“ In my experience , the most important aspects of dealer-manufacturer relationships are communication and product development ,” Troyer explains .
It ’ s a focus that dealers are often told , but Troyer ’ s 30-year body of work indicates Formula Trailers will live up to its word .
“ We ’ re the perfect fit for dealers looking for a customer-focused partner and we have financial resources that most startups or smaller manufacturers can ’ t provide . For example , we offer floor planning , retail financing , marketing resources and more ,” Troyer says . “ Now , we ’ re just looking for full-service dealerships to partner with , where the dealer will have a protected territory and an opportunity to make a good margin . We have outstanding value with great standard features and we ’ re building the quality and variety of products our dealers want .”
Starting a trailer business isn ’ t exactly easy now , either . From tariffs and tax reforms to the new Electronic Data Logging regulations , there ’ s a lot going on . As a new entry , Troyer is already finding ways to subvert potential issues .
“ We see a rise in transportation costs as a direct result of the driver shortage . The ELD regulations have forced long-time drivers to leave the industry altogether ,” Troyer explains . “ So , we ’ re seeing a real strain on the transportation of products to dealers ’ lots . Now , we ’ re working to make transportation equipment available to drivers and aid them in their operations .”
As indicated by its efforts to aid drivers , Formula Trailers , even in its short time of existence , is tackling dealer issues head on to provide customers with the products they desire .
It ’ s only fitting that Formula will make its first NATDA Trade Show appearance in Indianapolis , a city famed for its racing history . This fall , the company will not only launch an entire line of aluminum snow and economy trailers but will reveal new race trailers as well .
“ Our race trailer packages are going to be a strength this year . We ’ ve hired trailerindustry veteran Greg Greene to lead our production team . He has a long history in the living-quarters business , building everything from bathroom packages to full living quarters and horse trailers . We ’ re looking forward to letting Greg loose to innovate our products ,” Troyer says .
For dealers looking for trailers their customers want , Formula Trailers seems like a good option to hedge bets .
www . natda . org NATDA Magazine 23