FRANKLIN
Bobby’s Tire and Auto announced on Wednesday that it would be expanding the company to take it to the next level. As part of the expansion, founder and new chief visionary officer Bobby Cutchins announced that Dave Crawford would be joining the team as president and chief operating officer, and Robby Cutchins had been named the new chief executive officer.

“I started Bobby’s 34 years ago and feel that I have built the company to be the dominant retailer in Franklin and Emporia,” said Bobby Cutchins in a press release issued by the company. “To continue to be the market leader, I feel that we need to grow and take the company to the next level. The plan has been in the works for a while, and realigning the management team will position us for growth in the coming years. The experience that Crawford brings to the company will provide Bobby’s with the leadership and direction needed to reach our objectives.”

Robby Cutchins later added, “The future is extremely bright for Bobby’s. Having the ability to bring in someone with the knowledge of the industry like Dave Crawford really excels us to another level. He’s been someone who has been a mentor to us for years, so having him on board now just really positions us well for future growth. He’s done it all and has seen it all so that’s very vital going forward in this industry. It’s honor to have the opportunity to work alongside someone like Dave Crawford. My father Bobby and Diana have been huge supporters over the years, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to serve such a great company in this capacity.”

The press release stated that Robby Cutchins has been with the company for over 19 years, and has been managing the store operations since 2002.

As part of taking the company higher, Bobby’s is planning on adding new locations. They are unsure at this time where exactly those sites will be.

“Locations are yet to be determined,” Robby said. “We currently operate two stores, in Franklin and Emporia. So the Tidewater and Western Tidewater Region are all within reason and close to the hub of Franklin.”

Robby also stated that the automotive service and tire business is an ever changing industry. In the helm of the expansion, the company is planning on conducting computer and equipment upgrades as well as training.

“This is an exciting time for all of us here at Bobby’s,” Robby continued. “Seeing what my father has done with this company from day one when it was just a two person operation with him and wife Diana to what it’s been built to today is simply amazing. The roots that these two have planted has built the foundation and allowed the opportunity for where the company is going.

“The bottom line is we are no better than the people we have working with us. Behind every successful company there are great people and we have been very fortunate over the years to have great, hardworking, and knowledgeable people. So as we go forward it will continue to take more of these good people as we look to grow in the future.”

Bobby Cutchins said, “I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us and traded with us over the years. This has been a great community to me over the years from graduating from Franklin High School in 1975, to raising my family in this community, to building and operating a business it’s been great and I look forward to many many more. I personally will be spending more time in the Franklin store than ever before because it’s home and I look forward to seeing many familiar faces.”