Mike Griffin is the Sales Manager at D&K Tire in Birmingham, Alabama — part of the Dunlap & Kyle Tire Co. network 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 D&K Tire

[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

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mike Griffin LinkedIn
• Dunlap & Kyle Tire Co. LinkedIn
• Dunlap & Kyle Tire Co. Facebook
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “Treat everybody you meet like they’re hurting, because you won’t miss by much.” – Dr. Kevin Elko, shared by Mike Griffin
• “Even when tire sales are flat, service keeps the doors open.”
• “You can’t always control the economy, but you can control your attitude.”

Action Steps:

1. Keep a close eye on how inflation in the tire industry 2025 is influencing customer behavior and pricing strategy.
2. Focus on growing service work and value-based offerings to offset softer tire sales.
3. Lead with empathy: your people and customers feel economic pressure too.
4. Find ways to keep humor and perspective alive, even when times get tough.

• D&K Tire
• Dunlap & Kyle Tire Co.
• Gain Traction Podcast
• Inflation
• Mike Edge
• Mike Griffin
• Tread Partners

Transcript

00:00
Internet marketing is what that guy said right when I got in there. 

00:05
That’s been the running joke between you and I for 15 plus years. It’s been a while. 

00:09
It’s, it’s a great story. 

00:11
He said that Internet marketing is. 

00:18
Now, mind you guys, I’m thinking I’m being set up here because I’m, that’s what I’m providing. I’m providing. Mike and John Internet marketing welcome to the Gain Traction Podcast, the official podcast for tire business. I am Mike Edge, your host and I have the privilege of interviewing the tire dealers, shop owners, counter sales reps, technicians, industry executives and other thought leaders of our industry. This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. Tread Partners is the leading digital marketing agency that specializes in digital marketing for multi location tire and auto repair shops. Tread Partners works with clients that have hundreds of locations, down to five locations. Get a professional unbiased opinion and let Tread Partners review what you’re doing. It starts with a simple conversation. To contact tread partners, visit treadpartners.com so let’s get started. 

01:09
Welcome to the Gain Traction podcast, the official podcast for tire business. One of my all time favorite guys in the industry is my guest today, Mike Griffin with DNK Tire, AKA Dunlap and Kyle Tire in Birmingham, Alabama. He’s the sales manager. And Mike, I’d say we’ve known each other at least 15 plus years now. How the heck are you? 

01:32
Everything is good, man. How, how about you? 

01:34
Re. That’s fantastic. I, I was excited that you actually said you’d do podcasts with me because I don’t have an agenda today. I’m not trying to accomplish anything with you. We laugh a lot together. So I figured, man, this is a great one to do with people that just, you know, want to listen to guys in the tire industry just tell some funny old stories maybe. 

01:54
Well, if you have no agenda, I’m the man for the job. I can assure you. 

01:59
I knew you checked that box for me. Well, let’s take people down. Memory laid. When I first met you is when you were with SNS Tire, if I’m not mistaken. 

02:10
Yes, that’s correct. 

02:11
And, and I was with Upright Communications. We did Internet marketing for you guys and I’m just gonna go ahead and get to it. You know what, I’m gonna get too because it’s one of my all time favorite funny stories because it’s so legitimate. But folks, let me prep you guys. When I started with, when I met Mike, were doing Internet marketing for tire dealers. That was it. And were basically getting them up online. This was in the mid 2000s, early 2000s, and the company had contracted me to meet with their dealers. So I went all over the Southeast and met with different folks, met Mike and in Birmingham and he was taking me around to some of his dealers and went out to lunch with Mike and Joe, I’m not mistaken. 

03:02
Right. John. 

03:03
John. To Mike and John. And I’ll let you take it from there. 

