On July 19 Truck Parts & Service announced its finalists for the 2016 Distributor of the Year award. We are now taking a brief look at each nominated distributor.
For information on Weldon Parts, we turn to President Dave Settles.
When was your business founded, and by whom?
The business was founded in 1955 by Leon and Dean Settles, in North Bend, Neb.
How many locations do you have?
18 locations – Oklahoma City, Clinton, Elk City, Woodward, Tulsa, Muskogee and McAlester, Okla., Little Rock, Ark., Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla., Houston, Dallas and Perryton, Texas, Joplin, Mo., and North Bend, Omaha, Norfolk and Grand Island, Neb.
How many employees do you have?
Around 130 employees.
What is your company’s value proposition?
Our value proposition is centered on bringing value to our customers. We have an experienced staff; 28 of our employees have over 10 years with the company, and another 17 have more than 20 years. We are committed to helping our customers with technical training. We have a person whose primary function is traveling to bring training sessions to our customers.
What has been the biggest change in your business over the past calendar year?
A significant portion of our customer base is found in the oil and gas business. The last couple of years have been tough on them. We are committed to remaining a good supplier to them, even as their volume temporarily declines. Internally, we have focused what expenses we can manage better, while not cutting into areas that make us what we are.
Why do you believe the heavy-duty aftermarket has nominated you for this award?
We are honored to have been nominated for this award. Looking at the other nominees, you see a pretty exclusive group. We have been in this business a long time and have managed to persevere and grow. We try to be good citizens of the industry. We are long time and active participants in HDA Truck Pride and the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN).
For more on Weldon Parts, go to www.weldonparts.com, and check Truck Parts & Service magazine in the coming months.
