Vince Tarola knows that one of the most important things a truck dealer can do is keep customers’ equipment on the road.

The Kenworth Truck Centres (KTC) president said, “I think our customers consider us more than just a supplier, we are consultants.”

The company celebrated 45 years in the business by officially opening a TRP parts store in Hanover, Ont. on Sept. 11. This is the second such store, the other being in Bolton, Ont. KTC also operates nine full-service truck sales and services facilities in Ontario. Tarola’s parents bought their first Kenworth facility in 1980.

The Hanover store, which had a soft opening in May, is targeting municipalities and businesses in the area, including feed suppliers, repair shops, and transport companies. It stocks parts for trucks, trailers and buses, regardless of brand.

Tarola said that building partnerships with customers is key, and adding value is also important. He added the company has helped customers put their parts departments together as well as training their technicians.

The KTC president said that the truck the company sold 40 years ago is different from the vehicle sold today. “But it’s still a truck,” he said, adding that the truck KTC will sell 20 years from now will be very different, but the company will continue to serve the trucking industry.

Training next generation

Noting the family business has great employees, Tarola focuses on training the next generation. Tarola gave an example of how his employees rallied during the Covid pandemic. When a branch was affected by an outbreak, other employees volunteered to keep it operational.

Looking toward the future, Tarola sees opportunities for expansion into southwestern Ontario, particularly Windsor, or an area close to it.