03:08
Well, were. Went to meet with these, the two brothers and they had a tire store at that time in Chelsea, Alabama. They still have it and they have another one here in Birmingham now. So there was a newer restaurant in that community and they were wanting us to go and eat lunch there. So the owner of the restaurant and they were all for supporting community and small business and things. And he was kind of tell. He was having a little bit of struggles with all the things that were coming at him because they’d only been open for a few weeks. And he’s telling Mike and John as we’re sitting there with them and telling us, said, you know, well, it’s this and that and the other. He said, but I want to tell you one thing, he said that Internet marketing is. 

04:02
Now, mind you guys, I’m thinking I’m being set up here because I’m. That’s what I’m providing. I’m providing Mike and John Internet marketing. And, and I think these guys are bait, man. They swear to this day they didn’t. 

04:17
We, we fell out laughing for about five minutes straight. And that guy was really confused. 

04:23
Yeah. He could figure out why were laughing. Sorry. Because he had no idea what were doing. 

04:27
He was as baffled as Adam on Mother’s. 

04:32
Anyway, the food was pretty good at that place. But that was one that really stuck with me. One of my favorite, all time favorite stories. Because I swear my jaw dropped. I think y’ all saw that. And I was just like, no way. You know, and it was just like, I mean, talking about a buzz kill. And I just met, I just, I mean I literally had just met Mike and John. I think went to their shop first, but we literally were just meeting for lunch and. 

04:56
Yes. 

04:57
Yeah. Oh, that was so funny. Internet marketing is what that guy said. Right. Right when I got in there. 

05:04
Yeah. That’s been the running joke between you and I for. Oh yeah, 15 plus years. It’s been a while. 

05:10
It’s, it’s a great story. I tell you another funny story that I had when I was at the Ballantrae. Is that the way you say it? Ballantrae? 

05:19
Ballantrae, yes. 

05:21
Yeah. Golf club where you guys used to host that annual tournament. That was a beautiful course, by the way. But when I get down there, you know, everybody gets there about 7 o’ clock in the morning. I think TL’s about 8. Everybody’s getting their coffee, donuts, whatever, meeting. And it was funny because I meet this guy in the cart next to me. I’m putting my. My clubs on the back of the cart, and I don’t know if I ever told you this story, but he goes, hey, you know, we just do the short exchange, introduction, whatever. Where are you from? Where are you from? I said, owensboro, Kentucky. And he goes, Owensboro. He looks to his right and he goes, hey, Joe, whatever his buddy’s name was, he goes, owensboro, right here. And I’m like, inside joke. And I know what. 

06:04
What’s going on here. And he goes, man, I don’t know what it is, he said, but every time we travel anywhere, we run into one of you people, he goes, y’. All. He goes, you people travel better eva I’ve ever met. And then he was talking about mutual acquaintance of ours because they were Bridgestone. I know a guy out there. Bridgestone. And anyway, he said when he goes to the airport with him, he says every time he goes to the airport, he runs into somebody from his hometown in Woodsboro, Kentucky. He goes, how big are you guys? I said, I mean, the county, about 106,000. That’s it. And he goes, what’s the deal? But he said, literally everywhere he goes, he runs into somebody. So you, him and the guy that were, I guess he was playing with, they. They had a. 

06:41
A running joke about running, where they were going to run into their Onesboro guy that day or whatever, but they did, so. I don’t know. 

06:50
I did not know that. 

06:52
Yeah, so I was. I. I completed the cycle for him. He. I was the guy that day for him. But anyway, no, I remember coming down there a lot, and I loved. I love playing in that golf tournament. Are you guys still. Do you still do any playing down there at all? Because I know you’re not with the same company or anything, but you guys, we. 

07:11
We do not. We participate a lot with the Alabama Tire Diggers Association. They’ll have some scholarship fundraising tournaments. They’ll have usually one in the spring and one in the fall along with their convention. But. But we do that. But. But not so much like the customers coming in and us giving away all the door prizes and all the. 

07:32
Yeah, it had some good stuff back in the day real quick at D and K, you know, on the, on the business side with passenger light truck. Where do you know, where do you see the market right now? Especially like with tariffs and things like that? What are you guys seeing in Alabama? 

