ASHTABULA —
Tom Eden has always loved cars, so owning his own auto parts store seemed a natural choice 36 years ago.
“You’ve got to love cars to be in this business; they seem to get in your blood,” said Eden, who owns Lant-Ashtabula Auto Parts, 1538 W. Prospect Road, along with his wife, Cathy.
In 1974, Eden was working in sales for an auto-parts warehouse in Cleveland when the opportunity came to purchase Lant Auto Parts.
“Lant was one of our customers, and I heard the owners wanted out, and I wanted in,” he said.
The keys to Lant’s success are experience, knowledge, quality products, reasonable prices and excellent customer service.
“The experience I have is more than the area big-box stores, combined,” Eden said. “Plus, I maintain my catalogue racks. If the box stores’ computers go down, they have to lock the doors.”
Eden is also proud of his vast inventory and the fact his store is a full-service parts store.
Machinist David Peek of Ashtabula has worked at Lant Auto Parts, repairing parts for 10 years.
“David is my right-hand man,” Eden said.
Originally from Cleveland, Peek had a desire to work in a parts store for many years but did not get the opportunity until he moved to Ashtabula.
“I am certified in engine rebuilding and can fix anything that comes through here,” Peek said.
Besides quality name-brand auto parts, Lant also sells and mixes paint and sells tools for the home mechanic and tools for body shops, plus plenty of car-care and some performance items.
“This has been a good business for myself and my family. During the summers, our children always had a good job working here,” Eden said. “For me, it has been enjoyable because every day is different.”
Over the years, Lant Auto Parts has sponsored some local race cars, and demolition cars that have competed in the Ashtabula County Fair demolition derby.
Lant Auto Parts always has made it a practice to give back to the community through charity events.
“I’m always giving stuff away and making donations to help other people,” Eden said.
“I have always lived by the golden rule: ‘Treat others as you would want to be treated,’” he said.
The business’ hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday. For further information, call 440-998-7020.
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