There are all kinds of reasons why you may want to start your own business. You might have reached a point in your career where you want more freedom or a better work-life balance. Maybe you’ve spent your career working for others, and you’re ready to take the next step and be your own boss. It could also be that economic circumstances mean you must roll your sleeves up and create your own opportunity.

Whatever your reasons are, starting a business is a thrilling, and scary, time for an entrepreneur. This is doubly true during an economic recession. Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom because you’re starting a business in a recession.

In fact, there are some business models that continue to thrive, even during an economic downturn. Here are seven recession proof business models you should seriously consider to make sure you make the right choice when starting our company.

1. Repair Services

Entering the repair industry is a safe bet in weathering any economic storm as a new business. Essential services that people always need, regardless of circumstances, tend to fare well in hard times.

This is because their business model isn’t reliant on the economy. Your refrigerator doesn’t care about the economy when it decides to stop running. The same goes for your plumbing or electrical system.

Whether you’re pursuing training to become a licensed electrician or are handy enough to perform jobs that don’t require certifications, repair services can be a great way to turn a profit during a recession.

2. Food Services Built for Delivery and Drive-Thru

People always need to eat. This is true regardless of what the world looks like. However, what people eat and how they eat it changes during a recession.

The business model for a restaurant must also adapt, given the extra restrictions that come with a global pandemic. This has made drive-thru and delivery service a lifesaver for restaurants.

Fewer customers feel comfortable spending extended time in enclosed spaces, and it will likely be some time before confidence returns to normal. This has more people opting for delivery services for things they never would have thought of before.

If you’ve dreamt of opening a restaurant, it can still make sense in a recession as long as you have a drive-thru or are prepared to offer delivery for diners.

3. Mobile Tire Services

We just talked about two kinds of services that always do well in a recession: essential repairs and delivery services. What happens when you combine both of these recession proof industries into one successful business model? The result is a mobile tire service such as Tread Connection.

Spending time in a waiting room for tire service has never been fun for customers. The worries caused by coronavirus have turned an inconvenient typical tire shop visit into a stressful and harrowing experience. As a result, more customers prefer at-home tire installation to find the services they need, in a safe environment on a schedule that works for them.

A mobile tire service lets entrepreneurs bring the tire shop directly to their clients. No waiting rooms, no hassles, just convenient, quality service at your home or office. This surging reliance on at-home contactless services is a trend that is expected to continue long after the pandemic has passed. This makes a mobile tire service a strong selection among recession proof business models.

4. Sweets Businesses are a Sweet Deal

You might think that as belts tighten, sweets and snacks would be among the first things to go. Actually, the opposite is true. While other, larger purchases are put on the back burner, people still find themselves in need of small splurge from time to time. This often comes in the form of sweets and snacks.

Comfort foods are a source of reassurance and an affordable luxury that people can rely on when times are tough. While many consumers may not feel comfortable spending on that spa outing, they can easily justify a few bucks for a bar of nice chocolate.

Research shows that as of March 2020, sales of comfort foods were up nearly 50 percent compared to 2019. The same is true for specialty coffee and other relatively affordable luxury goods. Talk about a sweet deal!

5. IT Services

In a time when we’re dependent on our technology for practically everything, it makes sense that information technology (IT) services would be in high demand. The IT industry thrived during the last recession, and it makes sense that it stands to also do well during the current downturn.

COVID-19 has made the importance of technology and connectivity more apparent than ever. More employees are working from home, and businesses are exceedingly reliant on technology to keep things running.

Even companies that never needed IT services before likely need them now as they turn to virtual conferences, remote work, and more. IT professionals are well-positioned to handle the newfound needs of businesses adapting to a virtual workplace.

6.Tutoring and Teaching Businesses

The school year looks much different in 2020. Much of this is due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Because of the rise in remote learning and virtual classrooms, many students find themselves in need of additional instruction.

