Flip’s Tire and Performance Center, located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, was founded by Philip “Flip” Smith in October 1988. At Flip’s Tire, our mission is to provide each customer with unparalleled customer service and to do our part to help the community.
With the sudden passing of Flip in June, 2008, his family was faced
with the difficult decision of what to do next. As Flip’s two
children who grew up in our Dad’s tire store, we knew how much
this company and his customers meant to him. It did not take long for
us to decide that we had to Keep Flip’s Tire Rolling.
We are 4th Generation tire store operators, and we are proud to be
carrying on our Dad’s legacy. When you visit Flip’s Tire,
you will still feel the warmth, integrity, honesty and pride that Flip
always displayed, and you will be treated like a member of our family.
We are dedicated to continuing to provide you with the latest trends in
auto accessories and customizing while always keeping your car safe and
tires in the best condition possible. We carry only the highest quality
products at the most affordable prices.
Visit us today and discover the Flip’s Tire Family difference.
Shawn Smith – President & Co-owner
Shawn Smith, Flip’s son, is definitely not new to the tire business. In fact, he joined his dad at the tire store on Saturdays from the time he was about 5 years old and has been in the business ever since. Shawn’s inspiring energy and heartfelt dedication to the ongoing success of Flip’s Tire make him the perfect new leader of the company. When Shawn is not at Flip’s, you can probably find him riding his Harley to the beach, dirt bike riding in the desert with his devoted friends, or playing a round of golf at a nearby course. This guy is in perpetual motion and makes every second count.
Dave Doyle – Mechanic
Flip’s Tire’s Lead Mechanic, Dave Doyle, has worked at
Flip’s Tire since its inception and before that, he worked with
Flip at Globe Tire. Altogether, he has been an integral part of our
team for 27 years. Dave has a natural gift with cars and is one of the
best mechanics in the industry. We are truly blessed to have him here
at Flip’s.
We asked Dave what he loves most about what he does, and he replied,
“it's the customers that I enjoy and the co-workers that keep me
in business. We have some of the best customers, so friendly and
appreciative of what I / we do for them. Flip’s is a great place
to work.”
We also asked Dave to share some memories about Flip. “ I really
enjoyed spending time with Flip after work. We used to go water skiing
and spending time on the lake. Flip was like a father to me. I could
always be open and honest with Flip and he would help me out with any
problems I might have, he always had a comforting word to say when I
was feeling down. I could rely on him for anything and everything. Flip
was always up beat and had a positive attitude. I looked forward to
seeing him before, during, and after work. Our families have always
been close. We would have family BBQ's and get togethers. I'm so
thankful for all he has done for me all these years, and I miss him so
very much.”
When Dave is not at Flip’s solving mechanical problems, you can
find him riding his Harley with his wife, and spending vacations in
Maui and Kauai. He also enjoys hanging out with his best bud, Nitro,
his 2 year old Lab.
A final comment from Dave…”At Flips tire my customers mean
a lot to me, their needs are important to me as well as their safety.
I'd like to thank all of my customers for their loyalty and dedication
to Flip’s Tire. We truly care about our customers and hope to see
them return year after year.”
Dean Simpson – Office Manager
Dean Simpson has worked at Flips for 18 years. He is responsible for
all aspects of accounting (receivables, payables & payroll etc). He
is also responsible for inventory control and covers for the salesmen
when they are out of the office.
When asked about his fondest memories of Flip, Dean replied "Flip was
always like a second father to me and was my first employer when fresh
of the boat from England. No matter how busy Flip was he would always
make time to listen and advise me with any problems of my own. He even
took time one Sunday to help me buy ski boots! One of my fun memories
of Flip was being involved in a couple of football bets with him in
which he boasted I could never win because, being British I knew
nothing about the American game. And, of course I won!"
When not working at Flip's, Dean likes to travel and visit different
places of interest, mainly historical places. He likes museums,
especially history museums. He tries to stay fit and healthy at the gym
4 or 5 times a week although a good microbrew or wine tasting tour
doesn’t go amiss once in a while!
As mentioned, Dean is the British import at Flip’s. he has been
married for 5 years with no kids, however his wife keeps requesting
one! Either that or a dog!
We are so thankful for all that Dean does to keep Flip's Tire running
so smoothly.
Kristin Dietz – Vice President & Co-owner
Like her brother, Kristin basically grew up at the tire store. She spent many weekends playing in the tire warehouse and helping out. Her first “real” job was at 14 years old as the bookkeeper of the North Hollywood Globe Tire, one of several tire stores then managed by Flip. She learned early on that she had a knack for numbers and loved to balance the books, pay the bills, and serve as cashier. Kristin’s love for numbers led her to a career as a CPA. She has spent the last 18 years providing accounting services to businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. Kristin’s involvement at Flip’s Tire is more “behind the scenes”, stopping by on a weekly basis to review the finances and catch up with the Flip’s Tire team. She is proud to be doing her part to keep Flip’s Tire rolling, and she loves working with her brother and all of the dedicated staff!
Dave Karasaferrian – Inside Sales
David
Karasseferian has been with Flip's Tire for 14 years and has come
to be known as one of the friendly faces at the front
counter. One thing David enjoys most about working at Flip's
is the relationships he has with our customers. He always has a
smile and is willing to help. When not helping customers at
Flip's Tire, Dave likes to have summertime fun on his boat, play
volleyball, and play with his son (and has a daughter on the way).
We asked David to share a funny memory about
Flip. He readily shared a story to show just how far
customers will go to get a deal:
"We had a gentleman come in one day saying “I’m a good
friend of Flip’s...what is your best deal on
tires?” After giving him a great price on a
tire, he continues with “Remember, Flip is a good friend. Is that
the best you can do?” I said, “Well, you can ask him
yourself he is standing right next to you!!” At that point,
he gave Flip the once over and said “When did you grow the
beard?” “About 15 year ago,” said
Flip. If memory serves, we still got the sale and the
Flip’s Tire Center family made a NEW friend!!
Menfil Orozco – Performance expert
Sylvester Garcia - Mechanic
Sergio Orozco – Mechanic
