Nestled in the heart of Northeast Ohio’s Amish country, State Road Batteries and Fabrics has evolved from a small family-run business into a community hub blending traditional Amish craftsmanship with modern retail practices. Owned by Matt Leslein and his wife, Amy, the store offers a unique shopping experience that honors local culture while embracing contemporary business solutions.
State Road Batteries and Fabrics began as a buggy wheel and supply shop in the early 1980s, founded by Albert Miller, Matt’s grandfather-in-law. The business evolved over the years, transitioning to specialize in batteries, then expanding into fabric sales in 2007. In January 2018, Matt and Amy took over the business, continuing the family legacy while adding their own innovations.
A standout feature of the store is its collection of Amish-style capes and aprons, which are tied to the local Geauga County Amish community. These garments, essential to maintaining the uniformity of appearance that defines Amish life, are made with a distinctive pleating design unique to the area.
“These capes and aprons are unique to the Amish community here in Geauga County,” Matt explains. “Different districts, like Lancaster, have their own styles, but here the caps and aprons feature pleats made with a machine, producing intricate lines that make them distinctive. It’s interesting how the process has changed.”
These garments, which were once pleated by hand using a knife, are now produced with the aid of a pleating machine. The fine, intricate lines created by the machine allow light to shine through the fabric in ways that reveal varying directional lines, further emphasizing their uniqueness.
While Amish clothing remains a central part of the store’s offerings, State Road Batteries and Fabrics also features a diverse range of products, from batteries to household goods. High-quality batteries from companies like Miller Tech and Trojan are popular among vehicle and marine customers.
“Customer demand drives our product selection,” says Matt. “If customers ask for something, we try to listen and accommodate.” To better understand customer needs, the Lesleins introduced a survey in the store, offering a $100 gift card as an incentive for feedback. The results helped them improve various aspects of the business, including customer service and store lighting.
“We learned a lot from the survey,” Matt says. “For example, some customers expressed concerns about lighting, so we upgraded to energy-efficient LED lights, which are powered by solar energy.”
The new LED lights are powered by a 24-volt solar system, provided by local Amish-owned manufacturer Miller Tech. This off-grid solution aligns with the values of self-sufficiency and sustainability that are deeply embedded in the Amish community.
“We’ve had fantastic results with the solar-powered LED lights,” says Matt. “The store is brighter, more welcoming, and much more energy-efficient now.”
State Road Batteries and Fabrics is not only a retailer but also plays a key role in the local wholesale market, supplying products like batteries, butane fuel, and fabric to businesses across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. The Lesleins believe in the power of cooperation rather than competition.
“In our community, we help each other out,” Matt says. “If something is on back order, we’ll call other stores to see if they have it in stock. It’s about serving the community.”
When new fabric stores open nearby, Matt sees them as potential partners. “Together we meet all the needs of the community and we work together to ensure our customers have what they need. If something isn’t available here, we help them find it elsewhere.”
Despite the store’s success, space has been a significant challenge. Originally much smaller, State Road Batteries and Fabrics recently underwent a remodel to better display its growing inventory. However, the store still faces limitations when it comes to inventory space.
“We were packed in so tight that we had no room to grow,” Matt recalls. “We decided to remodel instead of building an addition, but we’re still need more storage space.”
To address this, the Lesleins are planning to add a second story to their building, maximizing the use of their two-acre lot. “With more space, we’ll be able to offer even more products,” Matt explains.
One of the defining features of State Road Batteries and Fabrics is its strong family foundation. Amy, Matt’s wife, plays a crucial role in managing inventory, crocheting, and selecting products; sewing is done by his mother-in-law, Emma Sue, while their daughter, Kayla, has made significant contributions to the store’s creative direction. Kayla’s designs helped shape the store’s “Kayla Baby” clothing line, which includes a unique brand and tags designed by her.
“Kayla’s creativity has added a great deal,” Matt says. “Her ideas influence a lot of our merchandise choices.”
As technology continues to evolve, Matt recognizes the need to adapt to stay competitive. “Eventually, we might need to form a partnership to help manage the technological changes coming our way,” he admits. “Right now, we still rely on paper records for everything, but that probably won’t last forever.”
In view of these potential changes, Matt is committed to keeping the business progressive and valued in the community. It is clear—he enjoys the challenges of running the store.
State Road Batteries and Fabrics is more than just a store—it’s an integral part of the community, reflecting the values of simplicity, creativity, and sustainability that have defined Matt’s family and the Amish way of life. From handcrafted clothing to high-quality products and a commitment to innovation, the store continues to serve both Amish and non-Amish customers alike.
Whether you’re looking for fabric, a hand-crocheted scarf, or a buggy battery, Matt and his family are ready to welcome you into their world—a world where tradition, family, and a strong sense of community converge.
Visit them at State Road Batteries and Fabrics, 15789 Old State Road, Middlefield, Ohio or call 440-632-1846
The Leslein family thanks all customers for their support since taking over the business in January 2018. “We couldn’t do it without you,” they say. “God bless you.”
