AutoMike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: “Right to repair is the biggest issue right now facing the industry, and it’s going to hit us like an avalanche.”“Consumers should have the right to decide who works on their vehicle — and own that information.”“Even something as simple as an oil change is becoming a problem because of data lockouts.”“Despite 80% of voters supporting it, one lawsuit can hold up progress for years.”“Every person matters — whether you're an intern or a CEO, everyone deserves respect and recognition.” Action Steps: Report blocked repair access: Submit your issue via the TIA advocacy page so it can be used in legal and legislative efforts.Contact your lawmakers: Speak to your local, state, and federal representatives about how Right to Repair affects your business.Educate consumers: Let customers know they have a choice — and a right — to get their vehicle serviced outside the dealership.Display QR codes in your shop: Use TIA’s printable posters with QR codes to make it easy for your team to report issues.Support the federal Repair Act: Encourage your trade networks to back bipartisan legislation ensuring nationwide repair access. 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 mins
  • From One Shop to a Regional Auto Empire With Brian Bates of EAS Tire & Auto

    From One Shop to a Regional Auto Empire With Brian Bates of EAS Tire & Auto
    May 7 2025
    Brian Bates is the President and Founder of EAS Tire & Auto, a growing chain of auto repair shops with 21 locations in the Denver metro area. After serving in the military, Brian entered the automotive industry, eventually opening his first shop in 2004. His company has expanded rapidly through strategic acquisitions and a partnership with Straightaway, a group that empowers shop owners to scale while retaining operational control. With a passion for people development and leadership, Brian is focused on building a company culture rooted in growth, excellence, and support. In this episode… The auto repair industry is undergoing rapid consolidation, leaving many independent shop owners wondering how to grow or exit successfully. As lending tightens and operational demands rise, new partnership models offer a path forward for owners who aren’t ready to walk away. How can independent shop owners grow strategically while protecting their financial futures? According to Brian Bates of EAS Tire & Auto, the key lies in building partnerships that provide resources without stripping autonomy. Through his collaboration with Straightaway, Brian has scaled his operations significantly while maintaining influence over day-to-day decisions. This hybrid approach allows owners to retain equity, reduce risk, and gain access to shared expertise and better buying power. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Brian for a conversation about military discipline, business growth, partnering with Straightaway, and the art of betting on yourself. Brian shares how his team evaluates acquisitions, why leadership development matters, and how he uses subtle cues such as paint quality to decide which cars are worth working on. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [01:37] Brian Bates’ military background and how it set the foundation for his career[05:46] Transitioning from the military to auto repair and dealership work[07:50] Growing from one shop to 21 stores in under 20 years[08:13] How Straightaway helps shop owners stay active in their businesses[13:09] Why strength in numbers matters in the tire and auto repair industry[16:45] Options for shop owners to take chips off the table without fully exiting[24:17] Brian’s favorite hobbies and lifestyle in Colorado[34:00] Using paint quality as a success indicator for filtering out unprofitable repairs Resources mentioned in this episode: Brian Bates on LinkedInEAS Tire & AutoStraightaway Tire & AutoMike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: “Success is never owned, it’s rented — and the rent is due daily.”“The best tenant I ever had was me — I always paid the rent and fixed things on time.”“Straightaway isn’t about pushing owners out — it’s about giving them more support to grow.”“Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn, but both are part of the fun.”“The bus really has an unlimited amount of seats, especially if I do my job right.” Action Steps: Explore partnership models: Shop owners should investigate opportunities that allow for shared growth and retained control.Reevaluate your lending strategy: Understand your borrowing limits with banks and SBA and consider private capital alternatives.Create a system to identify unprofitable work: Use simple heuristics such as paint quality and vehicle condition to avoid jobs that drain resources.Develop internal leadership pipelines: Invest in training and growth opportunities for younger team members to future-proof your business.Bet on yourself: When making big decisions, trust your instincts and experience to drive your next phase of growth. 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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    38 mins
  • Building a Franchise Empire With Gus Herlong of Palmetto Garage Works

    Building a Franchise Empire With Gus Herlong of Palmetto Garage Works
    Apr 30 2025
    Gus Herlong is the CEO and Co-owner of Palmetto Garage Works, a multi-location auto service franchise group based in South Carolina. Starting with five distressed Midas stores in Columbia, he has grown the company to 34 locations across multiple states. His leadership has earned him recognition including the Tire Business Humanitarian of the Year Award, the IFA Franchisor of the Year Award, and the Midas Franchisee of the Year Award. Gus is also a key voice in the Midas dealer network, having served on the IMDA Board and as an advisor to Midas Corporate. In this episode… The automotive service industry is evolving rapidly, with franchise owners navigating shifting markets, NIL marketing trends, and workforce development. Many operators are finding success not just through expansion, but by creating deeper community ties and developing leadership within their teams. How can shop owners grow their businesses while staying grounded in their values and mission? According to Gus Herlong of Palmetto Garage Works, success comes from embracing hands-on leadership, learning from early failures, and staying deeply involved with both the community and team. From starting as an oil change tech to leading a 34-location franchise group, Gus has turned setbacks into stepping stones while investing in staff growth and community partnerships. He also uses NIL marketing with local college athletes to stand out in a competitive industry. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Gus Herlong for a conversation about grassroots leadership, overcoming early business failures, and building a company culture that values authenticity and service. Gus shares insights on NIL marketing, expansion strategies, and the power of giving back. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [01:45] The team effort behind winning multiple industry awards[02:40] How Palmetto Garage Works grew to 34 franchise locations[04:18] How Gus Herlong and his father started the business in 2008[06:28] NIL marketing and its impact on college athletics and local businesses[13:06] Gus’ career path from oil change tech to CEO[16:21] Early financial struggles and near-collapse of the business[19:01] Expanding into Charleston, Greenville, Florida, and Washington, D.C.[32:45] "Failing forward" and mentoring a new generation of leaders Resources mentioned in this episode: Gus HerlongPalmetto Garage Works Brian Beers on LinkedInMike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: “You’re not a Midas employee — you’re a Palmetto Garage teammate. That’s what you tell people.”“Failure is just a First Attempt In Learning. I’ve got a PhD in stupid ideas.”“If the community trusts me with their cars, I need to be reinvesting in them too.”“Most people don’t wish they were where I was — they wish they were where I am.”“My wife’s been a saint — half our anniversary trips have been disguised store visits!” Action Steps: Embrace hands-on leadership: Don’t be afraid to work shoulder-to-shoulder with your team to understand ground-level needs.Use NIL marketing creatively: Collaborate with local college athletes to differentiate your brand in a crowded market.Give back to your community: Implement ongoing charitable initiatives like food drives or car giveaways to build local trust.Fail forward and mentor others: Encourage your team to learn from mistakes and create space for growth within your organization.Stay grounded during growth: Remember your early struggles and use them to guide authentic, value-driven business decisions. 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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    37 mins

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