Steadman's, A Family of More Than Just Lineage

We were told to post this for a school assignment.

Steadman’s, A Family of More Than Just Lineage

By Amy Staker

 Russell Steadman, manager of an ATV store called Steadman's, sat at a wooden decorated desk, reminiscing of memories and reciting the history of a store filled with both hardships and blessings.

His voice recorded the legacy of his family bygone-- a grandfather’s humble recapping business turned into a motorcycle store by his two sons and continued by other members of the family.

His surroundings noted the liveliness of his family present—a photo of his three smiling platinum-haired children embracing each other to his right, as well as notes lining his computer stating things like  “Rhett is thebomb.com” in front of him. 

There is no doubting that Steadman’s  is a family store.

In 1946, the store began as a little recapping (tire) business in Tooele County. Albert Steadman, the store's creator, didn’t intend to remain in such a small town. He had big plans--plans to move his business to Salt Lake. 

Instead, the store became a place for ATV vehicles and other recreational items.

Albert’s sons were the ones who first came up with the idea of selling recreational vehicles at the store.

“My father went out and rode a little motorcycle and said they’re pretty fun,” Russell Steadman stated.

After this, Russell's father went out and decided to buy motorcycles. In 1972, the property where the store now sits was purchased.

Hard times followed and in the next ten years their business struggled.

Even today, the Steadman family faces challenges because of the economy.

“We sell toys,” Todd Hinton said, accountant and brother-in-law to Russell Steadman.

According to him, in times of economic crisis, toys are not people’s first priorities.

 Still, Steadman’s has been able to survive in the face of bad times, perhaps because of the family attitude carried by the employees.

Natalie, a woman from Granstville standing in the store, spoke about the friendship she’d had with the Steadman’s and their caring attitude.

“When I think Steadman’s, it’s like a smile on your face,” she said.

Russell Steadman sat at his desk, talking about the memories he’d had of the store. He pulled out a little book written by a young boy. This boy had been given an ATV vehicle, donated by Steadman’s, until he died of a brain tumor shortly after.

Inside the book, a simple note was written from the parents, thanking the business for what Steadman’s had done for their child.

“That was my most memorable experience,” Russell Steadman said.

Employees, customers, friends—are all part of the Steadman family, a family of more than just lineage.