Rich Betz. (president, Reliable Tire, Camden, New Jersey) (Annual CEO Report) (Company Profile)

The tire industry appears to be in a state of total confusion. Manufacturers, as well as many dealers, seem to be adrift with no sense of direction. Everyone agrees that we need to get more business with improved profit margins, but few seem to know how to go about this process.

It should be remembered that every year, regardless of the economy, the replacement tire market continues to grow ever so slowly, but it is growing, not diminishing.

Making the tire business enjoyable and profitable again will require the rethinking of the final objective within our industry. This objective is to ultimately match a customer's needs with a product that is affordable, …