The story of Community Wholesale Tire and the ITD marketing group begins over 100 years ago on April 6th, 1906, with the birth of Michael A. Berra. A first generation American, Mike grew up in an Italian community in St. Louis known as “The Hill.”  Upon the death of his mother from tuberculosis, Mike had to quit school after the 8th grade in order to take a job to help support his family. For the next six years he toiled in menial jobs that included labeling boxes at a pasta company, hammering heels into shoes, and filling sandbags on a WPA project to reroute the Des Peres River.

In 1928, at the age of 22, Mike opened a Sinclair Service Station on the corner of Kingshighway and Shaw.  After seven years owning and operating the Kings-Shaw Super Station, Mike took a big risk and sold the station in order to start Community Tire Company. At its inception in 1935, Community Tire sold new and used tires, batteries, and had one mold for repairing used tires.

Through years and years of hard work, long work days, seven day work weeks and personal and family sacrifice, Mike built Community Tire Company into one of the largest retreading and commercial tire businesses in the Midwest.  As the second generation of the Berra family became involved in the business, Community Tire Company’s retread and wholesale elements began to take on their own distinct identities.  Michael took over Community Tire Retreading, which specializes in giant off-the-road retreading, as well as truck retreading and section repair. Phil become responsible for Community Wholesale Tire, which now distributes a wide range of tires from its warehouses in St. Louis and Kansas City to dealers throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa and Indiana.

In 2006, Community Tire Company split, and Community Tire Retreading and Community Wholesale Tire became separate corporations. Community Wholesale Tire’s third generation, Andy Berra, is now working with Phil as the Company celebrates its 75th anniversary.

One important reason for the growth of the wholesale business was the creation of the Independent Tire Dealers (ITD) marketing group in 1995.  ITD was founded on the premise that a united group of independent tire dealers could better compete with the chain retailers.  By marketing under the ITD name, a tire dealer is able to offer a large selection of products at competitive prices, while at the same time remaining locally owned and operated.  Like the Community Tire Company, ITD has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings.  What started as a small local ad group has become a proud brand representing over 350 independent tire dealers in a four state area.

As the 21st century rolls on, the future is bright for Community Wholesale and ITD. In 2006, the Company relocated its headquarters from its downtown location to an 185,000 square foot facility in Hazelwood, and the Kansas City operation relocated into a larger 160,000 square foot building. In 2010, the Hazelwood location started expanding with an additional 60,000 square feet of warehouse. Our progress will help ensure the continued growth of Community Wholesale Tire and ITD.

Although the company has changed significantly since 1935, the commitment to hard work and innovation has remained the same. Community Wholesale Tire Staff and the ITD Group have been serving our customers for over 75 years.