Starlite Trailers
Owner: Ruby Pope
Location: Headquartered in Claremore, Okla.
History: Starlite Trailers was founded in 1978 in a hog barn by the late Bobby G. Pope and his wife, Ruby. One of their sons, Marty Pope, manager said they began building trailers together in their off time as a hobby and to make extra money. They actually built a 48’ trailer in a 40’ barn with doors on both ends. “When God is in control, nothing is impossible,” said Marty. They’ve grown from working out of that hog barn to working in several large buildings on a 5-acre lot on Route 66. Currently three generations work at Starlite Trailers. Marty’s son, Bobby Pope, is the assistant manager, and also free hands all the pin-striping.
Products and Services: Starlite Trailers offers farmers, contractors and homeowners trailers, complete trailer service and a retail parts store that carries all parts for trailers since 1980. Their retail offerings range from locally manufactured Starlite single and tandem-axle trailers to utility trailers and farm truck beds. They also offer Doolittle enclosed trailers and dump trailers, and stock trailers by Gooseneck.
Future Plans: Starlite Trailers anticipates a bright future, knowing that trailers are a necessary part of every farm, construction outfit and home. They predict a fouth generation running the business in another decade. Starlite Trailers does business now the same way they did it when Bobby G. was alive – they always work hard, treat people well and hold fast to their faith.
Story and Photo by Susan Smith