This has made the popularity of online and virtual tutors skyrocket as parents and students do everything they can to ensure they can keep learning. While the method through which students learn may change, the importance of learning does not. Providing students with the resources they need to succeed in the virtual classroom is a vital service that students will need both now and in the future.

7. Healthcare and Home Health Care Services

Health care is another industry that has long been considered recession proof. This is especially true for home health care workers. Even before the pandemic hit, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 36 percent growth rate between 2018 and 2028 for home health care workers.

As many hospitals and healthcare facilities fill up due to the extra strain of the pandemic, more patients are opting for in-home care to minimize hospital capacity and reduce their own potential exposure to the virus.

Combine the increased demand for in-home care with the aging Baby Boomer population, and you have a formula for a successful career that will continue for some time.

Start Your Own Franchise in a Recession Proof Industry

Obviously, there’s no such thing as any business being “recession proof.” Even so, there are still safer bets than others when it comes to striking it out on your own during a downturn.

Learn how you can start your own franchise with a brand that is disrupting the already recession-resistant tire industry as we know it. Start your Tread Connection franchise today and get in on the ground floor of this rapidly expanding recession proof industry.

You’ve been cooped up for months. Has there ever been a better time to find a safe way to get outside for some good, clean fun?

If you’re here, maybe your idea of fun isn’t so clean after all. For those who prefer getting off the pavement and into the mud, there is plenty of off-roading to be done. And plenty of mud tires to make your excursions as insane as you could want.

Here are some of the wildest and best mud tires on the market today.

Nitto Mud Grappler and Trail Grappler M/T

Let’s start with the most aggressive, because this is supposed to be fun. In the last several years, Nitto has provided some of the best mud tires for off-road enthusiasts.

You want extreme? Look to the Nitto Mud Grappler. The tread design and massive sidewall lugs provide for ultimate traction and mud clearance. These specific mud tires will make a statement — loud and clear.

Beyond the actual price, you may pay for that aggression in noise and comfort once you return to the pavement. But you’re here to have a good time, right?

Alternate Option

Looking for something a bit more cost-effective? Nitto’s Trail Grappler M/T is still a great option for mud tires. It’s not as crazy, but the Trail Grappler’s 3-ply sidewall offers much of the same reinforcements against punctures in rough terrain. Plus, the tread block arrangement was engineered to produce mud tires that Nitto claims are up to 36 percent quieter than the Mud Grappler.

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3

It’s hard to find a brand as consistently reliable as BFGoodrich when looking for the best mud tires. The KM2 design has been popular among off-road enthusiasts, but its successor may provide even more adventure.

The KM3 features what BFGoodrich calls “Mud-Phobic Bars” in its tread, designed to release compacted mud and dirt and provide improved grip. Many of the toughest mudders wear mud on their vehicle like a badge of honor. For the rest of us, the worst part of even the best mud tires is hosing them off after you’re done. The “Mud Phobic Bars” are a terrific solution for people that thought they’d never see a self-cleaning tire!

Even beyond the mud, its Krawl-TEK compound improves grip on rocks. All in all, BFGoodrich experiments showed that, compared to the KM2, the KM3 has 5 percent better mud traction, 8 percent  better rock traction, and 27 percent tougher sidewalls.

Not too shabby for folks already loyal to the brand.

Firestone Destination M/T2

Another entry for consumers looking to get aggressive in the mud, the Firestone Destination M/T2 has proven to be one of the best-performing off-road tires available.

Like many of the other mud tires listed here, the Destination M/T2 boasts the 3-ply sidewall to resist punctures on rough terrain. But specific to the mud, Firestone added tread blocks with 23-degree angles to go with mud and stone ejectors for better traction.

As with many of the best mud tires on the market, the Destination M/T2 makes some noise when you hit the pavement, but that may not be a deal-breaker.

Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar

Is new always better? Maybe. Maybe not.

For years, the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R was one of the most popular mud tires on the market, thanks to its durability and performance. Though that specific tire model has aged out, Goodyear has evolved that fan-favorite in the last decade into the Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar.

