Eric Svedberg is the President and Owner of European Autowerks in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a premier independent shop specializing in high-end European vehicles. Starting his journey at just sixteen, pumping gas at a local Amoco station, Eric quickly rose to become the country's youngest Amoco dealer by age twenty-two. Over the years, he transformed his hands-on experience and entrepreneurial drive into a thriving $3.7 million business. Beyond running his shop, Eric is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs through his coaching venture, Fuel Coaching, where he shares his expertise on leadership, business systems, and how to scale an auto repair shop successfully.
In this episode…
What if the job you took as a teenager ended up defining your life’s work? That’s exactly what happened for Eric Svedberg. From long days at the gas pump to leading a thriving European repair business, Eric’s story is a testament to grit, curiosity, and reinvention.
He shares how years of hands-on experience and continuous learning helped him navigate multiple business transitions, from full-service stations to specialized auto repair. Eric also opens up about how he found balance after years of working seven days a week and why building systems, training people, and embracing technology were key to sustainable growth.
Eric’s insights provide a practical roadmap for anyone wondering how to scale an auto repair shop without losing sight of family, health, or purpose. His passion for leadership, adaptability, and giving back makes this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs in the tire and auto industry.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[01:07] Who is Eric Svedberg?
[01:57] How a part-time job pumping gas at 16 sparked a lifelong career
[03:10] The early Amoco days and what full service really looked like
[07:08] Becoming the youngest Amoco dealer in the country at just 22
[09:22] Transitioning from Amoco to European Auto Works
[11:07] Rebranding, growth, and finally gaining work-life balance
[14:33] Where Eric sees European Auto Works in the next few years
[16:40] A customer’s parking-lot prayer and what it taught him
[18:33] How Google tools and video marketing improved visibility
[20:54] The game-changing shop software that streamlined operations
[22:38] The business books that changed Eric’s mindset
[29:07] Giving back through Fuel Coaching
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Mike Edge is the host of the Gain Traction Podcast, the official podcast for the tire and automotive industry, powered by Tread Partners. With a passion for spotlighting the people behind the business, Mike has spent over four years interviewing tire dealers, shop owners, industry executives, and innovators who keep the industry rolling forward.
Sonny McDonald, National Director of Training at Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., joins Mike for this milestone episode celebrating 200 recordings of the Gain Traction Podcast. Known for his leadership, mentorship, and decades of hands-on experience, Sonny has long been a supporter of the show and an advocate for collaboration, authenticity, and growth within the tire industry.
In this episode…
What does it take for a niche podcast to reach 200 episodes? A milestone that only 2.35% of shows ever achieve? In this special edition of the Gain Traction Podcast, host Mike Edge and guest Sonny McDonald take listeners behind the mic to reflect on the journey from a simple idea in 2021 to a global platform that celebrates the people of the tire and automotive industry.
Mike and Sonny revisit how the show began with a handful of conversations that turned into hundreds of interviews with shop owners, technicians, executives, and thought leaders. They talk about what makes the tire business unique; the people, the relationships, and the shared commitment to service and how teamwork and connection have been central to every story told.
The episode also captures the humor, authenticity, and real-world perspective that have defined the Gain Traction Podcast. From behind-the-scenes bloopers to memorable guest moments, Mike and Sonny look back at the highlights that shaped the show’s growth, the lessons learned along the way, and what’s ahead for the podcast at industry events like SEMA.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[00:32] How only 2.35% of podcasts make it to 200 episodes
[02:18] The core mission and purpose behind the Gain Traction Podcast
[06:12] The story of how the podcast first began in 2021
[08:26] How the show grew to thousands of monthly downloads
[10:15] Memorable interviews with industry leaders like Mike Spagnola and Mike Graber
[15:21] Funny behind-the-scenes moments from early episodes
[18:09] The teamwork behind the podcast’s success
[20:27] What to expect from the Gain Traction team at SEMA
[23:14] Toyo Tires’ Treadpass display and its one-of-a-kind builds
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Mike Griffin is the Sales Manager at Dunlap & Kyle Tire Company in Birmingham, Alabama, that’s been serving the Southeast for decades. With years of experience behind the counter and in the field, Mike has seen firsthand how shifting markets, customer habits, and economic changes affect everyday operations. Known for his grounded leadership and people-first mindset, he brings a refreshing blend of humor, honesty, and insight into every tire business conversation.
In this episode…
Inflation has become more than a headline, it’s an everyday reality for dealers and customers alike. But what does it really look like when you’re the one managing inventory, serving customers, and trying to stay profitable?
