Gain Traction
by Mike Edge
The Gain Traction Podcast features top tire and auto repair professionals, shop owners, industry executives, and thought leaders.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/2/2018
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
Recent Episodes
April 23, 2025
Racing, Risk, and Resilience With David Schardt of Forgeline Motorsports
<p>David Schardt is the President and CEO of Forgeline Motorsports, a premier manufacturer of custom, lightweight forged wheels for high-performance and racing applications. In 1994, David co-founded Forgeline in Dayton, Ohio alongside his twin brother, Steve Schardt — their passion rooted in the family’s long-standing involvement in the wheel business. With decades of hands-on experience in both distribution and manufacturing, David has helped grow Forgeline into a respected name in motorsports and automotive customization. Beyond business, he’s a fan of muscle cars, racing, and the movie Tommy Boy.</p> <h2>In this episode…</h2> <p>Innovation in automotive wheels has evolved from basic functionality to bespoke design and racing performance. With customer expectations rising and technology advancing, companies must deliver both aesthetics and durability. How do you create a product that meets the intense demands of professional racers and car enthusiasts alike?</p> <p>According to David Schardt of Forgeline Motorsports, the key lies in customization, precision, and relentless quality control. By developing fully forged wheels made-to-order for specific applications, Forgeline has filled a crucial niche in the racing and high-performance vehicle market. David also emphasizes the importance of staying hands-on and leveraging strong partnerships, such as the company’s majority-stake acquisition by Lacks Enterprises, to scale responsibly.</p> <p>On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes David for a conversation about the origins of Forgeline, lessons from the wheel distribution business, overcoming anxiety in leadership, and what’s next for the brand. David also shares a behind-the-scenes story of a near-disaster with a high-end show car — and how his team saved the day just in time.</p> <h2>Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: </h2> <ul> <li>[03:13] The Schardt family's multi-generational roots in the wheel industry</li> <li>[09:50] Why Forgeline was created to meet the needs of grassroots racers</li> <li>[10:29] How David and Steve found complementary strengths as co-founders</li> <li>[11:19] Why Forgeline sold a majority stake to Lacks Enterprises</li> <li>[12:24] Future goals: Forgeline wheels on OEM limited edition vehicles</li> <li>[12:48] The power of the Forgeline website gallery as a sales tool</li> <li>[14:18] How Tommy Boy resonates with anyone in sales</li> <li>[16:45] The unforgettable story of a $300k custom Camaro getting rear-ended</li> </ul> <h2>Resources mentioned in this episode:</h2> <ul> <li><a href= "https://www.jcgrestorationandcustoms.com/behind-machine-forgeline-motorsports-david-schardt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Schardt</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.forgeline.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Forgeline Forged Alloy Wheels</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tirediscounters.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Tire Discounters</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.americanracing.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">American Racing</a></li> <li><a href="https://daytonwirewheels.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Dayton Wire Wheel</a></li> <li><a href= "https://susanjeffers.com/books/feel-the-fear-and-do-it-anyway-revised-and-updated/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgemike/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Edge on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="https://treadpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Tread Partners</a></li> </ul> <h3>Quotable Moments: </h3> <ul> <li>"Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway — that book changed my life and how I approach business decisions."</li> <li>"We started with one wheel style and one finish. Now we have nearly 200 and countless options."</li> <li>"My brother Steve is the sales guy, I'm the guy who runs the business — it just works for us."</li> <li>"We’re aiming to have Forgeline wheels featured on limited edition OEM vehicles within five years."</li> <li>"The gallery on our website is our best sales tool — it shows people exactly what our wheels look like on their car."</li> </ul> <h3>Action Steps: </h3> <ol> <li>Embrace discomfort in leadership: Use the “feel the fear and do it anyway” mindset to push through hesitation.</li> <li>Identify and complement team strengths: Build a business where co-founders and team members focus on their best-fit roles.</li> <li>Leverage product customization for growth: Offer personalized options to meet unique customer demands and increase value.</li> <li>Use digital galleries as a sales tool: Showcase real-world product applications to build credibility and drive conversions.</li> <li>Plan for strategic partnerships: Consider acquisitions or alliances that bring new resources and fuel business expansion.</li> </ol> <h2>Sponsor for this episode...</h2> <p>This episode is brought to you by <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tread Partners</a>. </p> <p>At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. </p> <p>By using our <a href="https://treadpartners.com/services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strategy, branding, and marketing services</a>, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.</p> <p>We’ve helped companies like <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/downloads/case-study-action-gator-tire.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Action Gator Tire</a>, <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/downloads/case-study-colony-tire.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colony Tire and Service</a>, and <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/downloads/case-study-ulmers-auto-care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ulmer’s Auto Care Center</a> bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. </p> <p>So, what are you waiting for?</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.treadpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.treadpartners.com</a> or email <a href= "mailto:info@treadpartners.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">info@treadpartners.com</a> to learn more.</p>