07:49
It’s see a lot of people with just uncertainty and afraid to really make big purchases. 

07:56
Yeah. 

07:57
Not knowing like what happened, you know, four years ago, I guess, when all the tariffs and things went up and a lot of people got caught upside down with high cost and inventory from freight rates and tariffs and everything like that. So everybody’s being a little more cautious and seems like there as the prices continue to rise on that stuff, the domestic product as well, that people are somewhat tearing down. And you know, I was Michelin and Bridgestone, you know, just the two of the top tier, top tires that people seem to be settling down to a, you know, maybe a Unirole and a Firestone instead of, you know, the top of the light gun. 

08:46
Or do you see a lot of the, like the, even the tier three or what it maybe even call them tier fours? Do you see a lot of those being sold more? 

08:54
We do. 

08:55
Yeah, we do. 

08:55
And even the tier four and those prices continue to rise as well, so. 

09:00
But not as significant, right? 

09:03
No, not as significant. But you know, just it seems like domestic manufacturers, they’re going to keep a spread of a certain percentage in between what the import tires are and what their product is so they can, you know, take it. I think they take advantage of that just to be honest. 

09:20
So they’re, they’re. In other words, the tariff has allowed them to raise their price, but not by. They don’t have to raise it as they can stay competitive underneath the whatever the tariff causes in regards to an increase. They can, they got the advantages of racing their price, but not as much. 

09:40
Right. 

09:41
Yeah, right. 

09:42
And they do. And I mean that. It’s always been that way. That’s not a. And I’m sure their costs go up as well. You know, I mean, I’m not, I don’t want to make it sound like I they’re gouging anybody. They’re not. But I’m just saying there’s going to mean maintain a spread between those two segments of the market. 

10:01
Well, I mean without going too deep down the rabbit hole. I mean it, you know, that they, they’ve been trying to say that inflation was under control. Inflation’s, you know, it’s only gone up by X amount or whatever. I think last year I heard it had only gone up, but they said 9%. And I’m. I want to say, I just want to call B.S. I mean, I know things that have doubled in price, you know what I’m saying? And I’m like, come on, guys. I mean, and all these little tricks they play, you know, in Washington for the last couple years about how to classify what’s, you know, an increase or whatever, just come ask me. I can tell you. 

10:41
I mean, you look at the price of milk and eggs and anything else out there, I mean, just, you know, for instance, I told you we’re doing this little remodel in our bathroom here at the house, man. I can tell you when I had it originally quoted and when it’s getting in now we’re talking two different ball games, man. 

10:58
Wow. 

10:59
You know, and I see it in the tire industry, too. And it’s unfortunately. But, you know, everybody in the political sphere like to tell us what they think we can absorb. As if we’re not. As if we’re stupid, that we can’t figure out that, no, it’s a lot higher than 9%. 

11:20
Yes. And most of, the, most of our customers who are the independent tire dealers, you know, they’re. They’re really. Tire sales are flat, you know, at best. But their service work is really good, which is, you know, what is the lifeblood of the shop anyway? 

11:42
Yeah, well. And I think, obviously people aren’t buying the new car right now. Right. So they’re going to get it repaired longer. So that obviously helps the independent tire and auto repairs shop out. So. But at the same time, tire sales tend to go down to the. I mean, people just don’t buy tires unless they absolutely need them now. 

12:04
That’s right. That’s exactly right. I mean, there are people telling us, you know, they. They run them to the wires or hanging out, you know, anymore. In a lot of cases. 

12:15
Yeah. I, I recently got a new set and I. For my wife, that is. But I don’t play that game anymore, though. Or a guy. I. If you, if you’ve ever hydroplaned and done a real serious hydroplane, like not just a little, you know, through the water, but the one where you go, like, skidding for a hundred yards, feel like you’re on ice, that changes your opinion about. I mean, I don’t even Let them get down to the nub anymore, you know, right below the marker anymore. 

12:44
The wear bars? 

12:45
Yeah, yeah, the wear bar. I, I just, I mean, I’m well before that now. 

