Episodes

12 hours ago
12 hours ago
In this episode of Profit Sharing in the Real World, host Danny Murphy sits down with Dick Erickson, founder of Sun Tire and author of the book Profit Sharing in the Real World. They delve into the critical factors that influence profitability in a business, with an emphasis on the importance of choosing the right location. Dick shares his insights on understanding demographics, the significance of accessible parking, and how these elements contribute to a successful business model that supports profit sharing. Listen in as he recounts experiences from his own career, navigating challenges and learning valuable lessons about setting up profitable locations.

Saturday May 31, 2025
Saturday May 31, 2025
In this episode of Profit Sharing in the Real World, host Danny Murphy dives deep into the world of profit sharing with expert insights from Dick Erickson, author of Profit Sharing in the Real World. Listen as Dick shares his decades of experience and reveals how meticulous tracking of numbers can uncover hidden profits in your business.Learn about practical strategies used in the tire business, such as charging for valve stems, optimizing pricing strategies, controlling administrative costs, and increasing profitability through alignment services. Dick also highlights the significance of a call center in transforming customer inquiries into sales, emphasizing the importance of answering customer questions and booking visits.Discover how understanding and monitoring key metrics can drive success, improve operational efficiency, and increase profits. This episode is a must-listen for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to enhance profitability and operational excellence through strategic profit sharing and number tracking.

Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
In this enlightening episode of "Profit Sharing in the Real World," host Danny Murphy sits down with Dick Erickson, the author of "Profit Sharing in the Real World." They delve into the four essential pillars of business success, namely dignity and respect for others, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the ultimate component, profit sharing.Through engaging dialogue, Danny and Dick explore how these principles create a profitable and harmonious business environment. The episode highlights the importance of respecting employees and customers, fostering team unity, empowering individuals to make decisions, and sharing the rewards of success through profit sharing. Join Danny and Dick for an insightful conversation packed with practical advice for business leaders seeking to enhance both profitability and morale in their organizations.

Saturday May 17, 2025
Saturday May 17, 2025
In this episode of Profit Sharing in the Real World, join host Danny Murphy and guest Dick Erickson as they explore the concept of subsidiarity and its crucial role in enhancing profit sharing within businesses. Discover how granting decision-making authority to individuals at various levels of an organization can streamline operations, foster leadership, and boost efficiency. Dick shares insights from his experience in the tire industry, demonstrating how allowing employees to make informed decisions without managerial approval can lead to better customer satisfaction and increased profitability. Learn how this approach can eliminate unnecessary management layers, reduce costs, and ultimately lead to more substantial profit-sharing benefits for all employees. Don't miss this fascinating discussion on how subsidiarity can transform your organization.

Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
Join host Danny Murphy and guest Dick Erickson as they explore the concept of solidarity in business on the "Profit Sharing in the Real World" podcast. Building on the previous discussion about dignity, this episode delves into how understanding and embracing the 'why' can unite teams and enhance performance. Discover the importance of pleasing the customer, fostering teamwork, and how a collective commitment to common goals paves the way for profit sharing success. Erickson shares insights from his book, offering a roadmap for leaders to create harmonious and high-performing work environments. Don't miss this engaging talk on aligning business practices with shared values.

Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
In this episode of Profit Sharing in the Real World, host Danny Murphy and guest Dick Erickson explore the fundamental role of dignity and respect in business success. They delve into its importance in relationships with employees, customers, vendors, and professional support, and discuss how these values tie into effective profit sharing. Discover practical insights into fostering a respectful business environment and how it can elevate your organization's performance.

Saturday May 03, 2025
Saturday May 03, 2025
In this episode of "Profit Sharing in the Real World," host Danny Murphy interviews Dick Erickson, the founder of Sun Tire, about his innovative approach to customer service and profit management. Erickson shares how establishing a call center transformed operations across all 11 Sun Tire stores, enhancing efficiency, customer satisfaction, and ultimately profitability. Discover how this strategic move not only streamlined workflow and improved customer service but also lowered payroll expenses, setting a new trend in the tire industry. Tune in to learn valuable insights on maintaining competitive pricing, scheduling efficiencies, and leveraging technology for business success.

Saturday May 03, 2025
Saturday May 03, 2025
In this episode of "Profit Sharing in the Real World," host Danny Murphy is joined by Dick Erickson, founder of Sun Tire and author of the book, Profit Sharing in the Real World. Together, they explore the nuances between minority stock ownership and profit sharing, clarifying why these financial incentives impact employees and businesses differently. Erickson shares his personal experiences and challenges with minority stock ownership in a small company,. Learn how he transformed his perspective after visiting Les Schwab and adopted innovative profit-sharing practices that motivated employees at every level. This insightful discussion reveals meaningful strategies to engage and reward teams effectively.

Saturday Apr 19, 2025
Saturday Apr 19, 2025
Welcome to Profit Sharing in the Real World, hosted by Danny Murphy. In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dick Erickson, the founder of Sun Tire and author of Profit Sharing in the Real World. Dick shares his intriguing journey of being labeled an 'idea leech' and how this revelation led to profound success. By observing others, from learning to drive Caterpillar construction equipment to running a thriving tire business, Dick underscores the importance of learning from those around us.
Listen as Dick delves into his innovative approach to profit sharing, drawing inspiration from industry leader Les Schwab Tire. His unique hybrid profit-sharing model not only motivated employees but also enhanced customer loyalty and reduced shrinkage. Discover how these strategies transformed his business and how they might inspire you to implement new ideas for growth. Enhance your understanding of building fruitful relationships, learning continuously, and fostering a supportive environment where everyone benefits.

Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
In this episode of "Profit Sharing in the Real World," host Danny Murphy engages in an insightful conversation with Dick Erickson, founder of Sun Tire and author of the book, "Profit Sharing in the Real World." Dick shares his early experiences with leadership, from learning discipline on a farm with his cousin to undergoing rigorous training in the Marine Corps. He discusses the transition from military to business leadership, emphasizing the importance of listening and adhering to standards. Tune in to hear his journey from being a Marine Corps officer to becoming a leader in the tire industry, where he learned to balance authority with the need to earn trust.