If Kevlar sounds familiar, there’s a reason. It’s commonly used for bulletproof vests. How’s that for extreme?

Incorporating Kevlar into the sidewall design allows for 35 percent more puncture resistance. Then, there’s the unique tread design. The asymmetrical tread pattern features different angles of tread on the left and right half of the tire. This offers more handling in slick conditions and on the road. If you love to go mudding, the wraparound tread is the real dealmaker, giving you more grip on the sidewalls to climb through deep mud and on rocks.

Sometimes, age can be a beautiful thing. These may not be the newest mud tires on the market, but remain some of the most reliable.

Low-Cost Option:

If you’re looking for something less intense, Goodyear also offers the Wrangler DuraTrac. Though not specifically mud tires, these all-terrain and all-season tires can still give you a great on- and off-road experience without breaking the bank.

Make Tire Shopping Easier With Tread Connection

Are you ready to buy tires and get out in the mud? Contact a Tread Connection van in your area and ask about the best mud tires available. Tread Connection’s team of tire experts are happy to meet you at your home to simplify the process and get your adventures started!

There is a lot to consider when it comes to starting your own business. This is especially true when starting an automotive business. Embarking on your journey to entrepreneurship is an exciting time. It can also be a stressful one if you’re unprepared.

If you want to start a business in an uncertain economic climate, then an auto shop is a great place to look. Automotive repair and tire retail businesses are both thought of as recession-resistant. Even in the worst economic conditions, people still need their cars.

Pretty much everyone needs reliable transportation to commute to work, run errands, and go about their lives. Because cars are so essential to the daily lives of Americans, auto repair services historically perform well even during an economic downturn. As of 2018 there were an estimated 230,600 auto repair and maintenance shops in the United States. And the industry is expected to continue growing.

There’s never been a better time to get in on the auto industry. Of course, as with any new business, prior preparation is the key to future success. Here is what you need to know about starting an automotive business and how you can set your auto shop up for success.

1. What Kind of Auto Shop are You Opening?

The first step to starting an automotive business is to lay out a clear vision for what your business does. You should know exactly what sort of auto shop you’re opening and your available services. There are all kinds of different auto shops, and each one is a little different.

It’s not uncommon for many auto shops to specialize in specific types of repair. Depending on the kind of shop you open, the necessary equipment can also change. Some of the specialty auto shops you’ll come across include the following.

Body Shops

Body shops provide auto body repair specific to your car’s exterior. These services may include fixing dents and scratches or replacing damaged body panels after a collision. A traditional auto mechanic is going to make sure everything looks great under the hood, but they might not be able to help with a new bumper.

Transmission Shops

Like the name suggests, a transmission shop focuses solely on your vehicle’s transmission. This includes transmission service, maintenance, and repair. The transmission is an indispensable and complex part of your vehicle. Because of this, there are transmission problems that a mechanic who is not a specialist may not be prepared to fix.

Tire Repair and Tire Retail Shops

Everybody eventually needs new tires. This makes tire repair and retail stores particularly popular with people starting automotive businesses. A steady stream of customers and a product that is always in demand are both great reasons to specialize in tire services.

These are only a few of the many types of auto shops available. There are many others, including those that focus on inspections or shops that specialize in auto glass repair or brake services. Take the time to research the different options and determine the kind of business you want to open.

2. Put Together a Business Plan

The next step in opening your auto shop is to have a business plan in place. Your business plan is the roadmap for the success of your business. Your business plan should clearly define the following so that anyone who reads it clearly understands the fundamentals of your company.

• What is your business?
• What does your business do?
• Who are your competitors?
• Who are your customers?
• How does your business operate?
• How do your finances work?

Building a business plan isn’t a step to take lightly. Many entrepreneurs work with a consultant to ensure their business plan covers all the bases. Once your plan is in place, you should be ready to take the next step in starting your business.

