Six Tires, No Plan: The Impossible Journey of the Most Inspirational Leader That (Almost) Nobody Knows

The last time I stopped by Discount Tire, I asked Christian about the contradiction of a great company who is always hiring. He explained that the fast-paced environment is difficult for some people to manage, but went on to tell me that he received a Discount Tire scholarship for every semester he was in college. The longer Q&A only aroused my curiosity still further. Christian told me the title of the book, and I purchased it within a few days._Six Tires, No Plan_ is written in a just-the-facts style, without apparent effort to engage the reader. It is dry enough that I cannot imagine anyone finishing the book who does not already have a relationship with Discount Tire. (I have been a loyal DT customer since they first opened in TX, and can no longer imagine going anywhere else.) having said all that, I loved this story of a man who became wildly successful by doing the right thing just because it's the right thing to do. Is this a great country, or what?

I believe the life story of Bruce Halle in an amazing one and he comes across as very genuine. He has obviously transformed the lives of thousands of families and is the most public example of "paying it forward". The problem with the book is it's writing. It appears to try to be both an excellent biography and business book, and in doing so becomes neither. The biography of Halle's life is choppy and does not effectively focus on his life themes. Similarly themes like "paying it forward" in the context of business are not effectively explored or focused on.That having been said, it is still a useful read and has a couple of great themes and concepts for any business leader (and I believe this was at least part of the intent of writing the book):1) The "Reset Button" is a fabulous concept where individuals who are either in the wrong job, or simply having a difficult time in life are allowed to step back into safer roles (or lateral ones) without any lasting negative consequences. Most companies do not have this, but if they did it would allow so much more freedom for employee growth: if there was no risk to moving into the wrong job, employees would be free to test their apparent strengths in new challenging roles.2) Customer service - it is a fantastic picture to imagine that your Dad was coming into your store and how you would treat them vs. how most customer service representatives treat customers. Truly instilling this mindset in the Discount Tire employees is so powerful.3) Connecting people to a higher purpose - Bruce Halle does this in spades. His purpose of "pay it forward" is such a powerful apparently altruistic concept, but it is also such a powerful business model - his employees are both servant minded and they are driven to expand their operating footprint, which drives profitability and growth for the business. A positive reinforcing loop that goes on and on and on.

I am both in business school, and find myself employed at Discount Tire, and this helps me in both sides of my life. This helps me better understand better business practices, and helps me better understand the company. I find that it allows me to have more respect all the way around. Great read.

I enjoyed reading the story behind Discount Tire since I have utilized there services over the years. I am always amazed at the go getter attitude among the employees. This book pulls back the curtain on the man a Bruce Halle & his tire empire . He inspires the attitude & drive from the top.

I don't normally read biographies, but I am sure glad I read this one on Bruce Halle, founder of Discount Tire.The book contains some great wisdom for entrepreneurs and small business owners:1. Bruce started the business with only six tires.2. To get traction in the marketplace he offered to change snow tires for free.3. As he began to add stores, Bruce defined a policy of only promoting people who worked in the shop changing tires. Every store manager at Discount Tire worked in the shop. Turnover of store managers is only 2%.4. Bruce created a culture that celebrates team success. When a store reaches $200K in monthly sales, he rewards every employee and their family with a vacation trip.5. Bruce has a "reset button" for employees. Unless you steal, abuse an employee or mistreat a customer, employees who make mistakes are given a second chance..6. Bruce created a culture of paying it forward. Bruce, store managers and the company ... which is still privately held ... contribute millions to people in need.7. Like myself, Bruce is a big believer in one-page plans. Discount Tire has a one-page training document named The Dream Slide that is used for their one-day training.What impact have the seven practices above produced? In over 50 years of business, Discount Tire has NEVER had one down year, no layoffs and over $3 billion in sales.

I saw an advertisement for this book several months ago, when I went to Discount Tire to get new tires for my car. The cover caught my eye, and when I checked it out, the story really interested me. This is the story of Bruce Halle, the founder and owner of Discount Tire Co. He built the business on the principles of hard work, staying true to his values (he was raised a catholic, and continues to be faithful to his faith) and believing in and investing in people. It really is a remarkable story, and an inspiration. You see how a man can come from tough circumstances, achieve average things, but keep at it, and respond to others belief in you, and achieve great things.

A true American success story. Now I understand better why my many experiences over the years at Discount Tire have been so pleasant. Only in American can someone do what Bruce Halle has accomplished.. To go from Six Tires & No Plan to the largest tire retailer in the world in truly remarkable. This is an easy and inspiring read that I have recommended to many. Have your teenagers read.