April 16, 2025
One-Stop Tire and Accessories Shopping with Richard Balan, President of RTA
<p>Richard Balan is the President of RTA Holdings, a company specializing in aftermarket vehicle outfitting, particularly commercial vehicles and off-road accessories. Notably, Raven Truck Accessories, under Richard's leadership, has successfully integrated with Trail Tire to create one-stop locations for customers, leveraging Trail Tire's extensive network and RTA's accessory expertise. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Richard has a diverse background, having worked in the communications industry before joining the family business over 20 years ago. </p> <h2>In this episode…</h2> <p>How do two distinct industries, like tire retail and automotive accessories, combine to create a comprehensive customer experience? What happens when a company decides to expand its horizons by merging complementary services?</p> <p>According to Richard Balan of RTA Holdings, he integrated his family's business with Trail Tire to solve the challenges of providing a one-stop shop for customers seeking both tire services and automotive accessories. By recognizing the synergy between Raven Truck Accessories' expertise in aftermarket vehicle outfitting and Trail Tire's established tire service network, Richard illustrates how they aimed to fill a market gap. This collaboration not only streamlines customer experience, but also enhances service efficiency by combining tire and accessory needs under one roof. </p> <p>On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge talks with Richard about the integration of tire services and aftermarket accessories — unpacking the detailed journey of merging RTA Holdings with Trail Tire. Richard discusses the importance of understanding market needs and how their collaboration aims to revolutionize customer service in the automotive industry by providing comprehensive solutions. The conversation touches on leadership philosophies and strategies for maintaining long-term staff relationships.</p> <h2>Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: </h2> <ul> <li>[02:23] Richard Balan's journey from Winnipeg to industry leader</li> <li>[04:58] The strategic vision behind the Trail Tire and Raven Truck Accessories merger</li> <li>[06:05] Why a one-stop shop for accessories is beneficial</li> <li>[13:27] Trail Tire's community-focused business model</li> <li>[14:36] How Trail Tire plans to expand its market presence</li> <li>[19:07] The selection process for becoming a Trail Tire dealer</li> <li>[27:00] Richard recalls humorous tales from his hockey- and bourbon-fueled adventures</li> </ul> <h2>Resources mentioned in this episode:</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-balan-84686918/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Richard Balan on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="https://raventruck.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Raven Truck Accessories</a></li> <li><a href="https://trailtire.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Trail Tire</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gretzky.com/camp.php" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Wayne Gretzky Fantasy Camp</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgemike/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Edge on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="https://treadpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Tread Partners</a></li> </ul> <h3>Quotable Moments: </h3> <ul> <li>"Hearts and minds connected forever; if you earn them, you've got loyalty beyond measure."</li> <li>"This too shall pass; sometimes you need the rain to see the growth."</li> <li>"When customers are on-site, they can get those other things we sell that complement tires."</li> <li>"With the locations that Trail has, our goal will be to ship the products to those locations so the consumer can pick it up."</li> <li>"The great thing about working with the Trail team is they recognize the importance of community and team members."</li> </ul> <h3>Action Steps: </h3> <ol> <li>Leverage complementary business opportunities: By integrating different services, businesses can provide a one-stop shop for customers.</li> <li>Focus on customer relationship building: Establishing deep connections with customers helps overcome the challenge of customer churn and creates opportunities for sustained growth through trust and relationship-building.</li> <li>Embrace geographical and market-specific needs: Understanding the unique needs of a particular market addresses the opportunity of meeting local demands and ensures a competitive edge.</li> <li>Prioritize staff appreciation and support: Creating an environment where staff feel valued and supported leads to high employee retention and better service delivery.</li> <li>Seek strategic partnerships for growth: Collaborating with complementary businesses effectively addresses the challenge of market expansion and maximizes growth opportunities.</li> </ol> <h2>Sponsor for this episode...</h2> <p>This episode is brought to you by <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tread Partners</a>. </p> <p>At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. </p> <p>By using our <a href="https://treadpartners.com/services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strategy, branding, and marketing services</a>, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.</p> <p>We’ve helped companies like <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/downloads/case-study-action-gator-tire.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Action Gator Tire</a>, <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/downloads/case-study-colony-tire.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colony Tire and Service</a>, and <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/downloads/case-study-ulmers-auto-care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ulmer’s Auto Care Center</a> bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. </p> <p>So, what are you waiting for?</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.treadpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.treadpartners.com</a> or email <a href= "mailto:info@treadpartners.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">info@treadpartners.com</a> to learn more.</p>
