{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Lessons in Customer Service from a Century-Old Tire Company with Don Barnes III of Belle Tire","description":"Don Barnes III is the Chief Tire Guy at Belle Tire, a third-generation leader helping steer one of the oldest and most respected tire retailers in the U.S. Founded in 1922, Belle Tire has grown from a local shop into a powerhouse with over 180 locations across the Midwest. Under Don\u2019s leadership, the company has maintained its century-long reputation by focusing on operational excellence, local relationships, and above all, outstanding customer service in the tire industry. Don is also passionate about youth development and community engagement, leading Belle Tire\u2019s involvement in one of the largest youth hockey programs in the country. In this episode\u2026 What does it take to deliver truly exceptional customer service in the tire industry for over 100 years? According to Don Barnes III, it starts with consistency, trust, and attention to detail. From offering free flat repairs to creating clean, welcoming stores, Belle Tire has built a people-first model that turns stressful tire and auto repair visits into moments of care and connection. Don explains how they\u2019ve scaled that model across dozens of locations without losing the warmth and reliability their brand is known for.   Don also unpacks how their core philosophy: \u201cRetail is detail\u201d shapes every touchpoint of the customer journey. In an industry where purchases are infrequent but high-stakes, Belle Tire focuses on eliminating friction, educating customers, and building long-term loyalty. It\u2019s not just about the product, it\u2019s about how people feel when they walk in and how much they trust the team when they leave. That kind of high-level customer service in the tire industry doesn\u2019t happen by accident. It\u2019s intentional and deeply embedded into company culture.   On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Don Barnes III to discuss Belle Tire\u2019s legacy, rapid expansion, and people-first approach to business. Don shares real-world insights on maintaining service quality at scale, building trust in new markets, and inspiring employees to lead with empathy and energy. If you\u2019re looking to grow your shop or improve your customer experience, this conversation is packed with timeless lessons on delivering standout customer service in the tire industry. Here\u2019s a glimpse of what you\u2019ll learn:  [01:29] Don reflects on Belle Tire\u2019s 103-year history and what\u2019s helped the company endure [01:59] What sets Belle Tire\u2019s customer service apart from others in the industry [04:08] How Belle Tire\u2019s widespread Midwest presence brings peace of mind to customers [05:12] Why Belle Tire expanded into windshield replacement services [06:30] The role of store appearance and attention to detail in building customer trust [10:04] Don shares the philosophy behind \u201cretail is detail\u201d and how it guides their team [12:29] Don talks about growing up in the business and why they prioritize company over family name [13:54] The origin and impact of Belle Tire\u2019s youth hockey program [15:23] How Belle Tire became the largest youth hockey organization in the U.S. [20:19] Don outlines Belle Tire\u2019s growth plans for the next 3\u20135 years Resources mentioned in this episode: Belle Tire https:\/\/www.belletire.com\/ Tread Partners https:\/\/treadpartners.com\/ Gain Traction Podcast https:\/\/gaintractionpodcast.com\/ Don Barnes III on LinkedIn https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/don-barnes-4a671ba\/ Mike Edge on LinkedIn https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/edgemike\/ Gain Traction Podcast Episode #188: How a Farmer Turned a Small Tire Shop into a $26M Business https:\/\/gaintractionpodcast.com\/how-a-farmer-turned-a-small-tire-shop-into-a-26m-business\/ Quotable Moments: \u201cRetail is detail, and every touchpoint matters.\u201d \u201cWe\u2019re in the tire business, but we\u2019re really in the service business.\u201d \u201cYou only get one chance to make someone feel good about a stressful situation.\u201d \u201cGrowth is great, but not at the expense of trust.\u201d \u201cOur goal is to make someone\u2019s day better, every single time.\u201d Action Steps: Audit your customer journey: Identify pain points and friction that impact the service experience. Create a consistent brand presence: Make sure your stores and team reflect trust and professionalism. Empower your team: Train staff to act as trusted advisors, not just salespeople. Double down on local reputation: Be present in the community, people notice and remember. Apply the \u201csurprise and delight\u201d principle: Build loyalty by going beyond what\u2019s expected. ","author_name":"Gain Traction","author_url":"https:\/\/gaintractionpodcast.com","html":"