In this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with longtime friend and industry veteran Mike Griffin to discuss what’s really happening behind the counter as inflation in the tire industry continues to reshape the way dealers do business in 2025. Their conversation is equal parts candid and relatable, covering how higher costs, cautious customers, and unpredictable supply have forced shop owners to adapt and think differently.
Mike shares how many dealers are leaning more heavily on service work to offset slower tire sales, finding creative ways to stay competitive while maintaining quality and trust. Beyond the business side, he also dives into mindset, discussing the importance of staying intentional, leading with empathy, and keeping perspective when things get tough. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about numbers but about how you show up for your people and community.
If you’ve ever wondered how shop owners are coping with inflation in the tire industry in 2025, this episode gives you a clear look at the realities, the resilience, and the real humor that keep this industry moving forward.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[00:42] Mike Griffin’s background and his role at Dunlap & Kyle Tire Company
[05:48] Tariffs, pricing shifts, and market uncertainty in Alabama
[06:53] Why tier three and four tires are gaining more traction
[07:38] How domestic manufacturers are finding opportunity amid tariffs
[11:41] A local favorite: Mike’s go-to restaurant in Birmingham
[17:34] Favorite sports movies and what The Natural teaches about life
[18:24] The much-debated sequel to Happy Gilmore
[25:02] Mike’s personal mantras and lessons for leading with empathy
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Phillip Kane is the CEO of Turbo Wholesale Tires, home to brands like Lexani, Lionheart, and Rolling Big Power. With decades of experience at companies such as Snap-on, NAPA, Goodyear, and Pirelli, Phillip blends a lifetime in the automotive industry with a genuine passion for cars and tires. Today, he leads Turbo Wholesale Tires with a focus on helping independent dealers succeed through innovative tire industry growth strategies and strong distributor partnerships.
In this episode…
Growing a tire brand from Tier 4 to Tier 2 has historically taken 20–25 years. But what if that journey could be accelerated? In this conversation, Phillip Kane shares how Turbo Wholesale Tires challenges convention by applying tire industry growth strategies that shorten the path while giving dealers more opportunities to win.
Phillip’s career has shaped his unique perspective on brand positioning, dealer relationships, and market differentiation from his family roots in the automotive industry to leading roles at global tire companies. At Turbo Wholesale Tires, he emphasizes building semi-exclusive distributor partnerships that create value on both sides while keeping brand share, not distribution share, at the center of the company’s growth.
Beyond business, Phillip also shares his leadership philosophy. He talks about why “life is a choice,” why kindness should be part of every decision, and how personal values guide long-term success in the tire industry. It’s refreshing to see how character and strategy intersect in the journey to scale a tire brand.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Phillip Kane for a conversation about the fastest path from Tier 4 to Tier 2. They discuss what it takes to grow a tire brand, why distributor relationships matter, and how leadership rooted in values can shape the industry's future.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[01:26] Phillip Kane’s background and family roots in the automotive industry
[05:53] Early career lessons from Snap-on, NAPA, Goodyear, and Pirelli
[09:41] The story behind Turbo Wholesale Tires and its proprietary brands
[11:10] Why Phillip believes the Tier 4 to Tier 2 journey can be accelerated
[13:10] Distribution strategies that help dealers succeed
[14:23] The personal mantra that guides Phillip’s life and leadership
[16:25] Why To Kill a Mockingbird is his favorite book and its lesson of kindness
[19:01] How Turbo Wholesale Tires is focusing on brand share, not distribution share
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Chris Cloutier is the owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas, Texas, and the founder of AutoFlow, a software solution built to improve auto repair customer communication. With a background in software engineering and firsthand experience as a shop owner, Chris recognized the communication gaps that left customers frustrated and shop teams overwhelmed. By combining his technical expertise with real-world shop operations, he developed AutoFlow to provide real-time text updates, digital inspections, and workflow tools that bring transparency and trust back to the repair process. Today, Chris helps shops across the country elevate their customer experience and efficiency by making communication as seamless as the Amazon experience.
In this episode…
Three out of four people say they’ve had a bad experience with an auto repair shop. Long waits, poor updates, and the feeling of being left in the dark have made auto repair customer communication one of the industry’s biggest frustrations. But what if repair shops could deliver updates and transparency the same way Amazon keeps customers informed about their orders?
That’s exactly the vision Chris Cloutier had when he built AutoFlow. After running his own shops, Chris knew that poor communication wasn’t about not caring, it was about being overwhelmed with tasks. Service advisors juggle scheduling, billing, and parts ordering, and communication often slips through the cracks. AutoFlow was designed to solve that by creating automated touchpoints that keep customers in the loop without adding more burden to the team.
