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The Big O Tires story begins back in 1962, just as Americas new love affair with the automobile was hitting high gear. The market for replacement tires was exploding, and independent tire dealers found themselves struggling to compete in the face of low prices offered by major tire manufacturers​ own company stores. Big Os founding fathers were a handful of progressive independent tire dealers who decided to band together to form a tire-buying cooperative so that they could secure volume pricing and keep their customers happy. Their concept worked. In the years that followed, The Big O Tires co-op evolved into a full-fledged franchise as it continued to find innovative ways to harness the power of the collective to benefit independent dealerships and their customers. Almost a half-decade later, Big O Tires has become North Americas largest retail tire franchisor, with over 400 independently-owned and operated locations in 20 states, providing customers with a broad range of automotive services in addition to quality tires, wheels and accessories. Big O has become an industry role model admired for its innovative approach to franchising and unmatched customer loyalty ratings. In 1996, Big O Tires joined forces with one of the largest and most respected tire marketers in the nation when it became part of the TBC Retail Group, an automotive retail network comprised of some 1,200 Big O Tires, Tire Kingdom, Merchants and NTB locations spanning 40 U.S. states. Big Os reach was broadened again in 2005, when TBC Corporation was acquired by Sumitomo Corporation of America, the largest wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo, one of the worlds leading traders of goods and services. As Big O Tires continues to thrive and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace, it remains rooted in its humble beginnings as a proud collective of independent dealers committed to putting its customers first.
The Helper Bees is a technology platform focused on enhancing the aging-in-place experience for older adults in the healthcare sector. Founded in 2015 and based in Austin, Texas, the company operates across all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. It offers a wide range of non-medical in-home care services, including home care, home modifications, pest control, and meal delivery, all facilitated through its Aging-In-Place Provider Network. The platform features several tools to ensure quality care, such as automatic fulfillment that monitors service quality, digital invoicing and payment systems, and digital claims tools to streamline processes and improve data collection. Additionally, the company provides care concierge services to help individuals navigate their supplemental benefits and manage payments. The Helper Bees partners with major insurance carriers and health plans to improve in-home care delivery and reduce healthcare costs, making aging in place more accessible for seniors and their families.
Oakbridge Insurance is a prominent independent insurance and risk management agency with over 100 years of experience. Founded with a mission to enhance the insurance industry through community-focused service, Oakbridge combines the flexibility of an independent agency with the resources of a larger brokerage. As of 2023, it operates under Audax Private Equity, providing a range of commercial and personal insurance solutions. The company specializes in commercial property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, surety bonds, personal property and casualty insurance, and risk management services. Oakbridge operates through a partnership model, having expanded from four founding agencies to 13 partner firms by 2022, employing 280 people. The agency fosters a collaborative culture, emphasizing trust and long-term relationships with clients. In 2022, Oakbridge was recognized as a Top 100 Property/Casualty Agency by *Insurance Journal*, highlighting its strong position in the industry.
Providing real-time asset tracking in any environment, with applications in manufacturing, defense, energy, inventory management, logistics, and security. WISERs ultra-wideband (UWB) system operates without line-of-sight and registers asset locations within inches in most cases.