As I write this, I'm watching the thermometer struggling to break 30 degrees. It's almost spring in Montana but that just means only a couple more months of cold, till our "real" spring in May.
Typically, I'd be going stir crazy waiting for the thaw, but this year it's different. To be completely honest we've been too busy. In Billings we're doing everything we can not to turn anybody away from the shop, but the work is piling up, and it shows no sign of slowing. Last falls wheat crop was large, cattle prices remain high, freight is picking up again, used trucks are strong and as icing on the cake, the eastern Montana oilfield is absolutely booming. Likewise, the parts department continues to outdo itself. Compared to last year at this time when we could have held a bowling tournament in the shop, it is definitely a good thing.
Missoula continues to break new ground as well. Parts continues to grow sales and our used truck business is keeping us hopping. We've been buying used trucks from coast to coast, literally. California to Nova Scotia, we are going where we have to go to get good used inventory that seemingly, keeps flying off the shelf. All the while, Town Pump is almost ready to open their newest, and very large, travel center literally across the street. Between them and Muralt's Truck Stop, we are anticipating a nice bump in walk in parts and service business come summer.
So, just like the weather, our economy is a series of cycles. As we watch it get warmer, we also watch the economy heat up, and hopefully, continue to grow for some time to come.
It was a little scary there for a while for a lot of people (myself included), but as they say, what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. I've been told that if you made it through the last three years (at least in this business), you should be just fine, and being an optimist, I believe it.
We've weathered a fair share of adversity and learned a few hard lessons since 08, but we're still standing, and that much stronger for it. We're now looking forward now to applying those lessons.
God Bless
P.S. Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter Katie Melissa Gustainis, 22 years young today. Love you Punk!
Typically, I'd be going stir crazy waiting for the thaw, but this year it's different. To be completely honest we've been too busy. In Billings we're doing everything we can not to turn anybody away from the shop, but the work is piling up, and it shows no sign of slowing. Last falls wheat crop was large, cattle prices remain high, freight is picking up again, used trucks are strong and as icing on the cake, the eastern Montana oilfield is absolutely booming. Likewise, the parts department continues to outdo itself. Compared to last year at this time when we could have held a bowling tournament in the shop, it is definitely a good thing.
Missoula continues to break new ground as well. Parts continues to grow sales and our used truck business is keeping us hopping. We've been buying used trucks from coast to coast, literally. California to Nova Scotia, we are going where we have to go to get good used inventory that seemingly, keeps flying off the shelf. All the while, Town Pump is almost ready to open their newest, and very large, travel center literally across the street. Between them and Muralt's Truck Stop, we are anticipating a nice bump in walk in parts and service business come summer.
So, just like the weather, our economy is a series of cycles. As we watch it get warmer, we also watch the economy heat up, and hopefully, continue to grow for some time to come.
It was a little scary there for a while for a lot of people (myself included), but as they say, what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. I've been told that if you made it through the last three years (at least in this business), you should be just fine, and being an optimist, I believe it.
We've weathered a fair share of adversity and learned a few hard lessons since 08, but we're still standing, and that much stronger for it. We're now looking forward now to applying those lessons.
God Bless
P.S. Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter Katie Melissa Gustainis, 22 years young today. Love you Punk!
3 comments:
Congratulations Kevin. You are making your Peterbilt family proud and your customers are fortunate to have you as their dealer.
Barry Gray
Awesome news, and so glad to hear it! Good analysis and loaded with optimism which is great news for this industry and much-needed. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to hear what sort of feedback you receive from being Roadwise's next Member Spotlight...
Oh, and I love that you call your daughter, Punk. :) Happy Birthday, Katie!!
Jennifer Matthews Kidd
Publisher
MCM's Roadwise
Wow, great blob. I was so enthralled that I didn't want to stop reading. I like the insight and review of past and present. Keep up the great work. Those of us down in Peterbilt country (Denton, TX) love your enthusiasm and dedication. Thanks to you and your staff we can happily build product that helps support the community and industry needs. Miss you and don't forget about us down in the heatwave state. :)
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