America in the early sixties was a nation on a roll, both literally and figuratively. The fifties had brought new prosperity and growth to virtually all segments of the economy, and vehicle ownership was at an all time high. The new American dream of owning a house in the suburbs meant commuting to work, and that made the automobile an important part of the American dream. The family car also played an increasingly important role in the Americans’ focus on recreation and leisure travel, as motoring emerged as the favorite way to travel…"See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet” became a rallying cry to many.
Unfortunately, the news was not all good for independent tire dealers. Increased sales of vehicles and tires brought increased competition, and owner-operators began to feel the squeeze from the manufacturers’ company stores and larger retail chains. Availability of quality product and price competition was the biggest problem for the independent tire dealer. Independent dealers were forced to lower their prices, but with no corresponding reduction in costs, ever-narrowing profit margins foreshadowed a gloomy future.
However, the most progressive independents, like the founding fathers of Big O Tires, saw the writing on the wall and took the steps necessary to change with the times. Thus, the beginnings of the Big O Tires chain of franchised store locations that we know today.
Founded in 1962, the company first operated as a buying cooperative, focused on the need to secure great products at competitive prices for each independent store’s retail customers. But, soon the company evolved into the Big O Tires stores franchise organization that has grown to over 540 stores in 22 states and Canada today. Always focused on the consumer and determined to bring great products, excellent value and exceptional service to the driving public.
In July 1996, Big O Tires was acquired by TBC Corporation and today operates as a subsidiary of the Florida based company. TBC is one of the largest sellers of tires in the world, but other than again helping Big O Tires stores to bring great products and prices to the market, this change in ownership has not changed the company’s 44-year focus on the American driver.
From our early years as a tire cooperative to our present status as one of the nation’s top automotive chains, Big O Tires has devoted itself every day, in every store, to earning the right to use our tagline…Big O Tires - A Reputation You Can Ride On.
Big O Tires offers a multitude of career opportunities for customer-focused individuals who enjoy a fast-paced environment and want to move ahead. Whether your interest lies in retail sales and service or store management at one of our over 540 store locations, or you're interested in a corporate support center position, Big O Tires is a great place to work and a great place to succeed.
Retail Opportunities
Each Big O Tires store is individually owned and operated, and each franchisee makes the staffing and hiring decisions for the individual location(s). However, the Big O franchisees are always looking for new faces with experience and desire to serve Big O Tires store customers. Joining the team at a Big O Tires store is more than just taking a job, as many employees have worked their way up from the service bays or sales floors into store management positions, partnerships and ultimately into store ownership.
If you’re interested in the fast-paced retail experience, the fastest way to jump-start your career and future with Big O Tires is to contact your local store(s) to complete an employment application. Some of the positions that individual stores may have a need for today include…
- Lube Technician
- Store Manager
- Assistant Manager
- Service Manager
- Salesperson
- Service Technician
- Alignment Tech
- Tire Tech