April 9, 2025
A Unique Approach to Business Growth With John Teddy, CEO of Straightaway Tire & Auto
<p>John Teddy is the Chief Executive Officer of Straightaway Tire & Auto, bringing over 15 years of leadership experience in consumer retail and services. Before joining Straightaway, he served as Vice President of Take 5 Oil Change and held senior roles at Driven Brands, including Chief Commercial Officer. His career also includes strategic positions at The Home Depot and Lowe's, where he focused on corporate strategy and performance improvement. John earned his degree from Vanderbilt University and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and their four children. </p> <h2>In this episode…</h2> <p>The auto repair and tire industry is rapidly evolving, with shop owners facing consolidation trends, customer service challenges, and the need for sustainable growth. How can independent operators scale their businesses while maintaining control and preserving their brand identity?</p> <p>According to John Teddy of Straightaway Tire & Auto, the key lies in a partnership-driven approach that allows shop owners to grow without handing over full control. By joining a larger network while keeping their local brand and leadership, operators can access resources, financial security, and strategic support. This model fosters collaboration, helping businesses expand while maintaining the personalized service and trust that customers value.</p> <p>On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes John for a conversation about leadership, industry consolidation, and the importance of frontline employees. John shares insights on building strong customer relationships, creating sustainable expansion strategies, and why supporting shop owners through partnership-driven models benefits the industry.</p> <h2>Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: </h2> <ul> <li>[01:58] How John Teddy's unexpected journey began in strategy consulting</li> <li>[02:29] Why John transitioned from consulting to consumer retail</li> <li>[07:06] The importance of thick skin in customer service roles</li> <li>[15:21] Straightaway Tire & Auto's growth strategy through local brand expansion</li> <li>[18:34] The long-term market potential for tire and auto repair</li> <li>[21:54] How servant leadership shapes Straightaway's company culture</li> <li>[26:42] Leadership lessons from historical and military tales</li> </ul> <h2>Resources mentioned in this episode:</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-teddy-17a3773/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Teddy on LinkedIn</a> </li> <li><a href="https://gostraightaway.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Straightaway Tire & Auto</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Band_of_Brothers_(miniseries)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Band of Brothers</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patton_(film)" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Patton</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgemike/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Edge on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="https://treadpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Tread Partners</a></li> </ul> <h3>Quotable Moments: </h3> <ul> <li>"The tire and auto repair business isn’t just about fixing cars — it’s about solving problems and building long-term relationships with customers."</li> <li>"We partner with shop owners who want to grow without losing control, preserving their brand while gaining the resources to scale."</li> <li>"Great businesses are built on frontline employees — our job as leaders is to support them, not dictate from the top."</li> <li>"Customers don’t come to us on their best day, so it’s our job to turn frustration into trust and loyalty."</li> <li>"Straightaway isn’t just about acquisitions — it’s about building a network of passionate operators who want to grow together."</li> </ul> <h3>Action Steps: </h3> <ol> <li>Engage directly with frontline employees: Spending time in shops and talking with service advisors and technicians helps leaders stay connected to daily challenges and operations.</li> <li>Preserve brand identity during expansion: When growing a business, maintain the local brand’s reputation and customer relationships rather than replacing it with a corporate identity.</li> <li>Adopt a partnership-driven growth strategy: Instead of forcing full buyouts, create opportunities for shop owners to take financial chips off the table while retaining leadership roles.</li> <li>Prioritize customer service and problem-solving: Train employees to turn customer frustrations into trust by offering clear solutions and a positive service experience.</li> <li>Leverage industry relationships for growth: Build partnerships with other operators in the market to acquire new locations and expand the business while maintaining quality service.</li> </ol> <h2>Sponsor for this episode...</h2> <p>This episode is brought to you by <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tread Partners</a>. </p> <p>At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. </p> <p>By using our <a href="https://treadpartners.com/services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strategy, branding, and marketing services</a>, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.</p> <p>We’ve helped companies like <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/downloads/case-study-action-gator-tire.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Action Gator Tire</a>, <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/downloads/case-study-colony-tire.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colony Tire and Service</a>, and <a href= "https://treadpartners.com/downloads/case-study-ulmers-auto-care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ulmer’s Auto Care Center</a> bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. </p> <p>So, what are you waiting for?</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.treadpartners.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.treadpartners.com</a> or email <a href= "mailto:info@treadpartners.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">info@treadpartners.com</a> to learn more.</p>
Similar Podcasts
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.