Connect with a Tooling Specialist Today | Call (800) 486-4243
Connect with a Tooling Specialist Today | Call (800) 486-4243
In 1914, John Joseph “JJ” Barth founded The Barth Corporation. What started as a small tool and die shop quickly expanded alongside the booming automotive industry in Northeast Ohio. The company became a key supplier of stamped components to major automobile manufacturers while branching into other industries. Like many manufacturers of the era, Barth played a vital role in supporting the military through both World Wars, contributing to defense production efforts.
By 1952, as the company outgrew its original facility, JJ Barth transitioned day-to-day operations to his four sons—Glenn, Tom, John, and Bob. Together, they expanded the business, investing in a new, state-of-the-art 100,000 square-foot manufacturing plant. With 400 skilled workers, this facility was designed to support large-scale stamping operations, running around the clock to meet the demands of the automotive and steel industries.
Don Barth grew up in the family business, working alongside his grandfather, father, and uncles at Barth Industries. But he had his own vision. In 1959, while still in college, Don Barth founded Thunderbolt Tool Supply out of his parents’ garage. Balancing his education and his entrepreneurial drive, Don dedicated his weekdays—Monday through Thursday—to classes. But come Friday and Saturday, he hit the road, making sales calls and building relationships with customers. Sundays were reserved for balancing the books.
Through it all, Don’s wife, Patti, was by his side. From the very beginning, she played a crucial role in the company and remains its treasurer to this day. With a degree in accounting from Bowling Green State University, Don personally handled the company’s finances, spending weekends at the table meticulously making ledger entries—so committed to accuracy that he’d spend hours searching for a single missing penny, ‘If I can’t find a penny, I’ll keep looking for the nickels.'
In 1968, Don seized an opportunity to grow, acquiring Lloyd Gage & Tool from Mike Lloyd in Cleveland. Drawn to its stellar reputation and established presence, he chose not to rebrand it under his own name. Instead, he preserved the Lloyd Gage & Tool legacy, honoring the trust it had earned in the local market—a testament to his respect for what came before him.
Beyond his sharp business instincts, Don was defined by his values—especially his deep commitment to relationships. When the late 1980s recession hit, instead of cutting staff, he sat down with his employees and asked if they’d be willing to take temporary pay cuts rather than see anyone lose their job. Without hesitation, they all agreed—because they loved and respected him. True to his character, once the company recovered, Don made sure everyone was made whole, repaying the wages they had sacrificed.
His loyalty extended beyond his employees. He saw his relationships with distributors as a partnership—practically a marriage—always striving to represent them to the best of his ability.
He kept building until his passing in August 2006, his integrity, faithfulness, and commitment to those he worked with became the foundation of his business, making Lloyd Gage & Tool not just a company, but a legacy of trust and dedication.
We don’t just sell tools—we provide unmatched service that keeps your shop running smoothly.
Our in-house team is responsive, knowledgeable, and solution-driven, ensuring you get answers fast.
Our sales team brings decades of hands-on experience, helping you select the right tooling, coolant, and abrasives for maximum efficiency.
We know time is money. Our quoting process is fast and accurate, getting you the right tools at the right price—quickly.
We prioritize long-term relationships over short-term sales, offering honest recommendations without supplier-imposed quotas.