12:51
Well, that’s good. And, and we should all be that way. But, you know, especially people who are in the tire business, they’re kind of like, they used to talk about painters. You know, their house, they paint worse than any of them on the block. You know, our tire guys tend to see how far they can push you sometimes, and that’s not good either. 

13:10
But, man, I gotta tell you something that you’ll appreciate, and I don’t know why this comes to mind, but my wife and I have this thing in Owensboro. There’s this is, I guess he’s just a regular painter contractor. You’re bringing up painters. And he’s got a sign out in his front yard that looks like it’s stenciled on wood, like a plywood. Like it’s stenciled on plywood with two wood stakes that go in the ground. And, and it says painting professionals or whatever. And it’s got a phone number with it. But I mean, the board that it’s on looks like crap, right? And the stencil they use looks like crap. And the paint, it just looks like crap. My wife and I, we can’t. You know, the thing is, this guy might be a good painter, but his marketing is horrible. Like, he doesn’t understand. 

13:59
No, you need a first class sign out here, pal. You don’t need, you don’t need to be painting plywood with two wooden stakes. Say you’re a professional painter with stencil, and I’m like, you know, my mind works like marketing anyway, but I’m going, man, I, I can’t imagine who’s calling you. 

14:18
Well, our old industry saying, you know, that perception is reality. You know what I mean? If that’s what you perceive, then it’s, you know, that’s whether it’s that way or not. That’s where that’s in your mall. 

14:33
I, I, and you know, the thing is, the guy actually might be a pretty good painter. But I don’t know, I feel like if you don’t, if you can’t catch this little detail right here, the sign you’re putting in your yard, trying to catch us, you know, get our attention, it’s just, that’s bad mojo right there. 

14:49
Yes, I agree with you on that. 

14:52
It’s one of those things just I can’t help myself. Hey, we said we go down several rabbit holes and I got one for us. Food. Do you still eat at Nikki’s? 

15:04
Every chance I get. 

15:06
Do you? 

15:06
Yeah, we from where our office is. It’s about 25 minutes. So it’s not a spot that we can just run over for lunch. But when I’m out working with sales guys or on my own or whatever, you usually try to plan your day around being over there. You know, about lunchtime. 

15:26
Now, guys, this is to the audience. This is a place to eat in Birmingham. And if you ever go down Birmingham, you got to go to this place. It’s a massive place that sells great food and it’s like a meet and three type place, but it’s more, it’s cafeteria style. Right. I mean, if I remember right, you, you walk up through there and you’re waiting in this long line, but they serve your food. It’s like, it’s like a buffet, but you’re not the one holding the spoons and grabbing everything. They do it on the other side like a cafeteria. And you tell them what you want, but you get kicked to the back of the line if they catch you on your cell phone. 

16:04
Absolutely. They will not put up with it. 

16:07
It’s almost like the suit Nazi. 

16:10
Yes, exactly what I was supposed to say. But it is so fascinating when you go to that place because you literally pull into the parking lot and I mean, it is full. You think, oh my gosh, we’ll be here for a couple hours trying to get in and out of here. And you go in and like you said, you walk through just like you’re on a ride at the amusement park. Go through the, you know, back and forth and get your tray and your silverware. And there’s probably, I don’t know an exact number, but I mean, just, there’s probably, you know, 10, eight to 10 different type meats and there’s probably 20 vegetables. There’s. 

16:55
And this is like roast beef, green beans and potatoes. Everything that you can imagine, casserole type stuff, you know, broccoli and cheese or whatever. I mean, there’s just. The variety is amazing. But the other thing I was, you know, I’m bringing up because it’s not like a style of restaurant that I would think I’m going to go eat there and have good quality, but the quality is outstanding. And to your point about pulling up in that lot, you pull up in that lot, you’re like, oh guys, we’re gonna be here forever, and you’re not. But you sit there and look at the factory they’ve created. I mean, it’s a factory, but the quality of food is outstanding. And I think part of their quality too is they, you don’t, you don’t get to serve yourself. They’re. They’re serving you. 

