Sturdy Built Trailer Parts was established as a Family owned and operated business in early 1989; when an idea that John Norwood had was turned into reality. A welder by trade, John, along with wife Debbie as the key saleswoman, started with a small selection of parts needed to satisfy the initial small gathering of customers that came to replace parts on their trailers he had built, their business began growing exponentially each year. Neighbors quickly turned into loyal customers, as did their families and friends. Word spread fast as the Norwoods offered items that were previously out of reach for the working class, at exceptional prices. As the desire to satisfy the needs of returning customers increased, so did the product offerings. After years of continued hard work, the relentless sales efforts of Debbie and the innovative fabricating of John, searching out new parts to sell, and taking up every inch of limited space in the garage, the Norwood family felt the desire to move Sturdy Built to its first retail location in Bradenton. From 2002 to 2021, this retail location had established itself as a true reminder of achievement due to hard work and diligence. How could they know at the time that these efforts 23 years later would translate to international customers from Australia, Europe, as well as all over the nation, would dial their number to ask for them by name.
The new space allowed Sturdy Built to carry a much larger inventory of parts, therefore encouraging a broader range of walk-in customers and fulfilling the needs of both the working class and the outdoorsman. Sturdy Built Trailer Parts now offers a vast inventory that encompasses all sorts of trailer parts; outfitting utility, enclosed, horse, and boat trailers in all shapes and sizes. The addition of online web sales has only further expanded Sturdy Built's reach to the national and international arena. With the addition of several more employees, as a team, we strive to provide the same family-owned and operated service that was once done out of the garage many years ago. It is our goal to serve every single customer with the respect and care demanded and required of us. Our drive to achieve the best result for the customer is undeniable, as is our willingness to go the extra mile.
In 2019, 30 years after Sturdy Built was started in the garage of the Norwood household in Bradenton Florida, the family expanded the business into a brand new 34,000 square foot warehouse in order to store the impressive volume of trailer parts inventory. With this move, Sturdy Built has also grown as a family of co-workers and friends. What started out as fewer than 4 employees at the opening of their first retail store, has now grown to over 40 dedicated individuals at the grand opening of their newest location. Recommendations of Family members and Friends remains as the main driving point for new employees at Sturdy Built, and John and Debbie regard each new hire as a true part of the family. Similarly, many new customers are still finding out about the business through word of mouth by recommendations from their neighbors and relatives. The new location has a Retail Storefront which continues to provide service for the local Manatee-Sarasota County Community, and is staffed with a knowledgeable and upstanding retail team dedicated to making each customer feel like part of the family. The warehouse section toward the back of the building houses a state-of-the-art ecommerce fulfillment center, which ships orders to the always expanding customer base all over the country and across the globe.
We have proudly partnered with Suncoast Aqua Ventures to support the protection and cleanliness of our local marine environment, as well as the charitable sponsorship of Shriner's Hospital and All Children's Hospital. Suncoast Aqua Ventures launches Beach and Reef clean ups in the Manatee and Sarasota Area with the gathered support of local businesses and volunteers. Additionally, the yearly Gene Cloud Memorial Spearfishing Tournament, supporting Shriner's Hospital and All Children's Hospital, with combined efforts from hundreds of local businesses and individuals, has donated over $60,000. Such an Awesome Event! While Trailer Parts is our business, we all love Boating, Fishing, and Diving these beautiful Gulf Waters. Each Year this relationship grows, and the impact these efforts have increases. Check Out Suncoast Aqua Ventures Website for more details on this project, additional partners, and upcoming events.
Collectively all the facets of Sturdy Built Trailer parts strive for excellence and continued learning in all areas. From international, national, and local phone calls to walk-in customers, our goal is to bridge the gap constantly between the seller and the end consumer. We seek to provide a comfortable and easy purchasing process, and furthermore assist with any issues to ensure smooth solutions and a positive shopping experience. We welcome any comment s or questions you may have on ways we can assist, improve, or educate, as we strive to grow by getting better and better every day at serving you! Our Retail Store proudly serves Manatee County, Sarasota County, and other surrounding counties with friendly and knowledgeable parts service. Our Palmetto location is conveniently located off I-75 and 301 North to accommodate the trailer parts needs of customers north of us in Ruskin, Apollo Beach, St. Pete, Largo, Clearwater, Brandon and Tampa, and also customers who are south of us in Bradenton, Sarasota, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice and North Port.