After operating independently for over thirty years,
two dealerships – Carl’s 4Wheel Drive and Kapp Trailer Sales –
became one. Considering the historical significance Kapp Trailer
Sales had in the community, the owners of the newly merged
company, Brennan Schroeder, Carl Huels and Joey Krebs, decided
it fitting to keep the name. what keep the business afloat while the economy goes up and
down on new sales.”
“Kapp has been in the area for a long time and we wanted to
uphold the name. Doc, the previous owner of Kapp Trailer Sales,
was maxed out in growth due to location. He still works with us,
so we’ve retained his knowledge while allowing for growth. It’s
the best of both worlds,” Schroeder explained. “We’ve joined forces, making both places into one facility to
better serve the consumer. It helps drive business to one
location, rather than compete against one another. Now, we see
the same customer more often and keep that customer satisfied,”
Schroeder explained.
Merging two successful businesses sounds like an easy endeavor,
but every business enters hardships from time-to-time. Schroeder
has personally been in the business for over fifteen years and has
seen, firsthand, some of the ups and downs the industry offers.
When the economy fluctuates, dealerships like his must pivot or
get creative to ensure customer retention. With most of Kapp Trailer Sales & Service’s customers working
in construction or agriculture, customers can rely on their
equipment to stay in good shape.
“We offer services, labor, industry knowledge and skills,”
Schroeder says. “Customers can come to us if they are keeping
an old trailer or vehicle on the road. They need service and we
can provide them with that. Parts, service and labor skills are Relying mostly on word of mouth in the beginning, the previous
owner, Doc, had an excellent reputation. Customers wanted to
buy from Doc no matter what he was selling. However, Schroeder
was ready to level up the dealership.
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The economy hasn’t been a factor lately, though. Since teaming
with Carl’s 4Wheel Drive, it seems that Kapp Trailer Sales &
Service has been riding a high.
“Joining together made it a better place for us and the consumer.
We made it a team effort,” said Schroeder.
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