Using a comprehensive multi-pronged approach designed to promote the business interests of the heavy-duty repair industry, the new organization is eager to expand its reach and services across the North American aftermarket.
“Our mission at the Independent Truck Repair Group is simple,” says Robert “Buck” Monson, iTRG executive board member and owner, Monson Truck & Trailer Repair in Davenport, Iowa. “We help independent truck repair shop owners build thriving, profitable businesses.”
The organization says it plans to support the independent service channel through training, business support and access to increased buying power. For example, iTRG says its new website boasts a dynamic plug and play interface e-commerce purchasing system compatible with any business system in the market today, which downloads 40,000 part numbers each day. Likewise, membership in iTRG enables heavy-duty truck repair shops to participate in national programs, which lead to increased purchasing power. The organization says heavy-duty industry vendors and suppliers are also taking notice of iTRG’s growing member network, which currently generates in excess of $200 million in annual revenues and represents nearly $60 million in annual parts purchases.
Training is another area where iTRG is off to a strong start.
New training and consulting services will be available through iTRG to promote independent truck repair shops’ bottom line. Training courses taught by industry leaders will focus on building organized, efficient and high-performing teams and developing “A” level diesel technicians.
Last year, two of iTRG’s most popular training courses included the Electrical Emissions and Aftertreatment System Maintenance Course, and Advanced Electrical Training. In 2020, the training curriculum will expand to include operational training services including digital marketing for independent truck repair shops and SEO training provided by industry leaders. Similarly, consulting services will be available for pairing some of the nation’s most successful shop owners with members to share best practices for shop systemization, iTRG says.
To date, iTRG has attracted the leading electrical trainer in the independent market and has trained more than 450 technicians. Last year numerous independent truck repair shops shut down production and closed their doors for three days so their technicians could attend the high-level training offered by iTRG.
The trade organization isn’t shy about its ambitions for 2020.
“Our goal is to represent 60 percent of the thousands of independent truck repair shops in the nation,” says John Stoeckinger, president, iTRG. “We’re confident we will achieve this goal, because we know that independent shop owners often feel like they are alone. Membership in iTRG makes them part of a family, who are all working together for stronger buying power, better training, and increased profitability.”
Stoeckinger says the organization will continue to work on National Employee Benefit Programs and General Liability/Workers Compensation Insurance programs for our members.
“Our overall goal as iTRG is to reduce our members operating costs by a minimum of 20 percent, which goes directly to their bottom line,” he says. “No one has to go it alone anymore. We’re here to provide top quality training, unparalleled networking, and countless strategies for business growth, along with increased purchasing power to boost profitability.”
For more information, and to learn more about iTRG’s next training class March 6-8, 2020, in Dallas, please CLICK HERE.
