In 2017 , Isaac ’ s daughter and her husband , Heidi Wall and John Heide , took over , steering the company even further towards success and implementing new systems as businesses everywhere took a turn towards all things digital . From inventory control to marketing , the pair continues to prove that staying current after a solid start is a recipe for success .
Since its earliest beginnings 10 years ago , Red Barn Trailers has continued to bring great customer service to its patrons . Heidi Wall , Vice President , attributes the company ’ s success partially to the companies the team works with , many of which the dealership ’ s employees met at NATDA Trailer Shows throughout the years . The company ’ s inventory management , website , marketing and finances are all done through companies found at the show .
“ We ’ ve been coming to the show since our inception in 2013 – pretty much the entire lifespan of the company ,” Wall mentioned . “ We ’ ve found a lot of the companies we work with through NAT- DA . Just last year , we found our inventory management company , Everlogic , at the show . They have been very useful in simplifying things for us .”
In addition to dealership management services , Wall has recruited plenty of suppliers and manufacturers at the show . Her team prizes the ability to connect with potential trailer manufacturers and get a real , close-up look at trailers from around the country .
“ We like to connect in person and see what ’ s new in the industry ,” explained Wall . “ Companies will send updates in emails , but you don ’ t think much about it until you see it in person . Before our first show , my father told us : ‘ Let ’ s see what we can learn ’.”
According to Wall , NATDA ’ s manufacturers are worth the trip . The vast majority of the dealership ’ s trailers come from NATDA ’ s member list , since the Red Barn Trailers team values the ability to see the models in person – and see who really supports the dealers .
“ If our manufacturers are NATDA members , it shows us they ’ re serious and are reliable companies to work with ,” said Wall . “ It ’ s definitely something I look for in a business partner .”
In addition to careful partnership selection and quality manufacturer picks , Wall attributes her business ’ success to its solid team . According to the Vice President , everyone she hires shares the same values and goes out of their way to help out .
“ We work as a team ,” added Wall . “ Everyone has their role , but if someone is needed in trailer sales , our accountants will step in . Everybody knows how to hook up a trailer . We can all do a parts sale if it ’ s needed . What we don ’ t want is the customer standing around and waiting .”
When asked for advice to give to other dealers , Wall stresses the importance of staying organized and keeping your company ’ s technology current . In fact , many of the companies her team has recruited were selected to do just that .
“ As I mentioned , we recently updated our inventory control system ,” she maintained . “ With these types of things , organization is key . Customers can really feel it .”
From dealership management to customer service initiatives , Red Barn Trailers has stayed strong through the help of a great team and carefully chosen partnerships .
Who will the dealership pick to partner with next ?
We ’ ll just have to see in Nashville .
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22 NATDA Magazine www . natda . org