THESE DEALERS THRIVE IN SPECIALTY TIRE NICHE.

AKRON--Fifteen years ago, Ron Brutt decided he needed to do something different with his Goodyear dealership if he wanted to stay competitive in his market.

He had established two tire and automotive service centers in Pittsburgh seven years earlier, but the city's economic climate didn't offer much potential for a small, independent retailer to grow.

But as some customers came into his stores looking for lawn mower tires, an idea dawned on him--why not carry specialty tires, which most people eventually need, but few tire dealers offer?

Mr. B