About Rochester Elevator
Rochester Elevator was purchased by my Grandfather J. Wesley Smith in 1956. His original business was Big Beaver Feed in Troy, MI. located at what is now I-75 and Rochester Road. When the freeway was constructed the state purchased his land and he moved to Rochester where my Dad, Lawrence Smith had already been running Rochester Elevator for about 2 years. Shortly after that my Grandfather was killed delivering feed in a bulk truck.
My Dad grew the business in Rochester and adapted to the changes in community and surrounding agriculture. Rochester Elevator over time became a well-known name in the salt industry and existed in downtown for 67 years until that property was sold in May of 2023. At this point we moved into a warehouse in the Oxford, MI. area where we currently still wholesale salt as our main product. My Dad passed away in February of 2024 leaving us a legacy of faith, honesty, integrity and hard work.
I had worked with and for my Dad full time since I graduated High School in June of 1980. We loved our work, and I still do, along with my son Jeremy whom I hired in February of 2025, my sister Cindy and hopefully someday my daughter Stephanie. It is our goal to carry on what my Dad has passed on to us with the same traits he so wonderfully taught us all. They are big shoes to fill and we look forward to the challenge.
—Steve Smith
What do our customers say?
When looking to align your business with a fantastic vendor, you need to look no further than Steve and the crew over at Rochester Elevator. They are honest, hard-working, and most of all, dependable. I would highly recommend them.
Jim McNulty, Owner, American Water
I have been personally involved with Rochester Elevator for 31 years, and from the first moment have been treated like family. For the past seven years I have been a customer of theirs. They have always gotten me the products I need at prices that have kept me competitive. Their service is second to none, always going above and beyond. Their character, honesty and
reliability and communication are unmatched in the industry. You would not be disappointed in choosing Rochester Elevator to meet your salt needs.
Paul Dafoe, Owner, Dafoe’s Feed
We at Dexter Mill have done business with Rochester Elevator for over 40 years now. The service we have received has been excellent, the products in line with what meets our needs and the pricing is always competitive with the market. If you are looking for a reliable salt supplier for the long haul we would highly recommend choosing Rochester Elevator.
Kerry McGuire & Kerri Bushaw, Owners, Dexter Mill