Along a stretch of Interstate 820 in Fort Worth , Beard ’ s Trailer Sales ( Beard ’ s ) is one of seven trailer dealers within a three-mile radius . With this much competition nearby , it is hard to imagine how a dealership might survive , let alone thrive . Beard ’ s is an inspiring example of how a dealership can do the latter through smart decisions and solid connections .
The dealership is owned and operated by the father / son team of Tim and Tucker Beard . Tim began his career in RV sales . While he loved the customers , the product wasn ’ t a fit . He moved to a company that sold utility trailers , and enjoyed it so much that he stayed for 20 years as general manager .
In 2018 , the industry veteran opened a dealership with his son . “ We started on six acres of leased property . We brought in mobile offices , we had no repair shop , and the staff was my wife , my son , and I ,” Tim recalls . “ We worked together to answer the phone , run the office , complete title work and more . We were stretched thin , but we were dedicated to making it work .”
And make it work , they did . Today – six years later – Beard ’ s has expanded . Going from six to ten acres , upgrading to a 16,000 sq . ft . building , adding four acres of a concrete lot , a parts department , a trailer repair service , and a trailer rental service .
The expansion provided an opportunity to make several smart decisions . “ We arranged our trailers in a ‘ drive through ’ style so customers don ’ t have to walk the lot ,” explains Tucker Beard . “ They can see what we ’ ve got without getting out of their vehicles . Our customers love it .”
The parts department is smartly designed as well . “ We created aisles of products , similar to a retail environment versus a standard parts counter .
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