In this episode, Chris explains how AutoFlow bridges the gap between anxious customers and busy shop teams. From digital inspections to instant text updates, he shows how technology can provide reassurance, reduce unnecessary phone calls, and ultimately build trust. Improving auto repair customer communication isn’t just about keeping customers happy, it’s also about improving workflow efficiency, reducing stress on employees, and creating long-term loyalty.
Whether you manage a single shop or a multi-location operation, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you connect with your customers. By focusing on clarity, transparency, and consistency, Chris shows how better auto repair customer communication can transform the customer experience into something people now compare to the Amazon standard.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[00:58] Chris Cloutier’s background and introduction to the auto repair industry
[02:33] The mantra behind Golden Rule Auto Care and why affirmations matter
[06:14] From software engineer to shop owner: how the first repair shop started
[08:31] The communication struggles that led to creating AutoFlow
[10:27] Why touchpoints and customer emotions matter in repair shop communication
[13:04] What poor communication costs and why customers compare shops to Domino’s
[15:36] The story behind AutoTextMe and why it became AutoFlow
[18:20] How customers responded to AutoFlow’s transparency and updates
[22:25] Life outside the shop: family, soccer, and karaoke nights
[25:24] Unique hiring stories and unexpected employee encounters
[29:35] How key team members like Craig joined AutoFlow
[31:11] Trusting your gut and final reflections on entrepreneurship
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Tom Gattuso is the Vice President of Events for SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association. With more than three decades of experience in the automotive events industry, Tom has overseen the growth of the SEMA Show into one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the world, drawing more than 160,000 attendees from 145 countries. His career began in auto shows and consumer events before joining SEMA in 2011, where he has continued to build a global marketplace that connects manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and enthusiasts under one roof.
In this episode…
The SEMA Show has long been a bucket-list event in the automotive world… But what makes it so important for tire dealers today? With so many industry events competing for attention, why should dealers prioritize SEMA 2025?
According to Tom Gattuso, the answer lies in more than just product displays. He explains that SEMA is about conversations, connections, and opportunities that can transform a business. Tire dealers will find everything from tier 2 and tier 3 brands offering high-quality products, to the latest tools, equipment, and ADAS technologies that are driving revenue growth for shops across the country. Beyond that, SEMA provides education, training, and access to innovations that help shops stay competitive in an evolving market.
On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Tom Gattuso for a conversation about why tire dealers should attend SEMA 2025. They explore the value of networking at an event that draws attendees from around the globe, the ways SEMA is expanding beyond wheels and tires into service innovations and restyling opportunities, and how the show continues to evolve while staying true to its mission. Tom also shares his personal mantra about kindness, the role of art and design in shaping the event’s identity, and a book recommendation that emphasizes authentic fan experiences.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[01:02] Tom Gattuso’s background and how he entered the automotive event industry
[04:18] The career path that led him to join SEMA in 2011
[06:42] Why the tire industry’s engagement at SEMA has shifted in recent years
[09:09] What tire dealers can discover beyond wheels and tires at the show
[12:27] Opportunities in tools, equipment, and ADAS technology for shop owners
[15:15] Restyling, service innovations, and new revenue streams showcased at SEMA
[17:48] How registration works and who can attend the show in 2025
[20:24] Tom’s guiding mantra: being kind to yourself, others, and the process
[23:02] How artists like Chip Foose and Larry Chen shape SEMA’s creative identity
[25:20] A favorite book recommendation and lessons from the Savannah Bananas story
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Josh Parnell is the founder of Limitless Leadership, LLC, and a former Director of Service Development at Christian Brothers Automotive. With a background that spans military service, leadership training, and years of building industry-leading programs, Josh brings a unique perspective on people-first leadership in the auto repair world. His mission today is simple: help shop owners create engaged, motivated teams that drive performance and growth.
In this episode…
77% of your employees are probably disengaged. That number is alarming, but it’s also the reality many shop owners face. So what can leaders do to turn burnout into buy-in? Mike Edge sits down with Josh Parnell to talk about how to motivate auto repair teams and reignite energy inside the shop.
Josh explains why so many employees feel unseen and undervalued, and how small but consistent actions from leaders can create lasting engagement. From one-on-one check-ins and daily huddles to simple recognition and feedback, he shares the practical tools that build safety, trust, and connection: the foundations of a team that buys in. He also highlights the cost of poor communication and why investing in your people ultimately leads to better sales, service, and shop performance.
