Truck Parts and Service | Heavy Duty Trucking, Aftermarket, Service Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/460576
2 O ne thing that's always impressed me about heavy-duty truck- ing and the aftermarket is its generosity. This is a people business, yes, but I highly doubt every industry that makes that claim can back it up like we can. People in this industry truly enjoy helping others. You see it at HDAW, where rival sup- pliers and distributors come together as one to help address the biggest issues facing the aftermarket. You see it at TMC, where OEMs and end users get together and create best practices — not only for their individual operations — but for the trucking industry as a whole. For the common good. You even see it monthly in the pages of this magazine. I've never interviewed a source since I started at Truck Parts & Service that was required to speak to me. Every source in this publication vol- unteers. They take time out of their busy schedule to talk to me, and to help me write articles to inform, educate and assist others in this industry. I cannot say enough how grateful I am for that, and when I compare that generosity with what I saw from you all last month at HDAW, I can only stand and applaud. Spurred by Fleet Brake President John Bzeta's $5,000 donation during the open- ing general session, RigDig's donation based marketing campaign and another $5,000 donation from Craig Kruckeberg of Minimizer at the industry reception, the heavy-duty aftermarket donated nearly $50,000 to the Wyakin Warriors Foundation armed forces veteran's group. Meritor also debuted a Wyakin-centric marketing campaign (see inside front cover) at HDAW that could bring that number to $100,000. "Honestly it's tough to put into words an adequate thank you for how much the heavy-duty aftermarket has helped us," says Todd Monroe, Wyakin Warrior executive director. Formed in 2011, the Wyakin Warriors Foundation is a non-profi t organization based in Boise, Idaho, that "specifi cally targets severely wounded, injured or ill veterans who have the interest and motiva- tion to contribute as leaders in business, government and/or their communities; but lack the education and training to do so." The comprehensive fi ve-year program awards education assistance, expert-level business and career advancement training and regular follow up and check in meet- ings to help ensure its Warriors remain on the path to long-term success. "Once our Warriors are done we don't forget about them," Monroe says. "They are our alumni and we follow up with them to see how they are doing and if they need any more assistance from us." But that type of support isn't cheap; and that's where the aftermarket comes in. Every $25,000 donated to the Founda- tion allows the group to fund a veteran throughout the fi ve-year program. That's incredible; especially from an industry the size of the aftermarket. Monroe says the Wyakin Warrior Foundation has attended other trade shows in various industries but they've never been accepted as quickly or uncon- ditionally as they have in the heavy-duty aftermarket. And that doesn't just come from his ex- perience at HDAW. The Wyakin Warriors also received signifi cant donations at the 2014 HDA Truck Pride Annual Meeting and 2014 CVSN Aftermarket Distribution Summit. Monroe says that unwavering support and kindness is truly spectacular. "I guess at fi rst it surprised me a little, how quickly people responded to helping us, but as I got to know the people in this industry I'm not surprised anymore," he says. "The support is so genuine." If this is the cause of the aftermarket, I think you've made a great choice. This is a great industry, and actions like this only make that more obvious. I applaud all of you once again for your generosity. For more information about the Wyakin Warrior Foundation, please check out www.wyakin.org. T R U C K P A R T S & S E R V I C E | F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5 An aftermarket pat on the back By Lucas Deal, Editor lucasdeal@randallreilly.com Editorial | Lucas Deal If this is the cause of the aftermarket, I think you've made a great choice.