From lawn mower tires and backhoes to tractor trailers and four door sedans, Trenton Tire Wholesale shop, 1735 N. Olden Ave., supplies drivers with whatever tires they need, owner Scott Sandford III said.
“If you’re going to be in the tire business, you might as well be in the tire business. Do everything,” Sandford said.
That’s why the shop doesn’t just stop at supplying tires for average car and sport utility vehicle riding customers. Sandford said he wanted to serve a wider audience, and with his vast knowledge of tires it also keeps things interesting.
Trenton Tire Wholesale officially opened on Jan. 9, 2007, but was first located at 10 Industry Court. It’s Sandford’s first owned business, but he has 35 years experience in the industry, beginning with his first job at General Tires.
He learned from the ground up, being sent on the road daily to change all kinds of tires on that first job, where he also worked with his dad Scott Sandford, the 1965 Mr. Trenton, and brother.
His previous army experience as Motor Sergeant from 1969 to 1972 boosted his interest in automobiles, he said.
“There’s a million cars around,” he said. “I’m just amazed at how many are in the world.”
That fact alone, piqued his interest in the tire business, he said.
“Everybody needs tires and everybody needs a friend in the tire business,” he said.
Sandford tries to be that friend by using a strong moral code, he said.
“If they come here, they know they’re getting a good deal, no matter who it is,” he said. “I take care of them.”
Sandford said he has turned customers away who thought they needed new tires, but in his opinion really didn’t at the moment. “There’s a lot of deception in this business,” he said. “A lot of stories people come up with to make you buy things you don’t need.”
Sandford, 57, a lifelong Ewing resident, said he learned ethical business practices from family members like his grandparents, who owned an ice cream shop and restaurant in Ewing for many years, where Robbins Pharmacy is today.
Family is important to him, and many times his wife Judi and grandson C.J. Cregar, 4, are floating around in the shop helping out. His son, Scotty Sandford, began working full time at the shop at the end of July as well.
The shop stays up to date on the latest trends and keeps affordability a top priority, he said.
“I try to provide the best product for the lowest price that I can give and still make a living,” he said.
For more information, call (609) 895-8811.
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