Abe Goldstein and Prior Tire

Abe Goldstein (1892-1982) was born in Atlanta, the son of Charles and Betsy Goldstein. In 1920, with the help of partner Sam Levy, Abe Goldstein founded Prior Tire.

In 1921, Abe Goldstein married Rubye Eplan. On October 25, 1925, they had a son, Leon Goldstein. Leon would later take over Prior Tire from his father.

Goldstein was active in the business community as the president of the Atlanta Tire Dealers and Georgia State Tire Dealers.

In 1932, Prior Tire became the first private business in Atlanta to hire African Americans to sales positions.

Although he faced some resistance from other businessmen and customers, Goldstein hired Obie Smith to work in sales, asserting that Smith was capable and qualified for the position.

Prior Tire Company continued to thrive, even in the midst of the Great Depression. The business moved to a new location in 1936.

Pior Tires largest location was on the corner of Peachtree and Pine Streets in downtown Atlanta, pictured here in 1955.

Part of Prior Tire's success was secured through clever marketing campaigns and dedication to customer service. Prior Tire became known for offering 24/7 service.

Prior Tire was committed to serving its customers when they were in need, which often meant helping people with their cars at night.

Prior Tire also became known for its slogan, "Don't cuss... Phone us!"

In addition to his involvement in Atlanta's business sphere, Abe Goldstein was a leader in the Jewish community. He was president of numerous civic and religious organizations, including the Atlanta Jewish Federation, Ahavath Achim Congregation, the Jewish Home, the Atlanta Tire Dealers and the Georgia State Tire Dealers. He also served as a member of the Georgia Governors staff under three different administrations

This is Abe Goldstein's speech to the Ahavath Achim congregation about the building of a new synagogue.

This photograph, taken in 1958, shows Abe Goldstein greeting Abba Eban, the Israeli ambassador to America, at the airport in Atlanta.

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in New York City at the Waldorf Hotel. Abe Goldstein is seated first on left next to Golda Meir. Max (Mike) Gettinger is second from the left standing; David Alterman is fourth from the left standing, and Dr. Irving Goldstein is first on the right standing. Sidney Feldman is sitting to the right of Golda Meir.

Goldstein was recognized for his decades of community service with several awards, like the Eternal Light Award in 1960.

In 1966, Mayor William B. Hartsfield received the first Abe Goldstein Human Relations Award from the Anti-Defamation League Southeast Region.

Abe Goldstein noted as a modern pioneer in one of Atlanta's largest newspapers on January 5 1983.

In 1995, Prior Tire sued the Atlanta Public School system after losing a contract to supply tires for school buses despite being the lowest bidder. The lawsuit rehashed the civil rights debate in Atlanta. Prior Tire won the lawsuit and the Atlanta Public Schools redefined its affirmative action policy.