Board Member Spotlight: Tim Painter
Tim Painter: Plant Manager, Bridgestone Manufacturing, Warren County, Tennessee
With nearly four decades of service to one of the Upper Cumberland’s largest employers, Tim Painter embodies the spirit of commitment, craftsmanship, and community that define both Bridgestone Manufacturing and the Upper Cumberland region.
A Tennessee native and Tennessee Tech University graduate (Class of 1987), Tim joined Bridgestone two years before the Morrison facility opened. This October marks his 37th anniversary with the company—a milestone that reflects not only personal dedication, but also a deep connection to the people and place he serves.
Today, as Plant Manager of the Morrison facility—home to more than 1,100 employees—Tim leads with an emphasis on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Each day begins with a structured focus on the fundamentals: ensuring every team member returns home safely, maintaining the highest standards of product excellence, and meeting performance goals that keep the facility a flagship within Bridgestone’s global network. Yet, no two days are ever the same.
“People are people, no matter what,” Tim says. “On any given day, you’re solving challenges, supporting individuals, and helping teams succeed. Whether it’s an engineer or a housekeeping member, everyone’s role matters. If one piece is missing, the whole operation feels it.”
That belief in the importance of every individual carries through to his work on the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board (UCLWDB). This opportunity serves as a natural extension of his commitment to developing people. “The board’s purpose aligns closely with what we do at Bridgestone,” he explains. “It’s about helping people gain the skills and opportunities they need to build successful careers—and helping our communities thrive.”
Tim’s leadership perspective is shaped by years of hands-on experience. From his early days as an operator to his rise through the ranks of management, he’s witnessed how mentorship, training, and shared knowledge can transform lives and workplaces alike. As Bridgestone’s workforce matures, Tim places strong emphasis on passing down institutional knowledge to the next generation—ensuring that decades of skill and craftsmanship aren’t lost as veteran employees retire.
When it comes to the region’s future, Tim is passionate about preparing young people for sustainable, meaningful work close to home. “We need to help students understand what’s really out there,” he says. “Manufacturing today isn’t what people imagine—it’s highly technical and incredibly rewarding. These are careers that let families stay and build a life here.”
Beyond Bridgestone, Tim and his family also operate a small business—a retail apparel and gift shop located on the square in Manchester, Tennessee. The venture, launched in 2019, reflects his family’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to supporting local commerce.
When asked what keeps him motivated—both in the plant and on the board—Tim’s answer is simple: “We have a responsibility to share what we’ve learned and help others grow. If we can make people successful and build their trust, everything else follows.”
As a UCLWDB member, Tim continues to bring that steady, solutions-oriented mindset to regional workforce discussions. His insight bridges the realities of modern manufacturing with the broader goal of ensuring that the Upper Cumberland’s rural communities remain strong, resilient, and ready for the future.
Bridgestone, Warren County
Located in Morrison, Tennessee, the Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Warren County Plant stands as both an industrial landmark and a valued community partner. Known not only for its world-class manufacturing but also for its beautifully maintained grounds, the facility reflects Bridgestone’s enduring commitment to excellence and stewardship. Through strong partnerships with local schools and technical programs, the plant invests in education and workforce readiness—offering students hands-on learning in the onsite educational building, career exploration, and pathways to rewarding manufacturing careers. This dedication to both quality and community has made the Warren County facility a point of pride for residents and an inspiring example of collaboration between industry and education in the Upper Cumberland.
