A History of Service: The Rubber-Inc Story
As a family-owned and operated business for three generations, Rubber-Inc is a nationwide warehouse distributor of top-tier tools, equipment, supplies, and tire materials, delivering the personalized service of a local partner.
For over 80 years, we strive to provide the highest quality products and services to the automotive, commercial, and off-the-road industries. Our goal is to combine the care and attention of a family-owned business with the reach of a national distributor, providing the personalized service and quality products our customers need to operate profitably.
As a single source for companies in the tire industry, we provide everything from balancing tools to alignment equipment, retreading materials to shop tools, chemicals to valves, and everything in between.
This is our story.
The Early Years
In the first half of the 20th century, the American manufacturing industry was booming, increasing the demand for businesses to support and sustain this growth. Recognizing an opportunity, Paul and Ann Budney founded Rubber-Inc as a warehouse distributor in 1939.
Joe Nolan
A Family Business
Six decades later, Rubber-Inc continues to grow by building a brand that provides quality service at a fair price.
In 1965, Joe Nolan acquired the business and put an emphasis on Rubber-Inc’s commitment to building meaningful relationships. The family dynamic continued, with Nolan’s stepson, Tony Maffia, coming on board in 1977. In 2004, Tony’s son, Joe (named after Joe Nolan), joined the company, giving us a third generation of family ownership and operation.
We will always be proud of our family foundation. It allows us to continue to provide the kind of high-touch service our customers have grown to expect.
The Formation of Ascot Supply
In 1968, Rubber-Inc expanded its family by joining forces with five tire supply companies across the country to form Ascot Supply Corporation. The founding of Ascot gave Rubber-Inc even more leverage when dealing with manufacturers and suppliers, allowing us to lower costs and provide greater value to our customers.
Ascot Supply Corporation, 1968
Growth and Development
To keep up with increased demand, we gradually grew and expanded. By continually focusing on quality products and unmatched service, we have continued to build a solid business with loyal customers.
Seven years after Joe Nolan purchased the business, we had outgrown our original location on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, and in 1972, we moved to a new location just down the street.
Then, in 1999, our St. Louis, MO branch opened its doors as our second location. In 2006, we acquired Grey Products in Durand, WI, which became our third location, and then, in 2023, we opened a Charlotte, NC branch.
Finally, in 2024, we moved our headquarters to Romeoville, IL, a suburb of Chicago. This move allowed us to meet the demands of a growing business and align with our commitment to operational excellence.
This newer and larger facility allows us to enhance our efficiency and provide more amenities for our amazing team.
Romeoville, IL (Our new Chicagoland Headquarters)
St. Louis, MO Branch
Durand, WI Branch
Charlotte, NC Branch
Only the Best Will Do
At Rubber-Inc, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the very best. We understand they demand quality, which is why we only source top-tier products. Our global network sources top-of-the-line products and materials from more than 100 suppliers.
But while product is important, our biggest strength lies in our expertise. We are consultants in all things tire-related, and our regular continuing education programs ensure that everyone at Rubber-Inc can speak knowledgeably about our offerings.
We use our expertise to find the best possible solution for every need, provide expert consultative services, and deliver the right product as quickly as possible. Orders are packed and processed daily at one of our four locations, enabling us to deliver goods to most customers nationwide within 1-2 business days.
If we haven’t had the opportunity to work together yet, we’d love the chance to serve you and earn your trust.