Profile of a Business Owner: Justin Glasgow

Justins was born and raised in Topeka attended Seaman High School and graduating in 1995. He attended the University of Kansas where he played football and was later drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1999. Justin moved back to Topeka in 2003 to join his father in running Performance Tire & Wheel where they grew the business together. Justin officially bought the business from his dad in 2013.

Performance Tire specializes in tires, alignments, suspension repair, braking systems, air conditioning, and light vehicle maintenance and employs over 15. They continue to grow every year.

TK: What has been your greatest challenge?

JUSTIN: I never feel like I deserve the "World Best Boss" coffee mug. Trying to be the boss and be a human being is a constant struggle. Managing employees will always be something I will try to challenge myself to be better at.

TK: How do you recharge?

JUSTIN: I am a part of national peer group that meets three times a year. We share financials, best practices, and our pains that we have in our markets. Each meeting is the recharge. The meeting gets me away from my stores and allows me to 100% focus on my business. Plus I found out in our industry, no matter where in the US and Canada, we all have the same EXACT problems.

TK: How many businesses have you started/do you currently have?

JUSTIN: 3

TK: Who is your role model and why?

JUSTIN: My father. I was lucky enough to work with him for 12 years before he retired. One really doesn't know another person until you walk a mile in their shoes. I am still walking today. I know now what he sacrificed and how hard he worked so that he and Mom could build the ground up lifestyle we lived. Mom and Dad are true American dream people and inspiration for my wife and I.

TK: How do you encourage creativity in your business?

JUSTIN: I realized early on that I am a "control freak". Learning to let go and stand on the sidelines is sometimes the best idea to encourage organic creativity.

TK: What advice would you give someone wanting to move-up?

JUSTIN: I would let your intentions be known. Put it out there. Regardless of within an organization or someone with their own company. It's amazing how many people: A-Want to help you. B-Know someone that can help you. C-Will be your cheerleader and hold you accountable to do what you want.