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2026 Event
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FAQ
What is Traction Summit?
Traction Summit is the definitive meeting place to discuss and understand future opportunities for tires and to make the connections needed to capitalize on those prospects. This event is the perfect place to network with industry insiders, hear ideas and insights from different parts of the supply chain, and learn about innovations, growth opportunities, and the latest trends.
Who Attends Traction Summit?
A unique blend of speakers and attendees from throughout the full tire supply chain, including the world’s leading tire manufacturers, aftermarket, and OEMs, attend Traction Summit,making it unlike any conference in the tire sector.
Josh Guilliams, Vice President of Consultancy, leads Smithers’ technical consulting team based in Akron, Ohio. Josh manages client relationships and works with other Smithers experts on complex projects. He also conducts in-depth investigations of a wide variety of rubber materials and final products on behalf of clients.
Before joining the team at Smithers, Guilliams spent several years in leadership at Polymer Valley Chemicals, Inc., as Technical Director and Vice President of Technical Operations. Prior to his time at Polymer Valley Chemicals, he held technical and commercial roles at Hankook Tire, EASTMAN Chemical Corporation, LANXESS Corporation, and Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.
With a diverse background in environmental law, policy, communications, non-profits, and business, Andy provides a unique perspective on strategy and execution for realizing sustainability impacts. He holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia, a M.S.E.L. from Vermont Law School, and J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Bio coming soon!
Jay is the Director of Standards and Regulations for Continental Tire, the Americas located in Fort Mill, SC. He is responsible for all tire regulatory and standardization work throughout North and South America and represents Continental within numerous industry organizations including the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the Tire and Rim Association. Jay has been with Continental for over 15 years with leadership roles in product development, technical product management and racing development. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineer from Clemson University - home of the 2016 College Football National Champions.
John began his career with Discount Tire Company in May of 2012 at the Corporate Office. John’s role for Discount Tire includes overseeing all aspects of Merchandising (sourcing, purchasing, assortment planning, retail pricing) for the company, Vendor Relationship Management of all tire, wheel, and non-merchandise vendors, and the Product Technical Team, which includes the Product Data Analytics group, the Product Quality Team, and the Product Fitment Team, which manages the Treadwell and the tire/wheel fitment guide. Prior to joining Discount Tire, John worked for Exponent, a scientific and engineering consulting firm. Before Exponent, John worked in the Research Laboratory of Ford Motor Company, where he became internationally recognized for his research on the topics of tire aging, tire test development, tire service life prediction, and the use of nitrogen as a tire inflation media. John has authored/presented over 40 papers on tire testing, has lectured in Europe and Asia, and holds 3 U.S. Patents.
Academic Credentials and Professional Honors
Ph.D., Polymer Science, The University of Akron, 1992
B.S., Chemistry, The University of Detroit, 1986
2009 Sparks-Thomas Award given by the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society for ‘outstanding contribution to the science and technology of elastomers’.
Member of Sigma Xi; Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt
Former Adjunct Associate Professor of Chemistry, Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan
Brent developed the foundation for the EV practice at J.D. Power through the creation of the company’s suite of electric vehicle experience studies. He utilizes voice of customer feedback and subject matter expertise to provide critical insights for helping the automotive industry transition to electrification through improving charging infrastructure and EV products.
Previously at J.D. Power, Mr. Gruber led the company’s Powersports, Commercial Vehicle, and most recently, Global Automotive Supplier practices. Brent was responsible for all sales, research and consulting activities involving those industries.
Brent sits on several automotive industry advisory boards, frequently speaks at industry events, and routinely conducts media interviews about automotive products and emerging trends. Prior to joining J.D. Power in 2008, Brent held senior level positions at research and consulting firms, focusing on product and service improvements based on voice of customer feedback.
Position your company as an industry leader in front of key decision makers at the event.
Choose from one of our standard sponsorship packages, or work with us to create a custom package tailored to meet your unique goals and budget.
Smithers has been in the Tire testing market since the 1920’s and has a very strong brand for independent expert opinion on tire performance. Along with presenting leading industry information at Traction Summit, with over 90 years of expertise in rubber testing, Smithers provides custom tire analysis and standard testing to meet your requirements. Learn More
