AKRON, Ohio – Enger Tire & Auto, with 20 retail locations across northeast Ohio, has been named winner of the 2009 Tire Review Top Shop Award.

Now in its third year, the Tire Review Top Shop Awards, presented by Hennessy Industries, seeks to honor the “best of the best” independent tire dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

Headquartered in the Cleveland suburb of Euclid, Enger Tire & Auto is part of the multi-dimensional Enger Companies, and is wholly owned by Cleveland native Jim Enger. The business was founded in 1995, and posted 2008 gross sales of more than $14 million. Enger Tire locations carry a variety of tire brands, including Goodyear, Dunlop Hankook, Kenda, Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin, BFGoodrich and Nexen.

“Our entire focus – from beginning to end – is to deliver the very best service and products to our customers, and make their visits comfortable and confident,” said Enger. “The Top Shop Award is the most prestigious honor for a business in our industry, and to win this award really means a lot to me and the entire Enger Tire team. It took a lot to get to this point, and now we have a lot more to live up to. I know we will do it!”

In addition to the Top Shop winner, three finalists were also honored this year. This year’s finalists include:
 
·    Curry’s Automotive, based in Sterling, Va., and with five locations in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Founded in 1998, the business is owned by Matt and Judy Curry and Chris Coulter.

·    Griffin Brothers Tires, Wheels, and Auto Repair, headquartered in Cornelius, N.C., with seven stores. The 48-year-old dealership is owned by Larry Griffin Sr., Larry Griffin Jr., and Mike Griffin.

·    Jack Williams Tire Co., based in Moosic, Pa. Founded in 1929, Jack Williams has 25 retail stores and five warehouses, and is owned by Bill and Sandi Williams.

As the Top Shop winner, Enger Tire receives a Coats APX90 tire changer, a $1,500 cash prize, airfare and hotel for two (2 nights/3 days) to the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, a feature story on their business in the October issue of Tire Review, and a specially designed trophy to display in their stores.

Three finalists will each receive a Coats 1250-3DV tire/wheel balancer, a $500 cash prize, a feature story on the dealership in the October issue, and a specially designed finalist trophy.

For the 2009 Top Shop Award, Tire Review accepted entries from February 1 through July 15. From the full group of nearly 100 entrants, judges selected 20 semi-finalists, which were then required to complete an extensive entry form and provide details about their business, including their size, sales mix, merchandising techniques, customer service, training, achievement, and their role in their community. From there, seven semi-finalists were chosen for final judging by an independent panel of judges.

“From the beginning, the Top Shop Awards have been about spotlighting the dealers that best exemplify those attributes and values we stress with every issue of Tire Review,” said Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review. “I think our judges did a great job in selecting four dealers who are a true professionals, and in honoring Enger Tire as our third Top Shop winner.”