Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/445385
A diverse lineup of Peterbilt trucks were soon hauling all sorts of materials, as was the equally diverse and growing Groendyke fleet of equipment. "Harold Groendyke was a real pio- neer and innovator in the industry," says Hodgen. "There are many tank designs in the industry that can be traced back to his influence." The company grew steadily over the years, both in services provided by its tank operations and in geographic range, which grew by acquiring authority from other haul- ers. By the time Hodgen joined the firm as a shop technician in 1990, Groendyke was a $91 million operation. Last year, it turned $240 million, with refined fuels, chemicals and asphalt making up approximate thirds of their revenue totals. Clearly, Hodgen has his eye on the bottom line. But he also has an eye on broader issues facing Groendyke and the industry as a whole. "Our number one value here — and it's a value, not a priority because priorities change — is safety, so we look very closely at our trucks and how they are equipped," Hodgen says. "Our customer has a right to expect and the public has a right to expect that we have a highly skilled driver operating that truck. We are the professionals, after all." Groendyke's new purchases are equipped with roll stability systems as well as collision avoidance technology. And the Model 579, with maximized visibility from the driver's seat, "fit in with what we're trying to achieve," according to Hodgen, whose company has earned six prestigious Heil Awards, given annual- ly for North America achievement in tank truck safety. Other Peterbilt features also "fit in" well at Groendyke. Hodgen reports that the Model 579 day cab runs up to 1,000 lbs. lighter than some of their other equipment. "So instead of 53,000 lbs. we're hauling 54," he says. "That's every load. The Peterbilt Model 579 made its debut in the Groendyke fleet last spring. FIRST CLASS l 7