Dream Stories

A full-circle moment.

I joined Discount Tire in August 2025 as a Web Content Designer II at the AZO Corporate Office. But my story with Discount Tire began long before my first day on the job. It started with a dream, a scholarship, and a belief in something greater. 

Back in 2017, I was a high school senior with a powerful goal: to become the first in my family to attend college and achieve the American Dream. That dream led me competing in the prestigious Youth of the Year program, which is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership and recognition initiative. This program celebrates teens aged 14-18 who embody academic success, leadership, character, and community service.

I was representing the Ed Robson Family Branch and stood among 13 remarkable young leaders who had completed a transformative 16-week journey of growth, mentorship, public speaking, and team building. That unforgettable night, the Stars Gala, was sponsored in part by Discount Tire. Thanks to generous donors who came out to honor Diane and Bruce Halle, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix raised an incredible $3.1 million.

And that night became life-changing for me.

I was named Youth of the Year, an honor presented to me by none other than Bruce Halle himself, alongside Diane Halle. I still remember Bruce’s words as if they were spoken yesterday:

“Keep moving forward, make it count, and make sure to pay it forward for your family, your friends, and those in need.”

I took those words to heart, and that evening became a turning point in my life. I was awarded several scholarships, including support from the Boys & Girls Clubs. One individual, Bob Bove, CEO of Jiffy Lube of Arizona, played a particularly pivotal role in my journey. At the scholarship ceremony, Bob personally sponsored and awarded me the majority of his full-ride scholarship. This incredible act of generosity lifted the financial burden of college and opened doors that might have otherwise remained closed. 

Thanks to that support, I went on to attend Arizona State University, where I earned an undergraduate degree in Graphic Information Technology, and later pursue graduate studies as well. Each step was made possible by the kindness and belief I received that night.

My journey took me through exciting roles, from government contractors to video game studios, and even Disney. But when the opportunity arose to join Discount Tire, I saw a chance to come full circle, to give back to the very company and the people who believed in me from the start.

“I am so honored to be part of the team and truly grateful to work for Discount Tire. I can’t wait to give back to Bruce, Diane, and this incredible organization for all the support they gave me at the beginning of my journey.”

Now, I will bring my passion, creativity, and gratitude to the work I do every day as living proof of the legacy Bruce Halle envisioned: helping people, lifting others, and always moving forward.

My dream started in 1989 when my best friend who was on my football team helped me get the job at Discount Tire on Miramar Road (CAS11) in San Diego. Two years later, I was invited to our annual party as a service tech. Mr. Halle gave a speech at the party that made me want to make this my career.

Dean Butler promoted me to full-time in 1991. Two years later, I was promoted to Sr. Assistant Manager. In 1993, I sold the most wheels in the company. John Arthurs loved me for selling 1,900 wheels in one year.

In 1994 with Manager Joe Miller at CAS01 in Chula Vista, we did the first $400K in California. We sold 3,500 tires and 500 wheels, which was a company record at the time.

In 1998, Jeff Badelt promoted me to Store Manager. I've managed 12 stores along my career path from San Diego to Orange County: CAS24, CAS30, CAS29, CAS27, CAS17, CAS04, CAS16, CAS11, CAS45, CAS12, CAS37, and now CAS09 in Encinitas, CA.

One of the biggest highlights of my career was when my AVP Jeff Wagner helped me achieve Manager of the Year honors in 2006 at CAS11 on Miramar Road. I've had sales over $900K and sales awards up to $750K with three presidents rings.

In 2012, Micahel Zuieback extended a corporate invitation to me as an 'outlier' in the company. In 2022, I was part of the change leader team for Corporate and San Diego.

The good news is my story is not over. I still have 12 more years before I retire from the company I love. I will continue to use the DTMS and Mr. Halle's principles and standards to keep our culture alive and make more dreams come true. I will continue to pay it forward with the unbreakable contract Mr. Halle gave me to the next customer, the next employee, and the next generation.

I know there are many in our company who can understand what it is like to be "born into" such an amazing company like Discount Tire. I am one of many.

My father, John Bitter, started in the early 1980s before retiring in 2020 after 37 years of service and managing several stores throughout the country.

