Johnny G & Friends

Babcox Media
  • 4.8 (6)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

If you’ve spent some time in the tire industry, you’ve probably heard the name John Gamauf, aka Johnny g. In his 50-plus years of service to the industry, he’s busted tires, survived the largest tire recall in history and made a lot of friends along the way. Meet them in Johnny g & Friends, a monthly podcast in which Johnny g and his friends share the secrets to their success and the memories they’ve made along the way in our beloved tire industry.

  1. 12/16/2025

    Why Stepping Back Is the Key to Moving Forward in the Tire Industry

    In this season-ending conversation of Johnny g & Friends, the question that we asked during every interview – How do you work on the business instead of in the business? – becomes the connective tissue for a powerful wrap-up of tire industry greatness. What emerges across these voices is a shared truth no matter the strategy or leadership style. The fact is, growth only happens when owners trust their people, step back with intention and learn to see their companies from above the daily grind. Some of this season's guests described the shift as a gradual climb – learning to listen differently, picking up ideas from peers, or letting experiences outside the tire industry reshape how they think. Others talked about moments that forced perspective, like stepping away for school, putting new decision-makers in charge, or creating “stress tests” where the team must run without the owner’s voice for two straight weeks. The results were consistent: teams rise, leaders evolve, and businesses take on a new trajectory. For many, working on the business meant sharpening systems or simply walking into the store with the eyes of a customer. For others, it meant delegation, intentional learning, or acknowledging that leadership requires a different energy than turning wrenches or writing service orders. Taken together, these conversations reveal something bigger than process or policy. They show what greatness looks like in real shops, run by real families, in a real industry – owners who are present, invested and humble enough to grow by working on the business instead of in the business.

    20 min

  2. 11/18/2025

    The Mitchem Tire Legacy Keeps Rolling 85 Years Later

    When Ed Mitchem joined his father’s business, techs changed tires on the ground with floor jacks. Selling seat covers and curb feelers was part of the daily routine. That was 85 years ago. Today, the Mitchem Tire legacy continues with five thriving locations, a loyal customer base, and a third generation carrying the torch. Ed helped grow the company through decades of change, expanding from a single downtown shop into a regional brand built on smart buying, no-nonsense advertising, and a service-first mentality. After all, his motto: Before you switch ’em, see Mitchem – stuck around for a reason. Ed officially stepped away from the business ten years ago, but his impact still runs deep. Now, his great-nephews Corey and Stevie Kruze are helping to lead the operation, taking lessons learned from the shop floor and applying them in a modern market filled with new challenges. Today, Johnny g talks to Ed, Corey and Stevie about what’s changed and what hasn’t. He also talks about why the business still feels like family, even as the industry gets more crowded.

    26 min

  3. 10/21/2025

    Kristen & Kent Cristy Keep Reeves Tire Rolling Through Grit and Grace

    Kristen and Kent Cristy didn’t plan to take over Reeves Tire in Joplin, MO. But when John Reeves, Kristen’s father and founder of the business, faced a health scare in the late '90s, they stepped in together and never looked back. Kent gave up a future in medicine to help his community stay on the road, learning every inch of the business from the ground up. Kristen brought her sharp attention to detail and managed the office, handling payroll, HR, and everything behind the scenes. In 2000, they officially bought the business. Over the next two decades, they opened two more locations, navigated a devastating fire, and kept the Reeves Tire name strong in Joplin, MO. In today’s episode, Johnny g talks to Kristen and Kent about growing a business as partners in work and life, why they’ve focused more on stability than scale, and what it means to preserve a legacy.

    37 min

  4. 09/23/2025

    TJ White Builds on Tire Source’s Legacy to Lead the Industry Forward

    If you’re in the tire industry in Northeast Ohio, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of TJ White or his business, Tire Source. Founded by his father, Tom White, in 1991, Tire Source has become a fixture in Ohio. It has six locations and a reputation built on service, transparency, and local relationships. TJ worked his way up from the service bays, learning every part of the business firsthand. That includes tire installs, sales, and store management. As General Manager, his leadership style reflects that path: practical, people-focused, and built on trust. With a solid, trustworthy legacy in place, TJ pushes things forward with determination. He's working on it through better communication systems, modern training platforms, or a more personalized digital experience for today’s customer. In this episode of Johnny g & Friends, TJ joins Johnny g to talk about leading with humility. They also discuss modernizing a legacy brand and why independent tire dealers still win by putting people first.

