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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.
ChoiceOne Bank is a community bank holding company based in Michigan, with approximately $2.6 billion in assets. Founded in 1898 as Sparta State Bank, it has grown through strategic mergers and now operates 35 offices across multiple counties. The bank is headquartered in Sparta and has operations centers in Lapeer and Fenton, ensuring efficient service delivery. ChoiceOne offers a wide range of financial services, including digital banking solutions, consumer and commercial banking, agricultural lending, mortgage services, wealth management, payroll solutions, and treasury management. The bank is dedicated to serving a diverse customer base, including families, small businesses, farmers, and low-income individuals, particularly in rural communities. ChoiceOne is committed to being an integral part of Michigan communities, with a mission to provide superior service and quality advice. In 2025, the bank announced a merger with Fentura Financial Inc., enhancing its presence in the Detroit suburbs and expanding into the Flint and Saginaw markets.
Veteran Benefits Guide (VBG) is a benefit advisory company dedicated to assisting U.S. Armed Forces Veterans in maximizing their VA disability compensation ratings and benefits. Founded by Joshua Smith, a former Marine and VA rater, VBG provides pre-filing and post-filing consulting services. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has experienced significant growth since its inception in 2019. VBG employs a team of trained case managers, many of whom have backgrounds in the VA, to offer personalized guidance through the claims process. Their services include comprehensive reviews of military records, tailored claim strategies, and support for filing claims independently. VBG utilizes proprietary software to streamline the claims process and has a strong track record, boasting a 90% client success rate for favorable VA decisions and a perfect 5-star Google rating. The company emphasizes a Veteran-friendly approach, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in navigating the VAs Compensation & Pension process.
Handcrafted outdoor furniture with over 20 years of DEDON experience. As a manufacturer of exclusive outdoor furniture, DEDON is one of the worlds leading providers in this industry and has received numerous international design awards. The company, which was founded in 1990 by the former professional soccer player Bobby Dekeyser, revolutionized the outdoor furniture market with its groundbreaking designs within only a few years. The basis for DEDONs success is a highly durable synthetic fiber manufactured at the headquarters in the North of Germany. Developed over 20 years ago, the unique DEDON fiber still is considered "the original" in the industry; the "Made by DEDON" seal stands for the highest standards of quality and design. DEDON furniture is designed by international designers, matches German quality standards in terms of production, and is manufactured by hand in a traditional fashion by braiding artisans on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Every piece of DEDON furniture embodies the combination of modern technology and century-old craftsmanship.
Xperience Restaurant Group (XRG) is a leading operator of casual and fine dining restaurants specializing in Mexican cuisine. Founded in 1954 with its flagship brand, El Torito, the company has grown to operate approximately 56 to 68 restaurants across the United States, serving over 10 million guests annually and employing a dedicated team of more than 3,400 to 4,300 members. XRGs portfolio features well-known brands such as El Torito, Chevys Fresh Mex, and SOL Mexican Cocina, each offering unique dining experiences that highlight authentic Mexican flavors. The company is recognized for its innovative concepts, including Taco Tuesday and tableside presentations, which have significantly influenced the Mexican dining scene in the U.S. XRG is committed to delivering high-quality cuisine in a welcoming environment, focusing on both traditional flavors and culinary innovation to enhance guest experiences.