“By taking pride in customer service and
product knowledge, we grew from a single,
small dealership to multiple locations,” Steen
tells of the story. Even after rebranding as
South Dakota Trailer Company, though,
Steen sticks to Sheehan’s original promise
of the best products for his customers.
“We hand pick our brands and models
instead of just buying stock units. We offer
customers the best trailer they can buy
within their budget,” says Steen.
Now, South Dakota Trailer Company
features premier national brands like
Haulmark, Stealth Trailers, Aluma Trailers,
local favorite Dell Rapids Custom Trailers,
Finish Line Trailers, Bear Track Trailers,
America’s Best, Alcom, CargoPro, SnoPro,
Mission Trailers and two up-and-coming
trailers built in the Midwest.
Steen believes that the trailer industry will
soon expand into more specific markets,
meaning consumers will find trailers to fit
their exact needs instead of “general-use”
trailers. With proactive manufacturing
efforts in the market, he sees this trend
ultimately expanding dealers’ customer
bases.
consumer. They just push the sale out the
door,” Steen explains. “At the end of the
day, that’s not good for the dealership or
the customer. We take pride in selling the
customer the quality trailer they need the
very first time.”
With consumers’ new fine-tuned trailer
selection process, Steen says the company
has had to adjust. Stocking the amount
of inventory his company needs to
accommodate such a wide variety of
customers has been a challenge, but it’s
something he thinks the entire industry
is improving upon. However, that same
selection process has also led to improved
quality in some areas.
“We’ve seen an increase in sales in general
and what, I believe, to be a positive trend
towards growth in the aluminum trailer
industry,” Steen says. “We’re seeing better
built aluminum trailers across the board,
which opens new opportunities.”
At the end of the day, South Dakota Trailer
Company’s success lies in providing a
custom experience and product for its
customers. By building relationships with
its customers and suppliers, Steen thinks
any dealership can thrive.
“There are so many places that offer trailers
but have no idea if it’s the right fit for the
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