SARASOTA, Fla.—Bruno Wessel, founder of Bruno Wessel Inc. and a proponent of the value of studded winter tires throughout his 40-plus-year industry career, died Aug. 2 at age 81 in Sarasota.
Born in White Plains, N.Y., Mr. Wessel started in the tire industry in 1972 selling tire studs and studding equipment door to door primarily in the Northeast. Within a short period of time he had expanded his business to the entire North American market.
He was known as “super stud” when he started giving awards to top distributors. The award is still presented by the Northwest Tire Dealers Association to the top tire dealers in the Northwest. Mr. Wessel opened a Canadian branch in London, Ontario, in 1978.
Bruno Wessel Inc. is now owned and managed by his son Garry Wessel. The Canadian branch is managed by Jeff Smith, who started with the Wessel family 25 years ago.
Preceded in death by his wife Bjorg, Mr. Wessel is survived by his sons Garry and Rolf (Tina); daughters Elizabeth (Joe) McKeon and Vivian Wessel; 10 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.