Established
1962
Franchise Units
470
Minimum Investment
$511,500
Franchise Fee
$17,500
Total Investment Range
$1,882,500
Home Based
No
Description
In 2024, Big O Tires was ranked #1 in it's Category by Entrepreneur. Big O Tires continues to expand into new markets. Big O Tires is owned by Michelin & Sumitomo.
Big O's 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.
As a new franchise owner, you’ll go through our New Franchise Orientation (NFO), a primer designed to help you understand what makes Big O Tires one of the leading tire franchises in North America. More importantly, you will be guided through our experience-focused culture, learning to create outstanding customer interactions each and every time. You will also receive access to our online training site, TBC University, which boasts over 400 cataloged courses.
Background
- Established Year: 1962
- Franchising Since: 1962
- Current Active Units: Approximately 470 locations across 25 states.
- Company-Owned Units: 0
- Founders: A group of independent tire dealers, including Harold V. James, who sought to compete with major manufacturers by forming a buying cooperative.
- Ownership: Wholly owned by TBC Corporation, which is a 50/50 joint venture between Michelin North America and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas.
- Industry Category: Automotive Retail & Maintenance.
Brand Journey: What started as a "buying group" in Colorado to help local shops survive has grown into a powerhouse. In 1996, Big O joined TBC Corporation, shifting the brand from a cooperative to a sophisticated franchise model that dominates the Western and Midwestern United States.
- Not Registered / Not Developing In:
- Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
- Canada Franchises: No
- International Franchises: No
Support Training
Financial & Operational Support
- Financial Assistance Provided: Yes
- Site Selection Assistance: Yes
- Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes
- Recruiting Assistance: Yes
- Cooperative Advertising: Yes
Training Program Details
-
Total Training:
- 2 Weeks – Classroom Training
- 2 Weeks – In-Store Training
- Training Cost: $1,500 – $10,000
- Lodging Included: No
Post-Training Support
- Mentor Assigned After Training: Yes
- Mentoring Duration: 12 Weeks
Ideal Candidate
Big O Tires isn't looking for master mechanics; they are looking for business leaders.
Professional Background: Successful owners often come from management or corporate leadership backgrounds. The ability to manage a team of 10–14 employees is critical.
The "Owner-Operator" Spirit: While semi-absentee models are possible for experienced multi-unit owners, the brand thrives with owners who are active in their communities and visible in their shops.
Customer-Centric Mindset: You must be passionate about the "The Team You Trust" ethos—prioritizing honesty over a quick sale to build long-term customer loyalty.
Financial Capability: Candidates need a minimum net worth of $300,000 and at least $100,000 in liquid capital.
Location Preference: Currently focusing on expansion in the Western and Midwestern U.S., though opportunities for new builds or "conversions" of existing shops exist nationwide.
Financial Detail
Financial Requirements
- Liquidity to Qualify: $100,000
- Minimum Net Worth: $300,000
- Total Investment: $511,500 – $1,882,500
- Franchise Fee: $17,500
- Royalty: 5%
- Advertising Fee: 5%
- Item 19: Yes
- Average Number of Employees: 10–14
Ownership & Eligibility
- Visa Candidates: No
- Semi-Passive Ownership: Reach out to learn more
- Home-Based: No
- B2B: No
- Master Franchise Opportunities: No
Veteran Incentives
- Veteran Discount: YES — 100% off the franchise fee (Franchise fee becomes $0)