How did a beekeeper go on to build one of the most successful trailer dealerships in South Florida ? A little patience , perseverance , and a strict , unwavering commitment to making people happy .
The first thing you notice when meeting owner Eli Mendes is his affable demeanor and infectious positivity . As he speaks , you can tell he does everything with positive intentions and gratitude .
Eli started his career as a commercial beekeeper with his brother . The two ran the business as partners for many years , but Eli ’ s entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to expand his horizons . After using trailers to haul machines as part of his business , he pursued trailer building but quickly realized that a dealership was more suited to his aptitude for sales .
Being situated on the Gulf Coast of Florida , boat trailers made the most sense . Thirty years after purchasing a dealership , Tropic Trailer has grown into one of the largest trailer dealerships in Florida , with an average of 500 to 800 trailers in stock between its locations : a 14-acre superstore in Fort Myers and a second location in the panhandle of Florida . These locations allow Tropic Trailer to service customers in Florida , Georgia , and other parts of the Southeastern United States .
Tropic Trailer currently carries 30 lines and seven trailer categories , including boat , cargo , equipment , utility , livestock / horse , car haulers , and dumps . Everything about Tropic Trailer is structured to uphold high customer standards in sales , service / repair , and parts supply . “ It may be an old way of doing business , but I believe in offering a full-service experience ,” says Eli . “ You need to go beyond the basics . Dealerships should educate and service . Here , we go out of our way to have the parts no one else carries , and my entire team believes in the Golden Rule . Our core belief is that EVERYONE should walk away happy .” continued on page 36
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