This episode is about more than theory. It’s a roadmap for shop owners who want to stop losing money to disengagement and start building stronger, more resilient teams. If you’ve been wondering how to motivate auto repair teams and keep your staff inspired, this conversation is the wake-up call you’ve been waiting for.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[01:09] Josh Parnell’s background and how he entered the auto repair industry
[04:43] Life as military police in North Dakota and lessons learned from service
[07:28] What Josh considers the number one priority for shop teams
[08:52] Why focusing on relationships before transactions changes everything
[10:49] Creating safety and trust to unlock clarity and buy-in
[11:28] What “disengaged employees” really means inside the shop
[13:09] The power of one-on-ones, huddles, and toolbox talks
[16:11] How poor communication can cost shop owners thousands
[24:00] Josh’s passion project: building the Bearded Brotherhood brand
[26:57] Why growth and comfort can’t coexist for leaders and teams
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Kamard Johnson is the President & CEO of GTT Commercial Tires, based in Richmond, Virginia. With a professional background rooted in sales and customer service, Kamard joined forces with his brother to build a company that started with seven used tires in a shed and grew into a multi-location operation recognized on the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row. His story highlights both the opportunities and the hard lessons that come with ambition, leadership, and scaling too quickly in the tire industry.
In this episode…
Success to outsiders can look like growing or scaling your business at a fast rate. But when is fast too fast? Does it take a toll on your business? In this conversation, Kamard Johnson explores the realities behind tire business growth challenges and what happens when ambition outruns preparation.
Kamard shares his candid journey of rapid expansion, earning national recognition while battling the hidden costs of fast growth. From strained operations to financial pressure and even selling into unprofitability, he reveals the lessons that reshaped his approach. These tire business growth challenges forced him to step out of sales and into a true leadership role, focusing on systems, processes, and long-term strategy.
What we loved about this conversation with Kamard is how real he was about the struggles behind the growth. He didn’t just talk about the wins but he also opened up about the mistakes, the financial pressure, and the lessons that forced him to grow as a leader. Hearing him explain how self-awareness and putting people first shaped his journey gave us a lot to think about, and we think it will hit home for anyone facing tire business growth challenges or pushing their business forward faster than it was ready for.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[02:09] The meaning behind GTT Commercial Tires
[02:18] Kamard’s upbringing and how his mother and brother shaped his path
[05:34] How his mother persuaded him to join the family business
[07:01] Working side by side with his brother and defining their roles
[11:46] Why Kamard sees himself as more of an architect than a builder
[16:42] Expanding to three locations and the strategy behind it
[17:27] Lessons learned from pursuing aggressive growth
[19:44] How Kamard adjusted his leadership style after growing too fast
[21:57] Discovering the risks of selling into unprofitability
[24:59] The mantra from his mother that guides Kamard’s leadership
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Tony O’Billovich is the leader of the Master Shop Program for Point S Tire USA. With decades of experience running and growing multiple tire and auto repair locations, Tony has seen firsthand the challenges that overwhelm shop owners and the strategies that turn things around. His focus on profitability, leadership, and people development has helped shop owners across the country regain control of their businesses, their time, and their confidence.
In this episode…
What happens when everyday challenges in the tire and auto repair world start to feel overwhelming? According to Tony O’Billovich, the key to taking back control isn’t working harder, it’s learning to lead smarter.
From raising labor rates without fear to building systems that reduce stress, Tony shares practical lessons that help shop owners stop feeling like their business is running them. He explains how profitability isn’t something to feel guilty about, but a powerful tool to invest in employees, improve customer trust, and grow stronger teams.
The conversation also dives into the importance of leadership and delegation. By training staff and empowering them to take on responsibility, shop owners can step back from micromanaging and focus on growth. For many, this shift leads to working less, earning more, and building businesses that thrive long-term.
Finally, Tony highlights how community and collaboration play a role in success. Through Point S and its cooperative model, shop owners find mentorship, support, and the ability to grow while preserving the legacies they’ve worked so hard to build.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[02:04] How Tony entered the tire and auto repair industry and scaled multiple locations
[03:06] What Point S is and how its co-op model empowers independent shop owners
[05:18] The story of a daughter who took over her father’s shop and found success
[07:01] The biggest challenges Tony sees when walking into struggling stores
[08:27] Why shop owners hesitate to raise prices — and what really happens when they do
[11:26] How courtesy inspections improve customer trust and educate clients
[13:52] Why positioning as a one-stop shop makes life easier for both customers and owners
[15:33] What makes Point S unique as a brand and why members describe it as “family”
[17:41] How the “555” growth plan is shaping the future of Point S across the U.S.
[19:28] The new mentor program for shop owners and how it supports growth
[20:53] Tony’s coaching style and how he helps owners regain confidence
[22:20] Why delegating and training employees leads to working less and earning more
[24:30] Tony’s personal motto: “Polite, honest, direct” and why clarity matters in leadership
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