3. Decide on a Location

Now that you know what kind of business you’re starting and you have a plan, it’s time to decide where that business is going to go. Finding the right location is a fundamental element of any successful auto repair shop, it can also be one of the most expensive.

It takes time and money to find the right location, and it costs even more to maintain it. Brick and mortar locations are costly endeavors where you must pay rent, utilities, and more in addition to other overhead expenses.

As more customers want to avoid waiting rooms and the inconvenience of visiting a garage, savvy entrepreneurs are taking the tire shop directly to the customer. Tread Connection’s mobile tire service vans have a much lower overhead than traditional brick-and-mortar locations. With a wide range of customers including both retail and corporate clients, a mobile tire service is a convenient and cost-effective option for starting your automotive business.

4. Secure Financing for Your Business

You know what your business should look like. You’ve put together a comprehensive business plan. You’ve scouted potential locations. But how are you going to pay for it all? Unless you’re prepared to finance your business yourself, there’s a good chance you’ll need to be approved for a loan.

This is where that business plan comes in handy. You’ll need to present your plan to potential investors, including banks, to secure a loan to cover the cost of equipment, the location, payroll, insurance, and other expenses. Many entrepreneurs seek out Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to help get their dreams of business ownership off the ground.

5. Hire the Right Employees

Running a business is rarely a one-person show. This is especially true when it comes to an auto shop. Your business can only be as good as its people. That’s why finding and hiring the right employees is one of the most important things you can do when starting an automotive business.

Reputation is everything when it comes to the success of an auto shop. Your employees and the work they do is a representation of you as both a company and a business owner.

When customers like your employees and trust them to do good work, they’re going to come back, and they’re going to tell their friends. The same can be said for a negative experience. Make sure you thoroughly vet your employees and hire the right people to represent your business.

6. Start Marketing and Attracting Customers

Once everything in place, you’re ready to get down to business. It’s time to start marketing and bringing in customers. You’ll need a website where customers can find your business online and schedule their auto services. You’ll also need to take out advertising online and in print so that your message is being seen by the right people. After the customers start rolling in, it’s time to get down to business!

7. Skip the Steps and Start an Automotive Franchise with Tread Connection

Clearly, there’s a lot that goes into starting a successful automotive business. Between the time, money, and effort it takes to get the doors open, it’s a serious undertaking that requires a lot of work. One thing you may not have considered is purchasing an automotive franchise.

By purchasing an automotive franchise, you’re buying into a proven and established business model that will have already done much of this work for you. An auto franchise has already established the type of shop and put together a thorough business plan that details everything from how much to charge for services to where to source your parts.

Don’t wait to take advantage of this recession-resistant industry. Learn how you can start your mobile tire retail and repair franchise with Tread Connection today!

We’ve all been there.

It’s the worst possible timing and you have already budgeted for other things. But your tires have given out. That means it’s time for another trip to the auto shop, or at the very least, another expense. Car repairs can get costly in a variety of ways, and most of them come for parts about which we have little understanding or knowledge. But tires?

Many consumers view tires differently than the intricate mechanical parts in and around the vehicle. They’re easily visible, so we often feel plenty knowledgeable to make buying decisions. Surely, this is an area where we can save money, right? All we need is to buy a set of used tires!

Maybe, but it’s not that simple.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of used tires. What should everyday consumers keep in mind when deciding between used tires and new? And is it truly a cheaper option in the long run?

Pros: Cheap and Environmentally Friendly

Clearly, the most common reason consumers consider buying used tires is the cost. It is true that with about 38 million used tires available nationally each year, sellers can offer large discounts for older tires, often half the price or less than for new tires.

There also happens to be an environmental benefit to re-selling tires. Discarding millions of tires each year contributes a large amount of pollution, and like any industry, there are positives to recycling these materials and reducing waste.

However, there are other uses for used tires when they do fall out of circulation. There is a growing market for recycled rubber. These materials have been reused for a range of projects, from improving asphalt to make roads quieter and smoother to making running tracks or field turf.

