dam Peno was just a teenager in 1994 , when his parents started the company , The Hitch Man , Inc ., in its original location of Waldorf , Maryland . While he did help his father around the shop early on in his life , it was not until he finished college that he turned to the family business in a fulltime capacity . Peno opened a second location in Taneytown , Maryland , where he has resided ever since .
“ I ’ m a second-generation owner ,” Peno says . “ I wasn ’ t forced into it , but I was interested in continuing it . I went away to college , explored my options and ended up back here doing what I enjoy .”
By his own admission , Peno ’ s current role could be described as “ very active in all aspects ,” overseeing whole goods inventory purchasing , business planning and general oversight .
“ I have a general manager and an assistant manager that handle day-to-day operations , but I do most of the accounting and organizational parts of the business ,” he states .
In December of 2019 , the Peno family sold its original location , leaving two locations in MD and PA .
“ My brother , Pete , opened the Pennsylvania location about eight years ago ,” Peno reflects . “ The businesses are independently owned but are connected . We share a website , coordinate with each other and run them as one , but , from a book and operational standpoint , the businesses are separate .”
Peno ’ s employees pride themselves in their knowledge of the products and services they offer and their quality of work . However , Peno notes it is his staff ’ s exceptional customer service that is the glue holding his company together . He and his staff have always been attracted to the customer base and people with which he gets to build long-lasting relationships . According to him , his customers not only continue to come back , but often refer others which provides The Hitch Man , Inc . much of its business .
“ Repeat business is everything . Keep your customers happy . Not only will they share that experience , but will keep coming back ,” Peno advises .
Many of The Hitch Man , Inc .’ s long-term customers have been active with the business since Peno ’ s parents had ownership . Now , just as Adam took over for his parents , his
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115 York Street Taneytown , MD 21787 410-756-2430 www . thehitchmaninc . com
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