What 47 Years in Tires Taught One Dealer About Tire Distributor Relationships

At this year's K&M Tire Trade Show in Kansas City, longtime tire dealers Ed and Robin Kiekover reflect on what’s changed – and what hasn’t – over nearly five decades in the tire business. Ed Kiekover, owner of OK Tire Stores, shared how 47 years in the industry have shaped his perspective about tire distributor relationships and the market in general.

“People are always going to be the same, but car complexity has driven just an incredible amount of change,” he said.

He said that need for clarity has only made strong supplier relationships more important. Kiekover traced his history with K&M Tire back decades, describing the company’s approach as rooted in trust and consistency.

“There are very few suppliers that have the quality of people that K&M has,” he said.

For independent tire dealers, that kind of experience often shapes how they evaluate suppliers in the first place. When dealers look at their options, they’re usually asking a simple question: who actually supports my business long term? That includes consistent communication, reliable programs, and people they can trust. In practice, strong tire distributor relationships tend to matter just as much as pricing, especially when those relationships bring access to rebates, marketing support, and day-to-day problem solving.

The conversation also touched on the value of dealer programs, like Mr. Tire, where Kiekover sees tangible benefits in rebates, advertising support, and flexibility across programs. He noted that while not every initiative fits every dealer, the overall structure creates more opportunities to grow and compete.

For independent tire dealers, this perspective reinforces a familiar theme: relationships, education, and adaptability continue to define long-term success.

Sponsored by K&M Tire.

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