Rob Williams is the President of Hankook Tire North America, one of the most respected names in the global tire industry. From his early days in Virginia to leading a multinational brand, Rob’s story is one of grit, curiosity, and relentless drive. With decades of experience spanning retail, commercial, and manufacturing, he has built a reputation for developing people, simplifying processes, and leading with purpose. At Hankook, Rob continues to champion innovation and partnership through what he calls the “Four P’s”: Product, Partner, Process, and People; a framework that defines the company’s culture and customer relationships.

In this episode…

What does it take to lead with heart in an industry built on grit and innovation? In this episode of Gain Traction, host Mike Edge welcomes Rob Williams for a conversation about leadership, teamwork, and building something that lasts. Rob reflects on his journey from a small-town kid bussing tables in Virginia to heading one of the tire industry’s top brands. He shares how lessons from Goodyear and Michelin shaped his leadership style and how Hankook’s Four P’s philosophy keeps the company relentlessly focused on excellence.

Rob also takes listeners inside Hankook’s state-of-the-art plant in Clarksville, Tennessee, a symbol of how technology and teamwork can transform an entire operation. From tackling workforce challenges to investing in innovation, Rob explains how Hankook is setting new standards for quality and growth. Whether you’re in the tire business, manufacturing, or leadership yourself, this episode delivers powerful takeaways about resilience, culture, and purpose.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[01:13] Who Rob Williams is and how he got his start in Virginia

[02:58] How a first job bussing tables taught early lessons in humility

[04:31] How Black Monday changed his career path and led him into tires

[05:46] Key takeaways from Goodyear and Michelin that shaped his leadership

[08:25] The “Four P’s”: Product, Partner, Process, and People and how they guide Hankook

[10:17] Why Rob moved to Nashville and his perspective on the city’s growth

[11:27] How Hankook supports its dealers and builds true partnerships

[15:00] Inside Hankook’s Clarksville plant: Expansion, innovation, and automation

[19:25] How Hankook is navigating workforce growth and new technology

[21:08] A funny travel story that proves even leaders have off days

[23:36] The books that inspired Rob’s leadership style and relentless mindset

[27:08] What “going from good to great to relentless” means in business and life

[33:55] When Rob turns the tables and asks Mike Edge a few personal questions

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Rob Williams LinkedIn
• Hankook Tires Website
• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• “Don’t forget the people that brought you to the dance.”
• “Are you laying bricks, or are you building something special?”
• “We’re going from good to great… to relentless.”
• “Hankook, One Team.”
• “Innovation and teamwork can transform an entire operation.”

Action Steps:

1. Revisit your leadership framework: Identify your own “Four P’s” that guide your team or business.
2. Focus on people and partnerships: Build relationships that drive long-term results, not just transactions.
3. Invest in innovation: Explore automation and technology that streamline your operations.
4. Prioritize culture: Create an environment where every employee feels they’re building something special.
5. Adopt a relentless mindset: Never settle for “good enough”, keep improving every process and every product.

Eric Svedberg is the President and Owner of European Autowerks in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a premier independent shop specializing in high-end European vehicles. Starting his journey at just sixteen, pumping gas at a local Amoco station, Eric quickly rose to become the country's youngest Amoco dealer by age twenty-two. Over the years, he transformed his hands-on experience and entrepreneurial drive into a thriving $3.7 million business. Beyond running his shop, Eric is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs through his coaching venture, Fuel Coaching, where he shares his expertise on leadership, business systems, and how to scale an auto repair shop successfully.

In this episode…

What if the job you took as a teenager ended up defining your life’s work? That’s exactly what happened for Eric Svedberg. From long days at the gas pump to leading a thriving European repair business, Eric’s story is a testament to grit, curiosity, and reinvention.

He shares how years of hands-on experience and continuous learning helped him navigate multiple business transitions, from full-service stations to specialized auto repair. Eric also opens up about how he found balance after years of working seven days a week and why building systems, training people, and embracing technology were key to sustainable growth.

Eric’s insights provide a practical roadmap for anyone wondering how to scale an auto repair shop without losing sight of family, health, or purpose. His passion for leadership, adaptability, and giving back makes this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs in the tire and auto industry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[01:07] Who is Eric Svedberg?

[01:57] How a part-time job pumping gas at 16 sparked a lifelong career

[03:10] The early Amoco days and what full service really looked like

[07:08] Becoming the youngest Amoco dealer in the country at just 22

[09:22] Transitioning from Amoco to European Auto Works

[11:07] Rebranding, growth, and finally gaining work-life balance

[14:33] Where Eric sees European Auto Works in the next few years

[16:40] A customer’s parking-lot prayer and what it taught him

[18:33] How Google tools and video marketing improved visibility

[20:54] The game-changing shop software that streamlined operations

[22:38] The business books that changed Eric’s mindset

[29:07] Giving back through Fuel Coaching

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Eric Svedberg LinkedIn
• European Autowerks Website
• Making Money Is Killing Your Business by Chuck Blakeman
• Freedom’s Forge by Arthur Herman
• Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell

Quotable Moments:

• “I became the youngest Amoco dealer in the country at age 22.”
• “I quickly learned that wherever I was, was the place that made money.”
• “I changed the name, rebranded, got my life back; five days a week, not seven, and grew and grew and grew.”
• “I’ve always been a sponge. I absorb information from anyone and everyone.”
• “Making money is killing your business.”

Action Steps:

1. Invest in learning: Absorb insights from others in your field and keep evolving with your business.
2. Systemize your operations: Build processes that allow you to step out of daily chaos and focus on growth.
3. Adopt modern tools: Embrace digital platforms like Google Business and TechMetric to improve efficiency.
4. Prioritize work-life balance: Growth doesn’t have to mean burnout; it can mean freedom when done right.
5. Pay it forward: Share your knowledge, mentor others, and help them discover how to scale an auto repair shop with clarity and purpose.