Star City Six – Dennis Goddard
Since 1947, T.O. Haas Tire & Auto (tohaastire.com) has provided award-winning auto repair and tire service with brands like Michelin, BFGoodrich, and Uniroyal. Dennis Goddard is the store manager for T.O. Haas Tire & Auto at the 27th and Pine Lake location.
Tell us a little about your business.
We are a fast, reliable auto repair shop that also offers tire service. T.O. Haas is a superior, more affordable option than all the dealerships that surround us. Using a business philosophy of quality products and dependable service at affordable prices, we’ve grown to be one of the premier tire and automotive service facilities in the Midwest.
How did you get started in the business?
I earned my business management degree from Southeast Community College. While looking for work, I answered a “Want Ad” in the mid-90s for a part time sales/customer service position at another shop. This experience helped me develop my leadership skills, and I was excited to bring my experience to the T.O. Haas company.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Finding and retaining quality employees.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Forming relationships and trust with longtime customers that keep coming back to us.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have a beautiful wife of 15 years and a seven-year-old son who has a lot of energy.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love spending time with my family. I’m also addicted to golf right now.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I can touch my nose with my tongue.
Who inspires you?
Tom Izzo, Michigan State’s head basketball coach.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Everybody has plans until they get hit.” – Mike Tyson.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Taking Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
I’d teleport myself to a vacation…and then right back to work afterwards, of course.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
My beautiful left-handed golf swing. LOL.
Which talent would you most like to have?
A voice made for radio.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Professional sports announcer. It’d be cool to travel the country to all the best sports venues.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I’ve coached a few YMCA youth teams in different sports over the years. Working with kids and teaching them the game, it’s kind of like herding cats sometimes, but it’s fun.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Whatever we are reading to our son at bedtime. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Where the Sidewalk Ends, to name a few.
What is your favorite movie?
The Natural and Major League always get me at the end.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
The Parthenon.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 420-788; Email: dgoddard@tohaastire.com; Website: www.tohaas.com.