Growing up, I would visit my father at work and immediately felt connected. "Have fun" was the life lesson that really stood out to me when I was young, even though I wasn't old enough to be an employee. When I was visiting the stores, anyone and everyone still treated me like family. So when the opportunity came, I knew where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. I got that chance in 2003.

In 2007, I was able to attend my first company event at the inaugural Pit Crew Challenge. Ironically, my father was also able to attend and this was also the first chance to meet Mr. Halle in person. My dad and I walked up to Bruce and my dad said, "Mr. Halle, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to keep our company growing and giving the opportunity for the next generation. This is my son Garrett."

Mr. Halle looked at both of us and said, "No, thank you, and thank you for what you are doing."

His response was so sincere, and I'll never forget that memory. Throughout my career path, I had a ton of mentors who made me who I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful.

In 2014, I was given the opportunity to become a store manager. Now filling the same shoes as my dad, it was now my responsibility to give to others what others had given me. During my tenure, I have had some genuine, amazing, and charismatic teams. They helped me achieve so many amazing accomplishments.

However, the best feeling for me is seeing those people around me succeed. They're now senior assistants, managers, and going to Lake Tahoe and Pit Crew Challenge. It is amazing to see the dream come to life.

That being said, I reflect on that memory in 2007 and being born into Discount Tire. I understand now just how important and critical it is for us to continue to grow so we can create dreams for generations to come.

Thank you.

Darrell Brown joined Discount Tire in 2016 as an assistant manager in Las Vegas. He had already built a career outside the company, but something about Discount Tire felt different. With the encouragement of a high school friend, he took a leap of faith. Within a few years, he was leading his own store, and in 2023, he was promoted to Assistant Vice President of the Georgia Region.

Early on, Darrell found meaning in helping others succeed. The real milestone wasn’t a title or an award. It was watching his first apprentice earn a promotion to senior assistant. From that point on, the work became about his people. And at Lake Tahoe in 2023, he had a pinch me moment when he realized that five of the managers in the room had come through his store. That moment – seeing others rise – was the dream coming true.“

The dream was to be a store manager, and the moment that I got there, I knew I made the right decision to come to Discount Tire later in life and put all our eggs in that Discount Tire basket,” Darrell said. “That was the validation I needed when I got the keys to my own store.

“Now I have 14 store managers who I'm here to serve and they all have their own dreams. So making their dreams come true, that's the next step: to serve people the way they want to be served and to serve them to the best of my ability. That's it. My family is very happy. They love it here. They love this life.”

Darrell and his wife still reflect on how far their journey has taken them, from driving across the country with their pets to start fresh in Georgia, to now leading a region built on trust, care, and purpose. For Darrell, this is still Mr. Halle’s Discount Tire, where doing the right thing matters more than being right, and where serving others is the biggest dream of all.

Vassie Gardner walked into a Discount Tire store in La Mesa, California looking for new tires, but instead walked out with something much bigger. He had recently left the Navy and was adjusting to life as a new father when he crossed paths with someone he had served with on the same ship. That former shipmate not only helped get him taken care of, but he also encouraged Vassie to apply.

He started in the back, learning every part of the business and doing whatever was asked of him. What began as a short-term opportunity quickly turned into something more. With every new challenge, Vassie leaned in. He grew into a trusted leader, running stores, mentoring others, and building teams that felt like family. His kids grew up going to company picnics and seeing the place their dad loved so much.

In 2020, Vassie moved into a new role as a recruiter. It opened up a new chapter and gave him a new way to serve. He brought the same heart and hustle to the role, helping others discover what Discount Tire can be. For Vassie, it is not just about hiring. It is about connecting people to a place that can change their lives.

Retirement is the next dream, but he’s not done yet. For now, he’s focused on giving back, traveling when he can, and continuing to pay it forward.

“Everything I know and have learned as an adult has come from Discount Tire,” Vassie said. “It's been my teacher, my coach, my buddy, the person and place I needed a hug from. My kids are Discount Tire kids.

“We work for the greatest company in the world and it’s our job to be ambassadors of our culture.”

As a 16-year-old in Aurora, Colorado, Randy Williams constantly heard his brother talk about how much he loved Discount Tire. Randy listened, and he even interviewed for the job on prom night before heading straight to the dance. It clicked from the beginning for Randy, and he loved it so much that he even showed up to work shifts when he wasn’t scheduled.

