John Kreidel is the new CEO at the Tire Factory, an Oregon-based member-owned cooperative comprised of more than 200 independent tire retailers in 13 western states.
“Our search committee unanimously selected John for his unique combination of distribution and warehousing experience and his strong strategic planning skills,” says Chris Cornelius, chairman of the organization’s board of directors.
“John also brings extensive experience in operating and building a member-owned cooperative,” he adds, “plus he’s been an independent business owner himself. Our board of directors considered his experience with a member-owned co-op an essential skill for the position.”
From 1997 to 2005, Kreidel was CEO of the “is.group,” a cooperative specializing in office products throughout the U.S. It grew from a $120-million operation to nearly $400 million during his tenure.
“I’m absolutely convinced that the independent Tire Factory members can – and will continue to – compete effectively with the big box chains as we aim to enhance the marketing and procurement benefits of membership,” says Kreidel.
“Tire Factory is a great model for independent tire dealers, and I’m both excited and humbled to have been chosen as the new CEO,” he notes.
The co-op says member tire sales top $300 million. It has distribution centers in Portland, Ore. and Salt Lake City.
For more information, visit www.tirefactory.com.
