Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Fiffie.
Hi Brandon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
March 12, 2001 Champs Tire & Service created our first store in Donsanville, Louisiana by my father Patrick Fiffie. Two years later in Baton Rouge, Louisiana our second location was formed. 2003 we opened our 3rd location in Gonzales, Louisiana which would be our final and last store in the state of Louisiana. 2005 we had an inclination to relocate, franchising and moving to Atlanta. Our first location in GA created in Decatur, GA 2007. After a few years, my father and myself (Brandon Fiffie) came together to create a second location in 2019. My first store, which would add the 5th location to the Champs Tire franchise. A brief history of my career before becoming a business owner. I started out at BMW South ATL as a product specialist at the age of 19.
A few short months of being there I became the manager of all the BMW product specialists also known as a BMW Genius, six months after excepting the position I found a way to save the dealership around $15,000 – $20,000 a year. Which intern boosted my credibility within the company. After a year and a half, I moved on to United BMW 0f Alpharetta and took on the same position but at a much bigger scale. Shortly after arriving I became a client advisor and M series specialist of the dealer and always remained one of the top guys selling the most cars, At the end of my career at BMW I was known for being the top new car salesman, BMW M salesman, top new car builder, top European delivery specialist, etc. Fast forwarding to the current, my father will retire soon and I will be the CEO of all branches and have plans to open a 3rd location in the downtown ATL area, which would be our 6th location to the franchise.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Shortly after opening my store in 2019 covid reared its head at the beginning of 2020. No way to prepare and with only having one year of operating things were uncertain! The month of March we seen little to has five clients in one day which currently we see anywhere to 30-40 clients a day, I didn’t give up I pushed through even though I felt much defeat. I stayed strong for my family, my employees, and my clients. The month of April we have seen a dramatic turn, clients were coming in constantly. We were so busy by the end of May I had to hire on more in the middle of the pandemic. Our workload increased 50%.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Champs 2 Tire & Service?
We are a family-oriented business the provides excellent customer service and great quality of work. We are extremely personable and professional which is why we have the number 1 store in Decatur, Ga. We take care of our employees and clients like family. For example, we took a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras with both employees from both Atlanta stores. The satisfaction I received from watching my employees not have to work and enjoy themselves was unexplainable. Truly an excellent memory to last forever within me. We take extra time and explain and educate our clients when they come to our store. Also, our lounge is extremely comfortable and cozy and we always burn candles which I’ve heard that minor detail separates us from the vast majority of repair shops. Our services include: new tire change, oil changes, brakes repair, engine replacement, transmission replacement, check engine diagnostic, heating & cooling, a/c, & suspension.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Most important I’d have to say is to take care of your employees and your clients. Nothing is more important than those two things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://champstireandservices.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champs_automotive/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/champs-tire-and-service-decatur-6
