TBC at 70: Evolving Through Partnership, Distribution and Mobility

A longtime Group Company of Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA), TBC has continued to evolve alongside SCOA, with the relationship helping strengthen the company’s operational capabilities, supply chain infrastructure, leadership development, and long-term strategic direction.

Over the decades, TBC expanded through acquisitions, joint ventures and geographic growth. The company entered the Mexican market through TBC de Mexico in 1995 and expanded its franchise business through the acquisition of Big O Tires® in 1996. Before becoming part of SCOA in 2005, TBC added Carroll Tire Co., a major wholesale tire distributor in the United States, along with retail brands including Tire Kingdom Service Centers, NTB Tire & Service Centers, and Merchant’s Tire & Auto Service Centers. In 2012, the organization expanded further with the addition of Midas, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, and R.O. Writer.

TBC’s business mix continues to evolve. Most recently, the company has increasingly focused on strengthening its wholesale distribution, franchising, logistics capabilities, and integrated mobility services businesses. Today, TBC continues to support customers through its extensive wholesale and distribution network, supply chain services operations, and a nationwide Big O Tires franchise presence that approaches 470 locations.

As TBC has transformed over the decades, company leadership says a consistent set of values has remained central to its culture and long-term direction.

“With every relationship we forge, we strive to be the most trusted provider of innovative and value-creating business solutions in the mobility industry,” said TBC’s President & Chief Executive Officer, Don Byrd. “We adhere to our core values, which are: act with integrity, practice teamwork, stay people-focused, demonstrate accountability, and leave everything better.”

Byrd said TBC also organizes its business around its “4Ps”: Purpose, People, Planet and Profit. Together, those priorities focus on organizational leadership, employee development, community impact, and long-term value creation.

“The 4Ps establish a cultural roadmap for sustained industry leadership and personal and professional fulfillment,” said Byrd. “These principles empower our teams to reach their full potential.”

TBC’s relationship with SCOA has also played an important role in the company’s operational development and long-term direction.

“Having a partner like SCOA has provided TBC with a clear advantage because we’re able to leverage the company’s best practices, robust global information network, and supply chain capabilities in ways that competitors can’t match,” said Byrd. “SCOA’s technology resources and capital investment have also contributed to and accelerated our growth.”

“We are the largest marketer of private brand tires in North America, and we leverage economies of scale to deliver premium tires and services to vehicle and fleet owners,” said Schafer.

Looking ahead, TBC is focusing on innovation, operational efficiency, and organizational integration. One recent example is the company’s transition toward operating its wholesale business under the unified “TBC Wholesale” structure.

“These programs are foundational to who we are as a company and drive our success,” said Filoon. “In fact, we can’t see a recipe for success that doesn’t start with prioritizing the people within our organization.”

At 70 years, TBC is building on its long history while adapting to changes across the mobility and automotive industries. For SCOA, the company remains an important part of the Automotive Group’s tire and mobility business and an example of an impactful long-term collaboration.