In 1983 Tom and Terri Tornatta plunged into business ownership bringing a branch of an Owensboro based Shelby’s Wheel & Tire to the Evansville community. Tom had over 7 years experience in management of a competitor's tire company, and decided to make a go at owning a first rate tire business of his own. A business that looks after people and builds friendships quicker than profits was and is the focus of his business model. And more than twenty years later he owns two successful Tornatta Tire locations on two of the busiest streets in Evansville, IN.
     In the early 1990’s Shelby’s switched to Tornatta Tire Inc. placing son Troy Tornatta and future son-in-law George “Buster” Grayson into the mix. When the time was right, in the summer of 1996, Tornatta Tire expanded to the west side of Evansville. Even though it was Tom’s old stomping grounds, Troy managed the operation.
     To the present Tom still sells the tires and Terri still does the accounting. Troy still manages Tornatta West and Buster keeps Tom in line at Tornatta East. The family business has 14 employees recognizing Mike Woolston on his 20th and Anthony Byerson on his 10th year of service.