Tire Brands founder Sanford Midler dies

July 2, 2012

Sanford Midler, 91, former chairman of Tire Brands Inc., a marketer of private brand tires including the Sonic and Saxon brands, died on June 6, 2012 in Atlanta, Ga.

Midler was a founding member of Tire Brands Inc., a national private label tire manufacturer and distributor based in Southfield, Mich., and later in Clearwater, Fla. He was instrumental in developing the company’s leading tire brands, including Sonic and Saxon Tires.

Midler also forged strategic relationships with major tire manufacturers, including Uniroyal, Kelly Springfield and BFGoodrich. Midler served as chairman of the board of Tire Brands for over 20 years until its merger with Big O Tires.

In 1993, Big O Tires Inc. acquired the assets of Tire Brands. The acquisition gave Big O its first major wholesale foothold in the eastern United States and was instrumental in driving Big O's eastward expansion program.

Midler also owned and operated Kiddings Auto and AM Auto Equipment in Ohio and West Virginia for over 50 years. He was preceded by his wife of 56 years, Inez. Surviving him are his sons, Andrew Midler of San Francisco, David Midler of Atlanta, his brother and business partner, Robert Midler of Sarasota, plus three grandchildren.