About Us

After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945, Murray M. Jacobs and his new bride, 'Jackie,' left Brooklyn, New York for their new home in St. Petersburg, Florida. They opened "Jackie & Murray's Sunset Beach Playground," where they served hot dogs for 10¢ and a cold beer for only 25¢.

During the 2 years of owning & operating the restaurant, Murray found himself reacquainted with his Uncle Mo Bilchick, who had himself retired from the rubber business in Brooklyn. With Uncle Mo's help Murray established his own rubber business in February of 1948 and Goodyear Rubber Products' first storefront was opened at 2734 Central Avenue.

The business was a family affair: Murray's mother handled the books, Jackie's dad handled the customers, Jackie herself answered the phone, and young Murray loaded up his station wagon each morning with garden hose, matting, rainwear and gloves, and circled his route of 'Mom-Pop' hardware strores. Murray made monthly rounds North to Port Richey, South to Venice, and East to Lakeland heralding his motto, "IF IT'S RUBBER, WE HAVE IT!"

As the years passed, Murray Jacobs offered his wide range of industrial rubber products to the neighboring cities and counties. The emergence of industry along the West Central coast of Florida inspired Murray to become a key supplier of a wide range of industrial rubber products for the region's growing markets.

In 1986 Murray M. Jacobs passed away, and Jackie once again found herself active in the business. With her son, Bob, at her side they began moving toward expansion. Goodyear Rubber Products' first satellite location was opened in 1991 in Clearwater. 1995 saw the opening of the Fort Myers Parker Store, followed by Parker stores in Bradenton and Tampa in 2000. Along the way an exciting new concept was developing: the "Hose Doctor," a mobile van equipped to fabricate and install hoses on the job site!

In 2000 Jackie passed away leaving a legacy behind her. With Bob 'at the helm,' surrounding himself with a hard-working & talented crew, the 'Goodyear Family' lives on.

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