    22 min

  5. 06/10/2025

    Jack Furrier Tire was Born from the Drive to Build Something Bigger

    Now in his mid-90s, Jack Furrier has navigated more business cycles, met more customer needs, and created more solutions than most entrepreneurs could imagine in a lifetime. He's become a legend in Arizona, with his face practically synonymous with Jack Furrier Tire, but his story doesn’t start with tires. It starts in Parma, Ohio, where a young Jack decided that bagging groceries for $4 a week wasn’t going to cut it. So, he bought balloons wholesale and sold them outside the Cleveland Indians baseball stadium. In 30 minutes, he made more than his grocery paycheck. That moment sparked a lifelong pursuit of independence. Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

    35 min

  6. 05/13/2025

    How Harrell’s Tire & Auto Transformed an 80-Year Legacy

    Some people take over a family business and stay the course. Brandon Harrell took one and completely redefined it. Brandon’s grandfather Luther founded Harrell’s Tire & Auto 80 years ago. Brandon joined the business in 2005 with big plans. He knew he needed to upend the status quo. In 2021, he bought the business from his father, Charlie. In just four years, he grew it from $4.6 million in revenue to more than $30 million annually. He started with a relentless focus on staffing, service, and operational efficiency to drive the business forward. While many struggle to find workers, Brandon built a waiting list of people wanting to join his team. He borrowed strategies from Chick-fil-A and added AI to streamline recruiting and phone systems for greater efficiency. Brandon joins the Johnny g & Friends podcast to explain how he scaled the business so quickly and intentionally. He shares why he hires from the hospitality industry instead of the tire business and prioritizes service over price. He also explains why treating employees like customers drives long-term success and loyalty from both groups.

    36 min

  7. 04/15/2025

    Hard Work, Even Smarter Choices: How Nate Zolman is Innovating in the Tire Industry

    Nate Zolman, president of Zolman Tire, is known for hard work, smart decisions, and adaptability. He transformed the company into a regional powerhouse in tires and truck repair. The Origins of Zolman Tire The story of Zolman Tire begins with Bud Zolman. He built the Indiana-based tire shop from scratch with grit. Nate practically grew up in the shop, changing tires and fixing cars. He learned firsthand what running a business takes. When his time came, he didn’t just follow in his father’s footsteps—he forged his own path. Expanding Under Nate’s Leadership Under Nate’s leadership, Zolman Tire has expanded to eight retail locations and four commercial truck centers. He has competed with national chains, online retailers, and industry giants. Instead of backing down, he focused on building a team that treats customers like family. Cultivating Team Culture and Integrity at Zolman Tire Today, Nate joins Johnny G & Friends. He discusses growing Zolman Tire, challenges for independent tire dealers, and staying ahead in the industry. Nate also reflects on pivotal moments that earned him respect, including a memorable standoff that marked his leadership rise.  He also explores how he cultivates a strong team culture and his non-negotiable stance on integrity. This sets the business tone at Zolman Tire.

    35 min

  8. 03/18/2025

    The Journey from Small Business to Industry Leader with Bauer Built Tire

    Bauer Built Tire & Service has been a family name in the tire business since 1944. Sam Bauer founded the company in Durand, Wisconsin. It started as a small operation and grew into a powerhouse with 35 locations across nine states. Today, the rich Bauer Built Tire history shows the company’s dedication to growth, service, and community. Jerry Bauer stepped into leadership at just 24 years old. He guided Bauer Built Tire & Service through its substantial growth. Along the way, he balanced family ownership with smart business strategy. Under Jerry’s leadership, Bauer Built became one of the most respected independent tire dealers in the country. Jerry’s impact doesn’t stop there, though. Today, he mentors the next generation of leaders. Tad and Mandy, his children, are now key leaders in the business. Jerry joins us on Johnny g & Friends. He talks about the lessons he’s learned and shares the challenges of running a family business. He also explains how Bauer Built has stayed strong for 80 years. The story of Bauer Built Tire history highlights resilience, vision, and family values. For more episodes of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone, click here. Tire Review: www.tirereview.com Firestone: www.firestonetire.com

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

If you’ve spent some time in the tire industry, you’ve probably heard the name John Gamauf, aka Johnny g. In his 50-plus years of service to the industry, he’s busted tires, survived the largest tire recall in history and made a lot of friends along the way. Meet them in Johnny g & Friends, a monthly podcast in which Johnny g and his friends share the secrets to their success and the memories they’ve made along the way in our beloved tire industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Babcox Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Babcox Media
  • Show Website
    Johnny G & Friends