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Matt Salisbury founded Valor Trailers in the wake of a long-time
manufacturer permanently shutting its doors. Laid off in 2018
when Trailmax Trailers downsized, Salisbury went into full startup
mode and aimed to launch a manufacturing company of his
own. The investment group that ultimately purchased Trailmax
Trailers’ property approached Salisbury in October of 2019.
Shortly after, the former Trailmax Trailers reopened as Valor
Trailers with Salisbury overseeing the company’s daily operations.
“Trailmax was around 35 years old. It went through some
difficulties and, ultimately, shut down,” Salisbury shared.
“However, we had enough contracts and know-how that we
decided to take matters into our own hands. We have the rights
to the Trailmax Trailers name, plans and blueprints as well. So,
now we’re Valor Trailers and Trailmax by Valor Trailers. We call
ourselves the non-start-up, start-up.”
Coining “At your Service” as the brand’s unofficial company
philosophy, Salisbury uses his military background and this
phrase as a guide to ensure the company culture of Valor
Trailers embodies fairness, employee appreciation and next-level
customer service.
“First and foremost, we’re trailer builders. We’re not trying to
lean on our military rank. However, I feel that our leadership
gelled together well because combat experience makes for better
leadership,” Salisbury explained.
At Valor Trailers, employees eat first at company functions, the
employee of the month parks where the previous president
of the factory used to park and employees earn a competitive
wage based on the work they produce. Instances like these have
helped Salisbury’s leadership retain most of the original Trailmax
Trailers staff.
26 NATDA Magazine www.natda.org