Founded in 1922 by Italian immigrants Augustino “Gus” Besso and Frank Menante, Reno Vulcanizing began as a small tire and boot repair shop in downtown Reno. Evolving with the city and the rise of automobiles, it became one of the country’s first Goodyear Tire dealerships and is now the oldest continuously operating independent Goodyear dealership in the U.S.
Two generations of the Menante family and three generations of the Besso family grew the business, expanding to North Virginia St, Plumb Lane, and Sparks as the Reno area developed. Today, Reno Vulcanizing operates three full-service automotive and tire locations with modern equipment, focusing on clear communication, customer education, and community commitment. We are proud to have grown with Northern Nevada and honored to continue serving our home community.
1922
Reno Vulcanizing Works is founded by Italian immigrants Augustino “Gus” Besso and Frank Menante at 322 N Virginia St, a 40′ x 20′ “hole in the wall”.
Augustino “Gus” Besso in front of Reno Vulcanizing
1935
In front of the shop at 322 N. Virginia St. – Cars started to become more prominent.
Augustino “Gus” Besso in front of Reno Vulcanizing
1954
Leland and Augustino “Gus” Besso – Two generations of families supporting Reno Vulcanizing
1955
The Besso & Menante families are joined by Goodyear executives for the Grand Opening of the N. Virginia location
The Reno Vulcanizing team in front of the new N Virginia store.
Local Reno newspaper ad with Ralph Menante (left) and Leland Besso.
Ralph, Mrs. Menante, Nevada Besso and Leland Besso
Leland Besso and Ralph Menante with Goodyear Executives
1969
Leland and Ralph open a second location in the spring of 1969, extending a partnership that had grown between them for over 20 years and between their families for almost 50.
1982
Celebrating 60 Years of Reno Vulcanizing with the Besso and Menante families
1986
In 1986, Mitch and Steve Besso purchase their father Leland’s half of the business, bringing it into its third generation of Bessos.
1992
Reno Vulcanizing opens the Prater Way store, expanding the business into Sparks, NV.
2022
Reno Vulcanizing donates a 1929 Model A truck with proceeds supporting three local charities: National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Diabetes Association, and the Veterans Guest House.
2024
Prater Way Manager, Juan Alvarez, accepts award for Certified Auto Repair Service Center of the Year from O’Reilly Auto Parts. The store outperformed more than 30,000 competing stores across the country.
Steve, Mike and Mitch at Pinewood Derby & Employee Appreciation Party
2025
Reno Vulcanizing celebrates Mike Marshall’s 40th Anniversary with the company! Mike has been an integral part of our team for over four decades, demonstrating unmatched automotive skill and leadership to generations of customers and Reno Vulcanizing mechanics.