Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company.
Jason Dias: I started Pit Stop Mobile Tire Shop in October of 2009 (with rocks in my socks and) with an idea that I think will change the tire industry for ever. "Who likes to go to a tire shop?" I thought. Who likes to pay high prices? Here is a business platform that cuts out the expensive retail real-estate that in turn is charged to the customer. Bring the Tire Shop to the customer's location, saving them the time of going to the shop and save them money by not charging top-shelf pricing like the big shops. I currently have two state-of-the-art trucks (www.pitstopmobiletires.com) and one employee.
NNBW: What role do you play in the company?
Dias: I currently manage all operations. My first step was to hire an employee as an expert tire installer and train him the Pit Stop model. My employee Steffen Riersggard is much more that I could ask for; he has a professional demeanor with an extensive knowledge in the automotive industry.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Dias: I truly enjoy working with people and cars. I wanted to bring a service that's honest and dependable. I also think this will change the tire industry, just as Netflix changed the way we watch movies.
NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?
Dias: Tough one ... I started in the restaurant business. My father was the owner of a restaurant and bar in New Jersey for 20 years and as I was the only son in a Portuguese and Italian family (both parents are immigrants) I was peeling shrimp and potatoes at age 10, serving tables by 14 and by 16 had the entire operation under control whether I liked it or not ... which, at the time, I have to admit I did not. Knowing what I know now I cannot thank my father enough. If he only knew the education he provided was so vital to my life today. I left New Jersey on my own while I was still in high school. I signed myself out at 18 years old from Clifton High school and moved to Reno/Tahoe to become a professional snowboarder. I never went pro but I graduated from Wooster High School, became a cosmetologist and worked as a stylist for a few years, then I attended the High Sierra Law Enforcement Academy and became a police officer for 10 years and now I am the tire guy. I have lived a wonderful life.
NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?
Dias: I like being a husband and a father to my daughters. I enjoy taking my girls everywhere with me. I had a third seat installed in my truck; this way my girls could go everywhere with the Pit Stop Mobile Tire Shop. We often go up to Mt. Rose skiing; both of my children have been solo on skis since age 2. I also love boating and spend time on Tahoe.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Dias: I'm still taking advice ... any advice I have it's "Make sure it makes you happy."
NNBW: What person, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with, and why?
Dias: Elon Musk of Tesla Motors. Pit Stop Mobile Tire Shop would provide the infrastructure needed to service the state-of-the-art new motor vehicles the company is providing. I love to see what Elon Musk and his investors are doing and how they are changing the world in which we live.
NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?
Dias: I would like to continue to become smarter, thus making better eating choices that make me thinner thus feeling younger and with education and intelligence I will make better decisions that make me richer.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Dias: "Plenty of time to sleep when you are dead."
NNBW: What do you like most about your job? What do you like least?
Dias: It's my company and I will take it where I want it. No cons right now.
NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?
Dias: I'm good the way I am.
NNBW: What five words would most people use to describe you?
Dias: "Little crazy, but hard working."
The basics:
Name: Jason Anthony Dias, owner of Pit Stop Mobile Tire Shop
How long have you been in this job? I have been in business just over one year.
How long in the profession? I was involved in fleet management for several years prior to starting Pit Stop Mobile Tire Shop.
Education: I have a diverse background: Prior to starting Pit Stop Mobile Tire Shop I was a patrol sergeant with the Storey County Sheriff's Office. I spent approximately 10 years with Storey County Sheriff's Office. During that time I obtained an Advanced Police Officer Standards of Training Certification from the State of Nevada. (This is the highest level of training a police officer can obtain) and an associates degree from Truckee Meadows College. I also have attended the University of Nevada, Reno, for the last four years. (should just finish and obtain my BA). In addition I have a cosmetology license in Nevada and New Jersey, I am a certified drug recognition expert by the International Association of Chief's of Police, and hold many other police certifications.
Best book you've read? "The Prince" by Machiavelli
What's on your iPod? Who has time for an iPod?
The best movie ever? "GoodFellas"
Spouse, kids or pets? Maria S. Dias; daughters Carmela (age 5 going on 15) and Demetra (age 3 going on 16) also Harvey, our Boston terrier.