17:37
You just pick and like you said, Greek chicken is always a big one of their items that they have every day. Tilapia, they’ll have something. But when they’re so dialed in and they know what they’re doing so well that, you know, they’re going, can I help you, please? Can I help you, please? And when they put your food up there, you’re sliding it down in front of you where you have to walk down and get it. So they know how to keep the line moving and they know coming through the desserts and through all of it. And the time you’re seated, you know how you’re seated, they point you back and I mean well. 

18:12
And yeah, they got you. They’ve got people to tell you which, where you can find a seat. That’s how busy this place is. It’s like ushers in a church or. 

18:20
Something that it literally is. And you can go in there. And I’ve, I told you also, I said, you know, when we pass down in front of that line before we get in, you know, through this one little turn, you need to be looking because you’ll end up with like two or three meats and five vegetables. And in the salad. I mean, you really can, because it’s all very good. 

18:44
Yeah, no, it’s. If you guys ever get a chance, go to Nikki’s in Birmingham. I tell you another thing I’m. I’m fascinated by is the amount of people that get through at a lunchtime and the volume of. Because I mean, it ain’t cheap. No, I mean, they charge you what, it’s fair. But you know, you get in a high quality food, it’s just, technically, it’s just already prepared. You just get your choice. 

19:11
Well, you do. And I, if I remember correctly, because you and I asked the. I think the cashiers as were going out, I mean they even have that dialed in. It’s. I mean, they got two and it’s. Anyway. But I think they averaged about 1700 launches a day. 

19:30
Yes, it was something astronomical like that. Because to put that many people through and you and I were obviously doing the Numbers. Kind of being entrepreneurial there. And were like, gosh dang, dude. And if you make this margin as a food, you know, in the food business. Yeah, they’ve got, they got it dialed in. I couldn’t remember, did they do a. Did they do a dinner or a breakfast or. They open all three. 

19:53
They, they did, but when Covid came along, they. They cut out breakfast and dinner. So they just didn’t watch now. 

20:00
Wow. 

20:02
And if you remember also on that, were. I mean, were in and out in like 45 minutes. 

20:09
Oh, I know. It’s shocked me. 

20:11
It’s just. I mean, if anybody is ever in Birmingham, you need to ask where Nicky’s west is. And it’s a true experience with a good meal along with it. 

20:22
Well, that’s the thing. You get really good Southern cooking. It’s just in an environment that it’s be. It’s the amount of volume they do. It’s just crazy. Had to be that good. 

20:35
There’s a lot of means you’ll see on whatever outlet that you look at when they’ll say, like, we have a part of interstates where they join together in Birmingham. It’s called Malfunction Junction. Okay. So it’s always backed up through there, you know, in rush hour type stuff. And they always say, if you want to get that straightened out, put Nicky’s west in charge. They’ll. They’ll blow everybody through there in a herd. 

21:02
That’s true. They know how to handle a crowd. Man, that’s funny. Malfunction Junction. I know where you’re talking about. I think I’ve been down through there plenty of times. Yes, yeah. Well, let’s talk about something else. I mean, like I said, we’re gonna go down all these little rabbit holes. What’s your favorite. You mentioned sports movies. What’s your favorite movie? Sports movie. 

21:23
I, you know, I mean, it just. It kind of depends whether I’m kind of what mood I’m in. I love Caddyshack. I’m. You know those type movies. 

21:33
Yes. 

21:34
Things like that are just, you know, there’s no real in depth thought process to it. It’s just funny. Yes, but. But then you get into stuff like. Remember the Titans? 

21:46
Yes. 

21:47
You know, I love those, those type movies. Of course, with Robert, Richard, just passing, you know, the Natural. That’s. 

21:55
Ooh, yeah. 

21:56
Really, really good one. 

21:58
I had one other guest over the last four years of doing this that brought up the Natural. You’re the second one. That’s an Overlook. That’s an overlooked movie. 

