Belardinelli Tire Celebrates 50 Years in Bethel

For half a century, Belardinelli Tire has provided Bethel with "good quailty products and excellent customer service."

"Did I ever think I’d grow to be this big? Absolutely not," Owner Tulio Berlardinelli said. "But God has been good to me and I have a lot of my family working here with me. This was my goal; to have a family business."

Both of Berlardinelli’s daughters Sharon Johnson and Lisa Taylor work along side him, as does Taylor’s husband Michael. Berlardinell’s grandsons Dylan Matthews, Jared Matthews and Zachary Taylor have also started working for thier grandfather, who said he'd like to see them to take over the business some day.

"Being where we are today is amazing, it really is," Belardinelli said.

After getting into the tire business after working for a friend's father, Berlardinelli opened his own businness in July of 1961 on Fleetwood Avenue. 

“We sold a lot of old, used tires and that’s how we got started," he said.

In 1965, Belardinelli purchased land at his current location at 7 Beach St. and reopened, expanding his space over the next 15 years by adding more buildings and an office area.

Belardinelli Tire also has expanded its services over the years. Besides selling tires and specializing in tire maintaince, their services include emissions testing, batteries, belts and hose inspection, heating and air conditioning, disc brake service, oil/lube and filters, shocks, struts and more.

"I’ve had tough times, but I’ve stuck it out," Belardinelli said. 

He said the key to Belarinelli Tire's success was focusing on the customer.

"Treat the people the way you want to be treated," he said. "Be good to the customer, treat them well. I've found that most of my business spread through word of mouth."

Belardinelli has also been involved in countless area organizations including the Lions Club, the Exchange Club of Bethel, the American Legion and working as a volunteer fireman for almost 50 years. 

"I always try to give back to the community," Belardinelli said. "Whatever I can do for Bethel, I do it. It’s all about Bethel."

His daughter Lisa Taylor, who is co-owner and Belardinelli Tire's office manager, said her father's hard work and involvement in the community set the example for everyone in the family.

"I saw all that growing up; that it’s important to participate in your community," Taylor said. "[My father] is the 'go-to-guy.' Whenever someone has a fundraiser or needs some help in the community, they come to Tulio."

Along with her father, Taylor also cited Belardinelli Tire's consistant customer service as their reason for lasting for the past 50 years.

"We always provide good products and services and excellent customer service," she said. "We really appreciate our loyal customers. They've help us be a successful business."

Belardinelli Tire will be celebrating its anniversary today from 11-2 p.m. with a cookout, live music from Billy Michael and giveaways. The rain date will be the following Friday at the same time.

For more information about Belardinelli Tire, visit their website at belardinellitire.com.