Truck Parts and Service | Heavy Duty Trucking, Aftermarket, Service Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/539530
15 There are very few industries where those benefi ts are more regularly on display than the independent aftermarket. This is an industry fi lled with entrepreneurs and small business owners. Everyone is on their own, which means everyone else — directly or indirectly — is a competitor. Yet in spite of that inherent competitive- ness, the independent aftermarket also is fi lled with open, honest and gregarious professionals. People in this industry go to great lengths to help each other. For those who have not yet experienced that assis- tance, it's time to join the aftermarket's social network. If you're willing to get involved, it doesn't take long to start reaping the benefi ts of the independent aftermar- ket's generosity. Believe it or not, joining the independent aftermar- ket advice network isn't complicated. Most professionals in this industry are incredibly open, and are willing to share their experiences with you once you show them your genuine interest. Bruce Greer says that's something he learned almost immediately. Greer was a veteran of the dealer market when his company, E.M. Tharp, purchased the independent distributor operation Kroeger Equipment and Supply in 2004. As the company's general manager, Greer's fi rst task after the acquisition was to attend the 2004 Council of Fleet Specialists (CFS) annual meeting and start W W W . T R U C K P A R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M J u l y 2 0 1 5 | T R U C K P A R T S & S E R V I C E Cover Story B uilding relationships with professional contemporaries is a great resource in business. Whether you're a manager or an entry-level employee, there's value in surrounding yourself with people who support you. People you can turn to for encouragement, guidance and advice.