22:07
Well, it is. And grew up. I did. Is in a baseball family. So I mean, anything with baseball where I’m gonna like it on where they go. But, but a lot of good ones. I mean, even, you know, Happy Gilmore. 

22:23
Yeah. 

22:24
Is you get a lot of one line. 

22:26
Did you, did you see the second one? 

22:28
I did it. 

22:30
I mean, it’s good, but it’s not like I. It’s like it’s. It’s good. It’s just, it’s just the whole thing’s kind of interesting concept of what they’re doing and all that. But my favorite line by far was, don’t forget to feed John Daly. 

22:47
He put. Yeah, he was great in that. 

22:49
He just lived in their garage, remember? Yeah, Happy’s got the kids, they’re all grown, but they all still stay at home. And then, and then. And John Daly lived in their garage and he goes, listen, don’t forget to feed John. 

23:03
Exactly. But it was, you know, and they. I like that one because they didn’t really try to, you know, take it a whole nother direction. They just basically redid it at an older age, you know. 

23:16
That’s it. That’s it. Yeah. No, and they tried to get a lot of different celebrities in there too. It was funny with all that, but the whole. The fact that John Daly got to be himself was just funny to me. 

23:27
Yeah, that was me as well. 

23:29
And just. I don’t know, there’s. It like you said, I mean, it was the great movie, but it was. It just had some good one liners. Yeah, I. It’s, it’s so for everybody listening out there. Yeah, you got to watch it, but you won’t watch it again. It’s not one of those. 

23:45
Yeah, yeah. I mean, it’s like I said. I mean, it’s just some, you know, if you just want to take an hour and a half and kick back, have some laughs and not have to engage in a deep thought. 

23:56
You know what I tell the younger generation? And it’s weird to say it to people because I always assume everybody just has seen the movie growing up or at least every man the Rockies. I mean, especially Rocky 1 and 2. I mean, do you know, because Rocky 1 has so much. But it’s funny because I got these son in laws now that one of them I don’t think had ever seen it. And I’m like, gosh dang. I was like, man, that should have been a. I didn’t realize That I should have asked you that before I gave you permission to marry my daughter. Yes. You know, and I didn’t have that on the agenda that day or whatever. 

24:31
But it’s funny because I’m like every guy’s to see Rocky 1 because the story of Rocky 1 is so cool with the fact that just teaches you to don’t quit, you know, and remember his goal wasn’t necessarily to win. His goal was once he realized he couldn’t beat the champion, his goal was just, can I go the distance with him? It’s one of those movies where I think everybody should have seen that. Every man should have. And like I said about my son in laws, I, I should have made that a prerequisite because I, you know, they’re young, they, their daddies didn’t make them watch it. I made my sons just because I love number one is where, you know, his, he realizes he’s not going to beat the guy. 

25:12
So his goal was, man, I just want to go the distance and then I’ll be somebody. Because he goes, I just don’t want to be another bum from the neighborhood. 

25:20
Yeah. And I kind of, for my boys growing up there, I had two that I would make them watch and I would just, you know, when they were feeling sorry for their self or something, I would make them watch Rudy, which is a great, you know. 

25:36
Yes. 

25:36
You, you just got to keep going, you got to keep fighting. Just don’t lose sight of your dreams. And the other was Hoosiers. 

25:44
Oh yeah. 

25:45
With, with the basketball and how disciplined you got to be and listening to your coaches and things like that. So I think there’s a lot of life lessons in a lot. And you know, a lot of those movies that parallel with sports that, you know, that come to life. 

26:04
But there’s something about sports that translate well into industry and business. And especially if you’ve had to play on a team sport, and especially if it’s a high pressure because you learn how that you have to work together and you know, in the tire business it can be high pressure when you’re trying to get things turned over, get things out the door and everything hits at once and then the truck goes down and you know, just anything can happen. It’s all about how does the team rally around itself. Not point fingers or anything else, but just get the job done. 

