Company History

SLE Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative and high-quality automotive and heavy-duty vehicle repair equipment. For over 30 years, we have been dedicated to delivering cutting-edge products and services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We are proud to oversee a network of companies that specialize in the sale of vehicle lifts, air compressors, mobile column lifts, and replacement parts for various automotive and heavy duty equipment suppliers. Our subsidiaries, including Autotech Systems Midwest, Care-Tech Automotive Equipment, Indiana Automotive Equipment, Midwest Equipment Specialists, Peak Garage Equipment and SafetyLane Automotive Equipment, are strategically located in different states to ensure comprehensive coverage and top-notch service for our valued customers. Would you like to be a part of our growth?

Join the SLE Technologies, Inc. family and be part of a team that values integrity, customer service, partnerships and growth. Apply to one of our open positions today and become a part of our innovative and collaborative work culture. For more information about our company and career opportunities, please explore our website or contact us directly. 

The Expansion
April 2023 - Bought The Lift SuperStore Midwest

SLE completed it’s strategic purchase of The Lift SuperStore Midwest in the Missouri market.  We intend to leverage The Lift SuperStore Midwest’s well-earned reputation for service into a larger presence in the St. Louis market and surrounding Missouri areas.

April 2023 - Bought Autotech Systems

SLE completed it’s strategic purchase of Autotech Systems Midwest in the Missouri market.  We intend to leverage Autotech Systems’ well-earned reputation for service into a larger presence in the St. Louis market and surrounding Missouri areas.

April 2023 - Bought Midwest Equipment Specialists

SLE completed it’s strategic purchase of Midwest Equipment Specialists, Inc. in the Wisconsin market.  We intend to leverage MES’s well-earned reputation for service into a larger presence in the Wisconsin market and surrounding areas.

November 2022 - Bought SafetyLane Automotive Equipment

SLE completed it’s strategic purchase of SafetyLane Automotive Equipment in the Illinois market.  We intend to leverage SafetyLane’s well-earned reputation for service into a larger presence in the Chicago market and the rest of Illinois.

August 2022 - Registered Peak Garage Equipment

A resource for enthusiasts, car guys (and women!), and independent shops.

June 2022 - Bought Care-Tech Automotive Equipment

IAE completed it’s strategic purchase of Care-Tech Automotive Equipment in Brooks, KY (Louisville market).  We intend to leverage Care-Tech’s well-earned reputation for service into a larger presence in the Louisville market and the rest of Kentucky.

May 2022 - Awarded all of Ohio

Stertil-Koni again showed their faith in us by awarding us with the entire state of Ohio.

February 2022

For its performance in 2021, IAE was presented with two coveted awards at the Stertil-Koni annual distributor meeting.

  • The prestigious Aspire Program Award, which salutes Stertil-Koni distributors that have achieved marked, incremental sales gains on a year-over-year basis.
  • Stertil-Koni’s 2021 Rookie of the Year Award, recognizing it as the top-performing new distributor in the Stertil-Koni exclusive distributor network – a region that spans the U.S. and Canada.
Late 2021 - Awarded Eastern OH
Stertil-Koni rewarded our hard work and diligence by awarding us with the Western Ohio territory (I75 corridor from Toledo to Cincinnati).
 
May 2021

IAE makes substantial investments in CRM, accounting, inventory management, field services, customer portal, and team communication software, increasing access to customer, job, and employee data.  The customer portal allows for customer to access their estimates, work orders and invoices 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Growth Stage
September 2020 - Chris Susott Acquires IAE

Chris Susott acquired the company and continues growing the core automotive channel while significantly expanding the heavy-duty segment. He maintains a non-compromising approach towards customer service. Exceeding expectations is the bar for every customer interaction.

2019 - IAE picks up Stertil-Koni

IAE is awarded it’s first Stertil-Koni exclusive territories – Indiana and Kentucky.  As the premier brand in heavy duty lifting equipment, Stertil-Koni jump starts the HD division.

2012 - Shane and Amber Tatom buy the company

Shane and Amber Tatom purchased IAE, bringing years of specialized–service industry experience to the company. They grew IAE into one of the nation’s largest full-scope automotive equipment companies.  Shane and Amber instituted the company philosophy of “ladies and gentleman doing business with ladies and gentlemen”, an idea that we still follow today.

Geographic growth and bigger customers

The Tatom years were characterized by significant growth of the business (revenue and personnel) as IAE started servicing larger dealership groups in a Midwest regional footprint.  Shane and Amber remodeled the building and increased the size of the shop.

The Beginning

Operated primarily as a “mom-and-pop” business in fairly small region around Indianapolis

1986 - Bob and Mary Chastain Start IAE

Indiana Automotive Equipment (IAE) was founded by Robert Chastain. Mr. Chastain’s commitment to his customers set a foundation for IAE to become an industry leader.

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