While those are the two largest benefits of buying used tires, do they outweigh the risks?

Let’s take a look at the other side.

Cons: Risk, Risk, Risk

There are several factors to consider before buying tires of any kind — and especially when looking at used tires. The first, as always, is safety.

In addition to the reduced performance of older, worn tires, it comes as no surprise that these are far less safe than new tires. A study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that tires with a tread depth of 4/32″ or less were significantly more likely to play a contributing factor in crashes.

There are, of course, ways to determine the tread on your tires. The most common is the penny test: placing a penny into the groove of the tread rows with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see Lincoln’s head fully, the tires are too worn. Simple enough, right?

However, the penny only has 2/32″ of space between the top and Lincoln’s head. Since we know 4/32″ seems to be the necessary threshold for safe tread, many sources now suggest doing the same test, but with a quarter! There is 4/32″ of space between the top of a quarter and George Washington’s head, making it a better at-home measurement.

But what if the tread on the used tires you’re considering is fine?

Cons: The Unknown

Well, there are still numerous other factors to be cautious about. And many of them may not be readily visible to the everyday customer.

A few issues that are tougher to find can range from the age of the tire (experts caution against buying tires more than six years old), any liner or bead damage, or repairs of punctures on the inside of the tire. If buying used tires, be sure to check for any of these problems.

However, the biggest risk of all is the unknown.

When you buy new tires, sellers have to adhere to strict federal standards. But when it comes to used tires, that is not the case at all. There are no set guidelines and very few restrictions on selling used tires around the country.

That means that not only is it difficult to find some of those issues we listed above, but it’s nearly impossible to know the history of the used tires you’re considering.

How were they driven in the past? Did the previous owner drive them when under- or over-inflated? Were they used at excessive speeds? Were they properly maintained or ever repaired at a certain point?

These are all questions you would want to ask before buying used tires, but unfortunately, it could be hard to find the answers.

New Regulations for Used Tires

The lax standards for selling used tires has prompted some new legislation in certain parts of the country. For example, California passed a law in 2019 prohibiting the installation of unsafe used tires.

That law cites an NHTSA study that found worn-out tires to be three times more likely to be involved in a crash than tires with sufficient tread. The bill targets specific characteristics that would make a set of used tires unsafe. While not banning used tires altogether, it ensures that auto dealers must inspect used tires before installing them on a vehicle for highway use.

As automotive safety and manufacturing groups continue to push for newer, stricter regulations, it may become a safer prospect to purchase used tires. However, there are still many areas in the country that are operating with no such guidance.

Is It Truly Cheaper to Buy Used Tires?

The final consideration leads us back to the beginning — how much money can I save on tires? In the short term, it is no secret that used tires would initially be an easier cost to manage. But extending your view to the long term may paint a different picture.

Considering the risks in driving with reduced tread depth, you will likely need a replacement each time the tires reach that 4/32″ threshold for safety. So, it’s necessary to consider how often you’ll be replacing tires if you consistently commit to buying used tire after used tire.

Let’s simplify the math: if you buy a used tire for $50 instead of a new tire for $100, you would have to expect to get at least half of the use to get value at that cost.

However, most new tires are expected to last at least three to four years. So, if the worn-down tread on a used tire forces you to replace them each year, you would not only be shopping more often but spending more money. You’d spend $150–200 over those three or four years. Compare that to spending around $100 for a new tire that likely would have lasted even longer.

Maybe you can find a used tire that will last long enough for value, but as we’ve mentioned, there are many factors beyond tread that can cause worry for drivers using used tires, and many of them are unknowns.

Are the short-term savings worth the price you pay in peace of mind? Or worth the price, period?

No, probably not.

Make Tire Shopping Easier With Tread Connection

Once you’ve made your decision on the value of buying new compared to used, let Tread Connection simplify the process for you to buy tires. Have a professional meet you at home or at your office to get you driving with confidence without the headaches of visiting a dealership or auto shop!