By Giorgio AndonianPublished On: September 9, 2025

Healthy Habits for Industry Leaders

In the tire and auto industry, we’re wired for the grind. As owners, we’re tethered to desks or counters, juggling endless tasks; moving cars, picking up tires, answering calls, writing up customers, and keeping the shop humming. Downtime is a luxury we rarely afford ourselves. Lunch is often a greasy fast-food burger scarfed down while working, if we eat at all. I’ve lived it, and I know the toll it takes, heck I even find myself having a meal at my desk doing what I do now. Other times I force myself to step outside and take a minute to myself.

When your pants feel tight and your energy tanks, it’s not just your body that suffers—your business does too. A foggy mind and sluggish attitude can erode your decision-making and leadership, the very things that keep your operation thriving.

I’ve represented countless and often a troubling pattern emerges; owners forced to sell due to health crises. Heart attacks, stress-related illnesses, or sheer burnout sneak up when we neglect ourselves. A partner’s sudden illness or their own declining health pushes them into a corner, making a sale the only option. These aren’t just business transactions; they’re wake-up calls. The deals and structures we negotiate matter, but what’s the point if you’re not healthy enough to enjoy the outcome or steer your business with a clear head?

A recent client I represented was one of the most energetic, and fit individuals I’ve ever worked with. His enthusiasm was a competitive edge. He ran his business with precision, optimism and dedication; qualities rooted in his commitment to health. He prioritized balanced meals, regular exercise, and moments to recharge, even in the chaos of running a successful business. His discipline in taking care of his body translated directly to his work. He was sharp, decisive, and energized, making better decisions and inspiring his team. His healthy habits weren’t a side project; they were the foundation of his success.

The tire industry doesn’t make self-care easy. Our techs might get a breather in the lunchroom or outside, but as owners, we’re always on. We think skipping meals or working through exhaustion is a badge of honor, but it’s a recipe for disaster.

Your attitude starts with how you feel. A healthier body fuels a clearer mind, sharper focus, and stronger leadership. The discipline it takes to eat well or to carve out 30 minutes for a walk or gym session mirrors the discipline needed to run a tight ship. Small changes compound. A morning stretch, a proper breakfast, or even a brief pause to breathe can recharge you for the day’s demands.

You don’t want a health scare dictating your business’s future. Start small: pack a healthy lunch, take a walk during a lull, or schedule a check-up. These aren’t distractions from your business; they’re investments in it. A healthier you leads to a healthier operation. Don’t wait for a crisis to act. Your business, and your life, depend on it.

Giorgio Andonian is a Managing Director at FOCUS with a proven track record of success in orchestrating strategic direction for mergers and acquisitions in the Consumer and Automotive Aftermarket industries. Mr. Andonian joined FOCUS in 2019 to work on sell-side, buy-side, recapitalizations and capital raises for middle market businesses within his respective industries. As a leader, Mr. Andonian has a wide lens of leadership from his 15+ years of operational experience. Prior to joining FOCUS, Mr. Andonian was vice president of a regional tire chain in Southern California overseeing all aspects of the operation, including sales, marketing, finance and human resources growing the business and preparing for an eventual exit to a private equity platform. Before that he worked at another Southern California tire chain, where he held a variety of positions, including finance, business analysis, operations and supply chain management. Mr. Andonian earned a Master of Business Administration, with an emphasis in finance, from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in finance and supply chain management, from the University of San Diego. He holds several licenses and certifications, including Series 79, Series 82, Series 63, and a California Real Estate License.