Seizing Opportunities for Success
Capitalizing on opportunities is essential for sustained business success, and few companies do it better than Truck Equipment Inc. Established as a service garage over 60 years ago, it has evolved into a leader in adopting key parts brands, serving as a vital upfitter for a prominent trucking fleet, and operating as a trailer dealer twice.
Fostering Win-Win Partnerships
Truck Equipment is dedicated to forming “win-win” partnerships, ensuring that they can meet the needs of both vendors and customers while expanding their capabilities. With five locations spanning from Wisconsin into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the company’s extensive reach and variety of parts and services underscore its adaptability and commitment to mutually beneficial solutions.
A Recognition of Excellence
As a result of their efforts, Truck Equipment has been named a finalist for the Trucks, Parts, Service Distributor of the Year Award for the second time. According to Lynn Schroeder, the long-time owner and chairman who has now passed the daily operations to his children and other leadership, building relationships is the foundation of their business.
Core Values in Action
Schroeder emphasizes that decisions must benefit both the company and its partners equally. This philosophy is deeply ingrained in the company culture and is evident in the core values displayed at their headquarters, which are consistently reinforced by leadership.
Diverse Revenue Streams
Half of Truck Equipment’s sales are generated from its parts business, a segment Lynn contributed to over 40 years ago based on customer needs. Revenue is also derived from service operations and upfitting, the latter being one of its most distinctive offerings. The company has a long history of providing upfitting services for top-tier carriers.
A Customer-Centric Culture
The company’s culture is firmly centered around customer satisfaction. For instance, a recent incident involved the team ordering a part urgently needed by a customer, only for it to be delayed. In response, Vice President of Sales and Operations, Kevin McCarty, not only apologized but also provided the component for free, exemplifying their commitment to doing the right thing.
Investing in Employee Development
With a workforce of fewer than 100, many employees have been with the company for decades, creating a rich resource of experience. The leadership, including Matt Schroeder and Marketing Director Mandy Morgan, strives to equip employees with not just technical skills, but also personal development tools. This investment encourages employee retention, leading to a workforce where many have spent their entire careers.
