The Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) owes much of its success to the dedicated volunteers who comprise its Board of Directors. These leaders bring diverse experiences and work collaboratively—even alongside competitors—to strengthen the retread and repair industries. This year, TRIB welcomed several new members to its board, and to introduce them to the broader community, they did a series of interviews which Retreading Business is able to share with thanks to David Stevens and the permission of Mike Widmyer.
TRIB’s first spotlight focuses on Mike Widmyer, Manager of Training at Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT). With a three-decade career at Michelin, Widmyer embodies the resilience and adaptability that define the retread industry.
Widmyer’s journey began 30 years ago on the shop floor as a skiving operator. “I slowly became familiar with all the posts throughout the shop and was named Crew leader,” he recalls. His dedication and curiosity led him to this leadership position, where he oversaw operations and contributed to process improvements. When Michelin Retread began franchising, Widmyer transitioned to a training role. “I performed post training during franchise start-ups,” he explains.
Over time, his expertise earned him the role of Process Engineer, where he took charge of ensuring the integrity of the MRT process. Today, Widmyer manages the very training team he once worked under. “We are responsible for the training and certifications of all operators in our shops throughout North America,” he says, a role that not only leverages his technical knowledge but also highlights his ability to guide others in their professional growth.
Widmyer credits much of his leadership approach to a former manager, Randy Baker. “He also challenged me to go outside of my comfort zone and do things I normally would not have the confidence to do,” Widmyer says. Baker’s advice—encouraging honesty and addressing challenges directly—continues to influence Widmyer’s philosophy on leadership.
This commitment to openness and teamwork made joining TRIB’s Board a natural step for Widmyer. “I was really interested in the fact that folks that are normally ‘competitors’ come together and work alongside one another for the benefit of the industry,” he explains. For Widmyer, TRIB symbolises the collaborative spirit needed to tackle the industry’s challenges and seize its opportunities.
Looking ahead, Widmyer identifies the proliferation of low-cost import tyres as a persistent challenge for the industry. “I think cheap import tyre options will continue to be a challenge. We have to drive home the long-term benefit of investing in a tyre for the life of the casing,” he explains.
On the other hand, Widmyer sees significant opportunities in training innovations. “I think there are endless training opportunities to come with AI and VR, as well as much more flexibility for remote training,” he says, envisioning a future where technology elevates industry standards and enhances training efficiency.
At the heart of Widmyer’s philosophy is a strong belief in trust and honesty. “You need to be able to be honest with each other and not mask issues. Get them out in the open so you can focus on a solution,” he explains. For Widmyer, successful organisations also rely on having the right people—those with a “whatever it takes” mindset.
Outside of work, Widmyer is passionate about family life and music. A talented guitarist, he enjoys playing favourites like Metallica and Van Halen. However, his primary focus is on his two young sons, aged eight and nine. “After seeing how fast my older children grew up and now having two young boys, eight and nine, I am able to slow down and appreciate every minute I can with them,” he says. Whether it’s playing sports or simply watching cartoons, time with his boys grounds and inspires him.
Mike Widmyer’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and collaboration. As he helps guide TRIB into the future, his wealth of experience and commitment to innovation will undoubtedly strengthen the organisation and the industry as a whole.