26:37
Exactly right. It’s. 

26:39
And at the end of the day, I think sports matter in that regard. It’s Interesting to me. Like, you know, I’ve been around a lot and with. I got these sons and whatnot and I see these parents that, you know, they’re always nagging on their kid and then I, and then, and like they’re always trying to coach them up or something. And then you find out the sport that the kids playing, the dad’s never even played and yet he’s dogging his kid, you know, and it’s like, dude, let them have fun things and let them make mistakes and let them figure it out, it’s okay, you know, and. 

27:16
Let them be coached and learn that someday you’re going to have a boss that’s going to, he may coach you hard and love you harder, you know, And I mean, that’s kind of the way it’s got to be sometimes. 

27:29
Well, it, One of the best examples, one of the best decisions I ever made in my life was when I let my son, he was playing on an. It was nine year old baseball. It’s the first year you start pitching and all that stuff. And it was horrible. And we had a coach that was, you know, morally and ethically one of the nicest guys in the world. Just a good, upstanding man. But in regards to baseball knowledge and the way he coached, he was awful. And he would put kids that couldn’t play first base at first place just because he wanted everybody to rotate and get a feel for every position on the field. So like the worst player could be at first base, where he’s going to have to catch the ball every time. 

28:11
Best player could be out in right field or nowhere. You know, he could just be moon. And the bad thing was he didn’t understand that hurts a kid’s confidence. Right? You know, the kid that can’t catch the ball, you’re just sinking him lower, you know, he’s not getting the chance to build up. I understand his mindset was some form of equality like everybody but you. You weren’t helping the bad kid because he wasn’t being able to step into that confidence zone. He just stepping at first base and getting drilled, you know, and then you’re just ticking off the kid with talent that wants to contribute because you’re sticking him and hiding him somewhere. It was just a mess, okay? But he was a nice guy. 

28:49
And I remember my son getting in the car with me and he goes, dad, I think I know more baseball than my coach. And I said, and honestly, I couldn’t deny, I go, well, you’re probably right. I said, but there’s a big difference. He goes, what? You know, he’s all bad. He goes, why don’t you just take me off this team and let’s go play in another league? He wanted, you know, all this stuff, said that would be the norm. That would be like, a lot of, what are your friends, dads do? And people have done that we know, and they didn’t get drawn into the right draft at the right team, all that stuff. I said, this is a good life lesson for you. I said, you’re gonna have a boss one day that you’re not gonna like. 

29:27
I said, but he may make bad decisions, but guess what? He’s the guy in charge, and somebody has to make the decisions, you know? And I said, your coach. This isn’t life or death, and we’re not dealing with a moral issue here. Yeah, he’s making some poor decisions, but he’s the coach. And he goes, but we stink. You know, he’s, like, upset, and he’s 9, and I feel bad for him. Right. I’m feeling the pressure myself, thinking, yeah, should I take him somewhere? Then I just, you know, I was like, all right, look, I said, don’t you have a couple of good buddies on this team? He did, and I knew that. He said, yeah. And I said, why don’t y’ all just have fun and make the most of it? Just figure out how to have the most fun you can. 

30:07
That’s all I can tell you. 

30:08
Yeah. 

30:09
And. And ended up being a really good. I’m glad I. I’m glad I went through that process. It was painful, Mike. I mean, when I say painful, I don’t know if we won a ball game. Okay. But it was a good life lesson. 

30:23
Yeah. 

30:23
You know, and he learned a lot that year, and it. Did it hurt his career or his life? No, actually, it taught him. Probably taught him the most, you know? 

30:32
Yeah. 

30:32
That you got to figure it out, you know, and dad. And I’m glad I didn’t cave, you know, to think, oh, I got to make sure my kid gets on a better team and a better experience and all that stuff. No, sometimes it’s best just to suck it up and let them figure their way through it. 

30:49
That’s right. Just take your lumps and, like you said, learn from it and. And. And move on. 

