Nestled in the White Mountains of Arizona—hundreds of miles from any big city—Future Tire & Automotive has found a unique recipe for success. And it includes something intangible.
"As cheesy as it sounds, I think what sets Future Tire apart is love," says Dave Schonaerts, the dealership’s owner. "I’ve formed bonds with my staff and management team that I feel are really rewarding. I never feel more on track than when a conversation with an employee ends with, ‘Love you, boss.’ We really care about each other here. I think that’s important in any job."
Self-Sufficient
Making sure employees know they’re valued has been a priority since Schonaerts bought the company six years ago. With a background in commercial tires, he spent his first 24 months as owner learning the retail side. Because of the remote location, self-sufficiency is key. The company’s distribution center supplies all locations, creating a closed-loop system. "We sell everything from wheelbarrow tires to scraper tires and do everything from oil changes to engine overhauls. The communities we serve are small, so we focus on buying right."
Present and Involved
Phoenix is 180 miles away; Albuquerque is 245 miles. This isolation means no just-in-time delivery. Schonaerts has learned to sit on inventory. All 32 employees pitch in when needed—including the owner. "Nobody is too big to be a delivery guy—myself included." Staffing is a challenge, so the solution is to take care of the team to retain talent. Several managers were promoted from technicians, and long-tenured employees bring invaluable knowledge. For now, the focus is on the present, treating employees and customers with respect and affection. "We’re present and involved. It matters."
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