Tire Industry Pioneer Bob Hepp Dies at 72

Tire industry pioneer Robert George Hepp died May 2, surrounded by his family, after a 40-year tire career. Bob Hepp retired in 2018. Nokian Tyres credits his career as vital to its growth in North America.

From Retail Manager to Tire Industry Pioneer

Bob began his tire career in 1978, managing a Firestone store in Hartford, CT. In 1983, he moved to Vermont and opened University Wholesalers. He built the company into a major regional distributor for Nokian Tyres. After the acquisition, Bob served as …