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The Big O Tires story begins back in 1962, just as Americas new love affair with the automobile was hitting high gear. The market for replacement tires was exploding, and independent tire dealers found themselves struggling to compete in the face of low prices offered by major tire manufacturers own company stores. Big Os founding fathers were a handful of progressive independent tire dealers who decided to band together to form a tire-buying cooperative so that they could secure volume pricing and keep their customers happy. Their concept worked. In the years that followed, The Big O Tires co-op evolved into a full-fledged franchise as it continued to find innovative ways to harness the power of the collective to benefit independent dealerships and their customers. Almost a half-decade later, Big O Tires has become North Americas largest retail tire franchisor, with over 400 independently-owned and operated locations in 20 states, providing customers with a broad range of automotive services in addition to quality tires, wheels and accessories. Big O has become an industry role model admired for its innovative approach to franchising and unmatched customer loyalty ratings. In 1996, Big O Tires joined forces with one of the largest and most respected tire marketers in the nation when it became part of the TBC Retail Group, an automotive retail network comprised of some 1,200 Big O Tires, Tire Kingdom, Merchants and NTB locations spanning 40 U.S. states. Big Os reach was broadened again in 2005, when TBC Corporation was acquired by Sumitomo Corporation of America, the largest wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo, one of the worlds leading traders of goods and services. As Big O Tires continues to thrive and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace, it remains rooted in its humble beginnings as a proud collective of independent dealers committed to putting its customers first.
At Flow, AI isnt just a feature—its the core of everything we do. We are transforming the wholesale insurance industry by building a futuristic insurance brokerage where AI powers every aspect of the experience. With advanced AI features already live in production and actively used by our brokers, we are pioneering Wholesale 3.0, equipping brokers with cutting-edge tools to provide unparalleled service. We are creating an ecosystem of AI agents designed to streamline processes and enhance decision-making in the insurance landscape. The industry relies heavily on text—emails, files, and documents—making Generative AI a perfect fit for solving its challenges. Flow leverages AI to deliver meaningful insights, deep analysis, and white-glove support for every transaction, no matter the deal size. By combining human expertise with Platformless AI, we are bringing back the art of wholesale insurance while eliminating the need for outdated portals. In the past seven months, weve grown 250% month-over-month(!) and are forecasting even more massive growth. Were a Series A startup with over $20M raised from top investors like Lightspeed, MunichRe Ventures, and industry angels.
Every purpose-driven brand has a story worth sharing. Storykind ensures your message reaches the right audience, at the right time, and in the right way. We turn inertia into action and audiences into advocates—growing your brand for a better, kinder world. Contact us at hello@storykind.com.
Tower International now AUTOKINITON! Autokiniton pursues strategic investments in respected Tier 1 automotive suppliers. Through innovative solutions and services, our subsidiaries advance the trends that define the automotive industry of today and tomorrow. In May 2018, Autokiniton was formed by KPS Capital Partners and George Thanopoulos (Autokiniton Chairman & CEO) to acquire L&W Group. L&W Group is a leading Tier 1 supplier in the automotive industry specializing in metal stampings, welded assemblies, and tubular products. In September of 2019, Autokiniton acquired Tower International, a leading Tier 1 manufacturer of structural metal automotive components and supplier of metal stampings, welded assemblies, frame structures, and chassis structures. This merger of L&W Group and Tower International has created the No. 2 Body-In-White and vehicle-frame supplier in North America, providing value-driven, sustainable automotive components and assembly solutions for our customers in the mobility industry. Our dedication to teamwork, speed, simplification, performance, and empowering our associates has made us a trusted partner to the worlds top automotive OEMs. Autokinitons legacy of operational excellence, high-quality execution, and customer service ensures that every project – no matter how challenging -- is in the best possible hands.