Parnelli CEO to Assume Position of President

Parnelli Jones Inc., one of the nation’s largest independent chains of retail tire stores, has named its chief operating officer as president and chief executive officer.

Richard O’Neil replaces Daniel L. Beach, who sold his interest in Parnelli Jones and will leave the Ventura-based company to pursue other interests.

Beach has been with the company since 1993, when he oversaw the merger of his 62 Dob’s Tire & Auto Centers with 35 Parnelli Jones stores. The company now has 93 stores in seven states.

“Dan Beach was the driving force behind the merger three years ago and was instrumental in the formation of the Tire Alliance Groups,” O’Neil said.

Tire Alliance Groups is made up of North America’s seven largest independent tire dealerships, with combined annual sales approaching $400 million. The group was formed in August 1995.

O’Neil said Parnelli Jones is coming off an extremely successful year, with 1995 tire sales up 40% over 1994. According to Neil, future plans and strategy for the company include “the careful expansion of its base of operations through acquisitions of existing dealerships and new store openings.”

Founded 30 years ago by 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones, the company employs more than 700 people in California, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Approximately 30% of the company’s business is mechanical repair and 70% relates to tire sales.

O’Neil has been chief operating officer at Parnelli Jones since 1994. Before joining the firm, he held management positions with Safelite Glass and Bridgestone Firestone companies.

Beach founded Dob’s with a single store in Ventura in 1977. Prior to going into business for himself, he served in management positions for Goodyear in Colombia, Venezuela and Sweden.