Leaving for college felt like heartbreak for a young Randy, but it was all part of his journey. He stayed connected to the company during college, coming back to work once a month and during the summers. By graduation, his path was clear. Even the idea of putting another company’s name on an internship form felt like cheating on Discount Tire to Randy. He called his manager, drove down, and spent two hours talking through the dream board and what his future could look like. From that moment on, he was all in.

Randy’s early career was filled with people who saw something in him and helped him grow. Leaders gave him the tools and encouragement to thrive. He became a manager in his early 20s, bought his first home, and kept building. At every step, it was about people. He poured into his teams, and they poured it back out. The crew he built broke records, earned promotions, and proved that culture is not something you inherit. It is something you live. Randy believes in staying connected to people and teaching others how to lead with heart. The work has never been about titles. It has always been about helping others make their dreams come.

“When you watch somebody connect the tool to their personality and then they go do it, you see the light and the smile, and that's what I want,” he said. “I love how all the entities in our company are pushing and pushing, and it's just absolutely fantastic.

“I didn't think at 16 years old at the time when I started with Discount Tire, I'd even be where I am now. It's crazy. It really is.”

Mike Carnes started at Discount Tire in 1999 as a 19-year-old tire tech in Texas. He came from humble beginnings and was looking for a steady path forward. He heard about the job through his brother and took the opportunity. What started as a way to get by quickly became a chance to build something meaningful. The work was tough, but it never bothered him. He was determined to earn his place.

Early on, Mike was confident and driven, but he admits he had a lot to learn. He was great at the work but still growing into the leader he wanted to be. What changed the course of his career were the people around him. Managers and assistant managers believed in him, challenged him, and never gave up on him. They showed him what leadership really looked like, and it stayed with him.

Mike became a store manager in 2015, and with over 25 years of experience behind him, he still leads with heart. He sees himself as the dad of the store. He interviews people with their dreams in mind, leads by example, and takes pride in helping others move forward.

“I love when my people get promoted because they get promoted for a reason,” he said. “I always let them know, ‘I don’t get promoted. You get promoted.’”

Mike is proud of the career he has built, but even more proud of the life it has helped him give his kids.

“I want to keep growing, not just for myself, but for the company, for my kids, so that they can see daddy is making them proud and that they can do anything they want to do,” he said.

With the goal of becoming an AVP one day, Mike knows the dream is still evolving. But whatever comes next, he’s clear on what matters most: doing the right thing, taking care of people, and keeping the dream alive for the next generation.

Allissa Winship didn’t plan on a career at Discount Tire. She was a single mom in college, juggling full-time classes, full-time work, and raising her son when one of her professors mentioned that Discount Tire was hiring. She applied, got the job, and became the third analyst in the company. It was the first step in a journey shaped by opportunity, trust, and a deep commitment to people.

Early on, Allissa found something rare: Discount Tire didn’t just provide financial stability. It also supported her as a parent. One night, she was working late when a VP walked by her desk and asked what she was doing in the office well after hours. He reminded her that nothing was more important than being with her son. That moment stuck with her. It was proof that at Discount Tire, people mattered. Not just as employees, but as humans.

Allissa kept that mindset throughout her career. She sees her role today as both a responsibility and a gift and believes in building a culture where results and humanity coexist. Allissa knows people carry heavy things outside of work, and the right kind of support can change someone’s future. She was given chances early on and works to preserve that spirit for the next person who might need it.

“Discount Tire provided the stability to be a parent and was a place that encouraged and supported families openly,” she said. “Early on, my dream was more around making sure I could set up a life for my family and kids.

“Now my dream is really around paying it forward and making sure we do what is necessary to support the company because we need to ensure the opportunities I had can be available for the next person who might be in a similar situation.”

When Al Hatfield walked into a Discount Tire store in Lansing, Michigan in 1978, he wasn’t looking for a job. He and a friend were driving around town applying for jobs in banking. However, a flat tire detoured them to a store, where Al’s friend worked part-time. As his friend changed the tire out back, a manager noticed an 18-year-old Al standing there in a suit and asked if he was looking for a career. The new high school graduate said yes and started the very next day. That moment set in motion a journey that would span over four decades, over a dozen moves, and countless lives touched along the way.

