The business was started by Fred Sloat, quite by accident, said his grandson Ronald Sloat of Godfrey’s Pond.

“My grandfather owned both sides of Columbia Avenue where the YWCA is now,” Ronald said. “He bought and sold used cars there, and also worked as an electrician. During the Depression, my grandmother made more money selling used tires than he did as an electrician.”

In 1927, Fred rented a store at 41 W. Main and started selling tires with his son Warren “Bus” Sloat, Ronald’s father. Soon after, he bought the building next door and moved his business. He would take old tires and vulcanize them, Ronald said.

In 1939, a Cooper salesman came into town and talked to Fred about selling new tires.

According to Ronald, the salesman asked Fred if he sold him new tires, how would he know Fred would stick with the company.

“You don’t,” Fred told him, but he sold Sloat eight new tires, anyway.

Seventy years later, about a month ago, Jim Presley, a representative of Cooper Tire, visited Batavia to present Sloat’s with a plaque for 70 years with the company.

“We have to be the oldest Cooper dealer in the world,” said Fred’s great-grandson and current owner Todd Sloat. “They were sold in the United States before they were sold overseas.”

Todd said Cooper tires are a proven and trusted brand, and the company is the only American-owned tire company, although it does have a plant in China.

Many things have changed since Sloats went into business.

Urban Renewal in the 1970s resulted in razing the entire block of Main Street where Sloats did business for 50 years, and it moved to its current location at 5257 Clinton Street Rd.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the dedicated family involvement.

Ronald joined the business in 1960 when he was 19 years old. He had planned to be an accountant until his father asked him to come and help out through the winter, because his grandfather was dying.

“I came to help and never left,” Ronald said.

Ronald shared how he and general manager Dean Cadieux used to drum up business.

“We would go into the bars that had pickup trucks parked in front and give the drivers our business card,” he said. “We visited doctors’ and lawyers’ offices, anybody who might need our services. We offered the best prices and service available.”

When a customer needed a repair or new tires, Sloats would pick up their vehicle and leave them a loaner.

Ronald’s wife Claire joined the business as bookkeeper from 1977 until 2008.

Owner Todd Sloat, 44, is the fourth generation family owner, having taken over when his father Ronald retired and became a consultant to the business.

Todd’s brother Timm is a 19-year employee who takes care of road service and the shop.

Other employees have a history of longevity, as well as the Sloats. General manager Dean Cadieux has 40 years of employment. His brother Dutch, who is operations and sales manager, has 34 years. Calvin Pangrazio Jr. is a 17-year employee who works in road service and the shop; and Dean Cadieux Jr. has worked in the shop and warehouse for 14 years.

Bookkeeper for the last 20 years has been Sheri Rosse, whose husband Dave has three years in the shop and warehouse.

Newest employee is Kyle Pafk, who also works in the shop and warehouse.

Sloats sells and services any tire for everything from lawn mowers to heavy equipment. It offers on-site repairs for the farm and commercial sectors.

Todd and his wife Jeanie have 13-year-old triplets who are already showing an interest in the business, making them the fifth generation of Sloats. Son Lacey likes to help roll tires around and stock inventory, while Jordan places orders on the phone. Larisa has already written work orders for tire sales, Todd said.

“The kids know the family business,” Todd said. “Whether they choose to join it is up to them.” (Tire Review/Akron)