30:56
Hey, I was going to ask you. I know we’re probably coming up on our stop here, but what about, like, a mantra, a quote, something you live by? Anything come to mind, really? 

31:12
You know, I just, every morning get up and. And just pray that I can be a blessing to somebody in some form or fashion. I. There’s a Dr. Kevin Elko, and that’s where I got that from. He works with. He’s kind of a sports psychologist at me being an Auburn fan, he worked for Mick Saban in Alabama during all these past years, and I’d heard him speak through some of that. And I. I mean, that’s where I get that from. He’s. If y’ all don’t know him, he’s phenomenal. If you could get on YouTube and he’s got, you know, different links of podcasts or videos, but he really does good, and I. I really do try to do that. 

31:58
What’s his name again? 

32:00
Dr. Kevin Elko. E L K O. He. He has so much good stuff. It’s. It speaks to me, and I. I can feel it in one of his sayings also that he preaches is, you know, treat everybody you meet like they’re hurting because you won’t miss by much, you know, because all these. These. Your co workers and people that you’re. That you see, you know, and you wonder. You don’t really know what they’re going through with their home life or they’re just different situations that maybe they just need somebody to pull them aside and just, you know, ask them. I will do. 

32:46
That’s so interesting because, you know, the reality is when you do talk to people, everybody’s got something they’re fighting or struggling with or whatever. And so he’s just saying, go ahead and make that assumption. Everybody’s. Everybody’s already in some. In some painful moment and treat them from that point like just. Even if you don’t know what it is, you’re just saying, he’s saying, or he’s saying, just treat them nice. Help them out by making their day better. 

33:14
You won’t miss by much. That’s what he says, you know, and they. And that’s the truth. Another thing here at work, I guess, also one thing that we. That I keep trying to rewire some of our thought process through our sales guys and everybody. But is intentionality, you know, come in and be intentional about what we do and about what we’re going to do today and just, you know, ownership, all of those type things. I’ll text these guys every morning. I’ll text them something and just trying to keep it and replant and replant. That positive thought process of, hey, I got to. I got to take control of this. And I got to decide. That’s the other thing. Decide, you know, you want to hear I go again with Dr. Kevin Nilco? But, you know, there’s two top people in this world. 

34:14
There’s lines and greyhounds. You know, the greyhound is going to run when he’s hungry, you know, then they’ll get him. But the line, you know, he’ll eat on Monday, he’ll eat on Tuesday, he’ll eat on Wednesday, you all got there. Thursday, he’ll eat. So, you know, you got to be hungry and be the line and go, want to eat every single day and not the gray hand. Just do it when you feel like it. 

34:42
That’s interesting. So, no, it’s all good stuff. Well, Mike, I tell you’re one of my favorite peeps in the industry. I’m glad you came on the show, and I’m glad we just went down different rabbit holes, and I hope everybody enjoyed it. 

34:56
Same here. I appreciate you as well. And like I said, I’ve, you know, you just get that text from me out of the. Out of the blue saying, hey, Internet marketing is B.S. You know, every. Just every now and then, it’s really good to catch up with you and I as well. You’re one of my favorites, and that’s why I’ve always tried to keep tabs on you and what you had going on. 

35:20
Well, thank you. You’ve always been a good support. Well, we’ll have you on here again someday. And don’t be shy and make it up to Winsboro sometime. 

35:28
Okay? 

35:30
And if I get back down there, I want to go to Nicky’s West. 

35:32
Hey, I. I guarantee that’ll happen. 

35:36
All right, brother. Thank you to all our guests out there. Listeners out there, thank you. You know, we love you. Till next time, we’ll see you here at Gain Traction. To all our listeners, thank you for being part of the Gain Traction podcast. We are grateful for you. If you’d like to find more podcasts like this, please visit gaintractionpodcast.com if you’d like to make a guest recommendation, please email [email protected] this episode has been powered by TREAD partners, the leader in digital marketing for multilocation tire and auto repair shops. To learn more about Tread Partners, visit treadpartners. Com.