Al found early opportunities to grow and made the most of each one. At 21, he was handed the keys to his own store. With every move, Al leaned in and kept learning. He helped open new markets, launched America's Tire, and became known for growing leaders, not just operations.

As an AVP, he saw leadership as a chance to care for others. He coached new managers, supported team members through personal crises, and believed in doing the right thing without being asked. It wasn’t just about the job. It was about the people and families that made up each store.

When he moved into the corporate office, he brought the same mindset with him. He helped establish People Care and became a mentor to others navigating new roles and responsibilities. For Al, learning never stops. He sees every new leader as someone to support and every challenge as a chance to grow.

“Becoming an AVP, not only was I responsible for running the stores, but also the people and the families within the stores,” Al said. “So just being able to pay it forward — that's an overarching perspective throughout my whole career and personally on the outside, being able to help others and feeling good about wanting to help others.”

Mark Ballard didn’t walk into Discount Tire looking for a job. He showed up with a cast on his foot and a flat tire. But when a manager asked if he could change tires, Mark said yes, and everything changed. He had taken a year off college to heal from a wrestling injury and wasn’t sure what was next. That moment in the store started a 40-year journey filled with leadership, loyalty, and lessons he never expected.

From his first store in Arizona to roles that took him across the country, Mark learned that taking care of people always comes first. He didn’t go to college, but he had great mentors who saw something in him and taught him how to grow leaders. He became known for his ability to develop teams, coach on the fly, and put people in the best possible position to succeed, a skill he learned from watching his dad coach high school football.

Winning Manager of the Year in 2003 remains one of his proudest moments. But what matters most to Mark isn’t the titles or awards. It’s watching others thrive. He’s trained countless employees who have become store managers, AVPs, and VPs. Some were once tire techs he hired himself. He sees leadership as service and believes giving back is part of the Discount Tire DNA.

Today, as AVP of OMNI Channel, Mark is focused on the future. He’s thinking about the next generation, the people who haven’t joined the company yet, and the ones just getting started. His advice is simple: slow down and embrace your journey.

“The first thing Mr. Halle ever said to me was, ‘God, Family, Discount Tire,’” Mark said. “I didn’t understand it back then, but I’m trying to live it now.

“Thanks to this company, I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world, own our home, and provide a safe and comfortable life for my family. For me, Discount Tire has truly made the American Dream a reality."

At 30 years old, Rich Ironside was working as a painting contractor and coaching on the side when a call from his college roommate changed everything. It was 1996, and Gilbert Garcia told him about an opening at Discount Tire. Rich wasn’t looking for a career – just something more stable – but the moment he stepped into the store in Grand Junction, Colorado, something clicked.

“I remember my first day,” Rich said. “The closest thing I could find was it’s a team. From an athletic background, this is it. The team is what drew me to it. You get to play in the sandbox.”

That team atmosphere is what pulled him in, but the culture is what made him stay. Rich advanced quickly, but what mattered most wasn’t the titles or the accolades. It was the people. He found purpose in helping others, leading with integrity, and building a workplace rooted in trust and respect.

“This is why we’re number one because we care about our customers and our people,” Rich said. “That’s the sauce. That’s the secret to everything.”

Nearly three decades later, he still talks to Gilbert every week. And while a lot has changed since that first day, Rich’s commitment to the people around him has never wavered. For him, Discount Tire has always been more than a job. It’s always been the right place at the right time, with the right people.

Kenny Eichhorn started at Discount Tire in 1999, as a part-time tire tech in Flint, Michigan. For more than six years, he stayed part-time, unsure of what the future would hold. He wasn’t chasing a title, just showing up to work and figuring it out as he went.

“Back then, I was just one of the lost boys,” Kenny said. “I didn’t really know what I was going to do, so I just worked. But Discount Tire gave me something steady, and eventually, something I could build a life around. More success here means more success at home. My kids already have things I didn’t have growing up. That’s what this place has given me.”

In April 2005, Kenny moved to South Carolina and stepped into a full-time role. Life started to shift for the better. He found stability, direction, and a renewed sense of purpose that began to carry into every part of his life.

