If you missed it last week, we have announced our finalists for the 2017 Truck Parts & Service Distributor of the Year award. This year’s finalists include four past finalists and a past winner, as well as one newcomer to the program.
As is the case for the fifth consecutive year, our finalists were selected through an open nomination period by the entire trucking community. We will spend this week briefly checking in with our 2017 finalists, beginning with Action Trucks and Vice President Nick Seidel. This is Action Truck Parts’ second consecutive Distributor of the Year nomination.
When was your business founded, and by whom?
Our business was founded in 2005 by my father Ben Seidel and his then partner, Bill Dudek of Acme Truck Brake & Supply in Elk Grove Village, Ill.
How many locations do you have?
We currently have two locations in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. Our headquarters is in Bolingbrook, Ill., and our other location is in Rockdale, Ill.
How many employees do you have?
23
What is your company’s value proposition?
We go above and beyond for our customers. In a market like Chicago, there is a lot of good competitors. Our customer service is the best in the marketplace. Sets ourselves apart from the rest. Everyone here sells on price and we are by no means the cheapest option, but we are the best option. If we do not have a part in stock, we will find it, get it, and deliver it to the customer if necessary.
The value that our store offers is hands down the best in Chicago. By putting the products at the fingertips of our customers, it allows them to make the decision as to what they buy. It doesn’t force them to buy what we give them but offers options for them to make the best decision for their business.
In addition to parts sales, what other services do you offer?
We have a full-service driveshaft department, flywheel cutting, hydraulic hose assembly, rotor cutting, battery cable assembly, DPF cleaning, fuel injection pump rebuilding, fan clutch rebuilding, PTO repair and rebuilding, front axle repair and re-bushing, king pin installation, spindle reaming, and free pick-up and delivery.
How do you differentiate your business from your competitors?
Our customer service and knowledge. Most of our competitors are dealerships and they need a VIN to accomplish almost anything. We have employees that are trained and willing to take the next step to get our customers what they need, even if we do not stock it.
Why do you believe the heavy-duty aftermarket has nominated you for this award?
I have no idea. Maybe it is my charm and willingness to stay up all night to give Dave Willis and Mark Iasiello some company. Honestly, it is my problem to never say no. Whether it is my customers or getting involved in any aspect of the industry to help grow awareness from multiple angles. CVSN and GenNext. From the CVSN angle, the want to learn from the all the veterans in the industry and pass on their ideas to the future leaders in this business. GenNext, the knowing that we need to train our distributors with as much information as possible to be able to separate the heavy-duty aftermarket from the OEMs. Getting young people involved and excited about what aftermarket truck parts has to offer.
