MID-COUNTY MESSENGER
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Bob Fritz Trucking : Living a legacy
As the owner of a successful trucking company , the wheels of life are always in motion for Robert ( Bob ) Fritz of Cologne .
“ My dad started the business in 1947 ,” Bob said .
Bob ’ s father , Robert G . Fritz , was 16 when he began hauling milk cans for Bongards ’ Creamery .
“ It ’ s just progressed from there ,” Bob said , explaining that after his father passed away , he and his two younger brothers , Donald and Daniel , took over .
His brothers eventually went on to pursue other interests , but Bob had developed a passion for the trucking industry .
“ I rode with my dad when I was younger , and it was in the blood ,” he said .
Now , Bob Fritz Trucking has 16 trucks , 13 trailers , and 14 full-time employees .
In addition to transporting milk to Bongards ’ Creamery and a few other plants , the company also does cheese and wastewater hauling .
Bob said he depends on quality employees to keep his company strong .
“ I have a good group right now ,” he said .
Having reliable equipment is also paramount .
“ We take our trucks to Mid- County Coop every 5,000 miles for a quick checkup , and every 10,000 miles for complete service ,” Bob said .
With regular maintenance on his trucks , Bob said he doesn ’ t have to worry as much about unexpected breakdowns .
If something is about to wear out , the technicians at Mid-County Coop let him know right away .
“ That way , we ’ re ready for it ,” Bob said .
Bob estimates that his trucks travel a total of 9,500 miles per week , covering the counties of McLeod , Meeker , Wright and Carver , as well as surrounding counties .
Each day , the trucks carry about 500,000 pounds of milk and about 200,000 pounds of cheese .
“ Milk hauling is seven days a week , so the trucks have to go out on Saturdays and Sundays , too ,” Bob said .
For Bob , one of the best parts of owning a business is the independence it provides .
“ It ’ s also the daily challenge of being able to make things more efficient ,” he added .
Throughout the years , Bob has grown accustomed to dealing with blizzards , fog , icy roads , and reroutes due to spring weight restrictions on bridges .
“ There can be days when I want
Specializing in Heavy Truck Repair
With over 85 years of experience in heavy truck repair , our staff at Mid-County Auto Truck and Tire Center has the ability and know-how to keep your vehicles on the road and keep you trucking . We often say , “ Big to Small , We Repair it All ” and from passenger car headlights , skid steer filters , front-end alignments , and camper tires , we do . However , heavy truck repair and service is what our shop is designed for and what we specialize in .
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“ The truck travels 9,500 miles per week and carries about 500,000 lbs . of milk and 200,000 lbs . of cheese each day .”
to pull out all 13 hairs that are left on my head ,” he joked ; but all in all , Bob wouldn ’ t trade his job . “ I can ’ t complain ,” he said . Bob still drives part time , but much of his effort is focused on management .
His business has grown and changed in many ways , but he ’ s always stayed with the same company for equipment repair and maintenance .
“ As long as I can remember , we ’ ve been doing business with Mid-County ,” he said . “ They ’ re local , and the quality of service has been excellent .”
Two of Mid-County ’ s staff members – Corey and Zach – have been especially helpful , Bob said .
“ They ’ ll bend over backwards for you ,” he said . “ I had a truck issue on Saturday , and I called Corey at home , and he came and helped . It means a lot when someone ’ s willing to do that .”
We do DOT Inspections
( 952 ) 466 -3710 • www . midcountycoop . com e
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Cory Eischens
Zach Schelhaas