“Getting promoted to senior, buying a house, meeting my wife, everything started falling into place around that time. It all lined up,” Kenny said. “Praise the Lord for everything I’ve got. When I got back to church, I feel like that’s when it all started to come together. At home, at work, everything.”

Unfortunately in 2023, his oldest daughter experienced a sudden seizure and Kenny faced one of the hardest moments of his life. But he wasn’t alone. Discount Tire was there with compassion and care. The nurse followed up regularly, and the wellness team stayed in contact with Kenny’s wife to help them find the right care and answers. It was the kind of support you feel when people genuinely care.

Now 25 years in, Kenny leads with the same heart that helped shape his own story. He’s focused on growing his team, supporting their dreams, and giving his family the life he didn't have as a kid. For Kenny, Discount Tire has been more than a job. It’s been a purpose-filled journey built on faith, trust, and people who truly care.

Matt Palmaymesa didn’t join Discount Tire for a title. He joined because the company offered something bigger. Over time, it became a place where he could build a life, raise a family, and help others do the same. What started as a job turned into a purpose: making sure people feel seen, supported, and believed in.

Matt has always found ways to take care of others, often behind the scenes. He once helped a young assistant manager who had been living in his aunt’s basement and walking to work in the cold. Matt and his wife bought him a car, helped him furnish an apartment, and gave him a chance to grow. That team member is now a manager.

Another former tire tech once rented from Matt’s family for years at below-market rent while getting on his feet. It wasn’t about money. It was about making sure someone else had the space to succeed.

He believes the culture isn’t just something you talk about. It’s something you live.

“Nothing happens until we put an arm around each other,” he said. “Without each other, nothing is going to happen, no matter who we are.”

That mindset has shaped how he leads, how he trains, and how he shows up for others.

Some of the people Matt hired decades ago still reach out to thank him. Whether it’s a text from Disneyland or a call from the road, it’s a reminder that investing in people never stops paying off.

“Some of the dreams that have been accomplished were never even dreamt of,” he said. “That’s how much they’ve grown.

“The road is not paved. It’s a bumpy road. But if you can slowly navigate it and truly go after the dream, it’s not going to fork on you. It’s going to get you there.”

Theresa Avila didn’t plan to stay at Discount Tire when she interviewed in 2013. She told herself it would be a three-year stop before moving on, but something shifted. What started as a job in graphic design grew into a career shaped by creativity, growth, and deep personal connections.

One of those connections became life changing in 2015 when she met Juan – who became a store manager in 2020 – during a photo shoot for the annual report. By August the following year, they were dating, and nearly a decade later, they’re married with children and a life built together through Discount Tire.

“We’ve built our entire family around this company,” Theresa said.

That support became even more vital in 2023, when Theresa was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with their son, Greyson. It was a time of fear and uncertainty, but she never felt alone. Her team, her leaders, Juan’s AVP, and others stepped in to help.

In fact, Anna Phillips, Nurse Assistant Manager of the Executive Health Team, even helped coordinate childcare for the Avila family on certain days.

“I couldn’t even lift my baby after surgery, but Juan’s AVP’s wife came to help,” Theresa said. “That kind of care and support, you don’t find it everywhere. But we found it here.”

Theresa has always believed in paying it forward. From mentoring new team members to helping grow the social media team’s presence, she’s focused on building people up. Her proudest moment came in 2024, when she was promoted to Social Media Assistant Manager 10 years after earning her management degree. Now she’s focused on developing others and exploring new ways to grow Discount Tire’s voice online.

Her advice for anyone joining the company is simple: “Get to know the people. The job stuff is the easy part. It’s the relationships that matter most.”

“I cannot put in words the feeling I had in that moment. As tears rolled down my face full of joy, all I could do is thank God for the amazing opportunity to help serve my community and keep others safe. Hard work does pay off, but I couldn't have done this without my amazing support team. Discount Tire has taught me so much responsibility and growth within myself and I am forever grateful. That is why paying it forward to my team through my actions and behaviors will forever be my mission. I am honored to be in a coveted position to help serve others in their journey.”

“Be brave. Venture out of your work area and ‘comfort zones’ to meet and learn from others. Ask questions, watch for opportunities to learn, and volunteer. There are so many opportunities that are created by curiosity and willingness to try new things.”