unfortunately , passed away fourteen months into the business ). After moving through two locations in four years , Fantarella found his current location in Woodbridge .
To say he ’ s been successful is a bit of an understatement , and that ’ s not even referring to financial success . Fantarella has been able to keep a strong base of employees and customers that has helped him weather through the storms that have come his way in the past . Though the economy is in an unusual place at the moment , he is unphased .
“ I ’ ve been through a recession a few times . I ’ m not a kid ,” he explained . “ It ’ s always in the back of your mind , but you can ’ t stop doing business . You still have to have inventory and you still have to have product on your lot . People are still going to need service . It ’ s business as usual with a little bit of caution in the mix .”
For him , that means seizing opportunities where others may not see them . Through keeping channels of communication open with his manufacturing partners , he ’ s been able to scoop up trailer units that others have canceled . Not only did he scoop them up , but he ’ s already sold them , too . According to Fantarella , “ There ’ s always business for the people that hustle .”
Inventory isn ’ t the only thing that keeps customers returning , though . In the digital age , brick-and-mortar dealerships have taken on a new requirement of serving as a source of knowledge and experience for consumers . As such , Fantarella has placed a heavy emphasis on knowledge that ultimately trickles down to positively impact consumers . “ I want all my guys current on the industry ’ s evolutions . It helps to have knowledge on all the new facets ,” he said . “ If a manufacturer is offering education , we ’ re learning . We want to know what and why they think . That knowledge speeds up the repair process , and time is money . If we get more things done in less time , the better it is for our customers .”
Due to its wealth of knowledgeable staff , Elm City Trailer ’ s service department is in high demand . In fact , Fantarella doesn ’ t allow customers to drop off their trailers on the lot unless it ’ s an absolute necessity for the repair . Units come in , receive service , and they ship back out . The last thing he wants for his customers is to have a trailer sit in on the lot for days waiting for service .
Elm City Trailer ’ s fast service times are due , in large part , to Fantarella ’ s three highly educated technicians that handle much of the service work . However , a fourth technician , who also oversees the yard , can conducts minor service work when needed . Many of his employees have been with the business for quite a while , due to the company ’ s commitment to employee happiness . A 401K , retirement benefits , and bonuses are just some of the ways Fantarella likes to give back to his employees . He can do this thanks to his selective , yet simple , hiring process . Fantarella noted his top three criteria , “ They need to be knowledgeable , they need to fit in with the rest of the company , and they need to have a good work ethic .”
While a simple practice to consider , Fantarella has been able to implement it into his business . He ’ s created a culture within Elm City Trailer ’ s ranks that is always looking to improve themselves , so that they improve the consumer experience . Personal and professional growth , something Fantarella has emphasized is important for every dealership , has led to business growth for his own dealership .
In Fantarella ’ s own words , “ The day you stop growing is the day you start dying .”
Bonus Tip : “ We email our VIPs , really our regular customers , with a special discount . People love that . When they come in and see the latest and greatest trailer , the wheels start turning . If someone wants to upgrade , great . It worked . If they don ’ t , we still got to see them , say hello and they got a great deal on a product . VIP is good .” – Bobby Fantarella , Elm City Trailer
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