As we celebrate our 60th year in business, the Steele family reflects on the legacy left by our founder and the remarkable journey that has brought us to this milestone. In honor of this occasion, we embarked on a journey through our rich history, documenting the pivotal moments and milestones that have defined Steele Rubber Products. Join us as we take a brief but insightful look at our past, highlighting the people, values, and innovations that continue to shape our future.
1958
Where It All Started
In 1958, Steele Rubber Products founder, Lynn Steele, began a small shop in the Detroit, MI area called ‘Spinster’ that manufactured high performance racing go-carts. As time went on, there was an evolution that took him and his business through tool and die work and into the automotive and restoration industries.
Mid 1960’s
Car People Making Car Parts
Lynn was in process of restoring a 1931 Cadillac V12 Town Car in the mid-1960s. Lynn progressed through the early stages of restoration, doing much of the work himself. The restoration stalled when he could not find a source for the weatherstripping and rubber parts.
Along the industrial strip where Lynn’s shop was located, was a rubber molding company. Using his tool and die talent, Lynn made his own molds, rented time on the rubber presses and produced what he needed for his car. He found that he was not the only one struggling to find rubber parts for his restoration needs. So, he began selling his parts to friends and members of the clubs he was in, the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA). As word of his quality parts got around, Steele Rubber Products was born.
1975
North Carolina Roots
In 1975, Lynn decided to move his family and business to Denver, NC where the company still resides.
In 1985, Lynn’s son-in-law, Matt Agosta, took over as company president and the company began its second generation of managers and owners. For the next thirty-five years, the tradition of customer satisfaction never wavered as the company created thousands of new parts, with improved manufacturing and marketing methods.
1970’s-NOW
Swap Meet Trailer Evolution
Since our inception, Swap Meets have played a critical role in our success at Steele Rubber Products. Not only do these events allow us to connect directly with our valued customers, but they also provide us with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow industry leaders, share insights, and expand our network of friends and colleagues. As we continue to attend these gatherings, we remain grateful for the connections we’ve made and the invaluable role they’ve played in our growth and development.
1970’s-NOW
The Legacy Continues
Steele Rubber Products has remained in the same location that Lynn moved it to in 1975. Today, the company is led by President Joanna Agosta Shere, a third-generation family member, and is still owned and operated by Lynn’s children, grandchildren, and extended family. As Steele Rubber Products looks to the future, the third generation of the family, along with over 60 employees, remain dedicated to Lynn’s passion for producing high-quality parts and weatherstripping.
While Lynn’s legacy continues in the automotive restoration hobby, we have also expanded our product line to include parts for the Camper/RV/Trailer industry, commercial and recreational boats in the Marine industry, Service Vehicles like firetrucks and ambulances, and a large selection of parts commonly needed for the Street Rod and Custom vehicles.
As a family-owned business, we cannot thank our customers and friends in the industry enough for all the support, making our 60+ years possible.
At Steele, we’re more than just high-quality products, we’re your trusted resource for completing your weatherstripping projects with confidence.
Whether you’re working on a classic car or truck, street rod, RV, or boat, our expert team is here to help. If you have questions about weatherstripping or need product guidance, we’re just a call or click away.
📞 Call us at 800-650-4482
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