Feb 18, 2019 nashville, tenn.

BSRO National Leadership Conference, attended by 2,800 employees, exemplifies what it means to Be Bridgestone

Bridgestone Retail Operations Leadership conference dallas TX

More than 2,800 Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) employees attended the 2019 National Leadership Conference (NLC) at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, January 28-30. It was the first gathering of all store managers since 2015.

The theme, "We are Bridgestone," resonated throughout presentations and breakout sessions. Joe Venezia, President, BSRO, and other speakers including Gord Knapp, TJ Higgins, Philip Dobbs, Marko Ibrahim, Brian Zempel, Dave Nientimp, Monica Stoica and Randy Street talked about how BSRO built the foundation for disciplined execution in 2018 and identified the strategic priorities for 2019. In breakout sessions, Store Managers were given the tools to focus their teams on what it will take to drive Breakthrough Growth.

BSRO presented the Boys & Girls Clubs of America with a check for $2.8 million, funds raised with the support of the Boss and key vendor partners. Four-time heavyweight boxing champion, Evander Holyfield, and the Youth of the Year from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Joan, each shared their stories and talked about how their Club experiences shaped their character and developed them into leaders. In Evander's case, his Club in Atlanta was responsible for introducing him to boxing at the age of eight.

During the awards ceremony, 46 national awards were presented to the organization's top store, area and region leaders for achievements in service, sales, profits, safety and more. Matt McCorvie and his Hixson Firestone Complete Auto Care team in Chattanooga, Tennessee, were recognized as the Store Team of the Year. Additionally, the prestigious Bill Perdew Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jerry Schuster, Procurement Manager.

BSRO employees were provided with a conference app to help them stay informed about event details, to participate in the Connected Classroom environment during the interactive breakout sessions, and to connect with one another quickly. On the second night, BSRO employees and vendor partners were treated to a private event at the AT&T stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Wrapping up the three days, the conference closed with a pep rally where 2,800 employees joined in the Bridgestone cheer.

Below are just a few testimonials from employees who attended the conference:

  • It was an indescribable feeling to have been part of such an amazing three days. This was my first NLC, and I wasn't sure what I was to expect.  From the on-stage presentations, to the team involvement, and all the activities I was allowed to be a part of, I can truly say that I am part of one of the greatest companies. Thank you for all of your efforts teaching me to be the best manager, and person that I can be!!!  – Coby
  • Best run conference I have attended in the 14 years with the company. Every phase of this trip has been outstanding.  From airport to hotel to breakout sessions to breaks during breakout sessions, has been top notch. Content clearly delivered and off site was game changing. Kudos to everyone involved with this conference!!!  – Mark
  • This goes out to all the "behind the scenes" teammates who worked tirelessly before and during the meeting to make sure it ran smoothly. You deserve a huge THANK YOU!!! Y'all were amazing and the meeting was a success because of your efforts. – Kimberly