Founded by the “ innovative and dynamic ” Don Epperly and David Gennoe in 1979 , Allstate Utility Trailers has been a staple in Knoxville , Tennessee for over four decades . The dealership ’ s staff boasts 160 + years of experience in sales and service , stocks over 200 units , has pending expansion plans , and has won numerous awards for outstanding sales and service from its manufacturers .
However , that ’ s not the dealership ’ s most unique story .
That adjective lies square on the shoulders of its manager , Mickey Shelton . Moving to the city after a breakup and in need of income , he applied to Allstate Utility Trailers in 1995 . He showed up for the interview in his Camaro , wearing shorts and a T-shirt .
“ Nobody would normally hire somebody that showed up that way , but Don saw something in me and hired me on the spot ,” Mickey explains .
His first interaction with his company ’ s owners is not the only example of Mickey ’ s ‘ never waste a first meeting ’ mindset . He has a good story for the first time he met his wife , Michelle , as well .
In a new city and coming off a breakup , Mickey started going to honky tonks with a family friend . “ His rule was I had to dance with five women before we left . I joined a line dance one night , looked over and saw a beautiful , young lady .”
This , according to Mickey , is where the story differs between he and his wife .
“ I thought she was smiling at me and I thought to myself that I needed to meet her ,” Mickey says . “ She says she was laughing at me .”
Either way , Mickey ’ s family friend introduced them and the two have never been apart since , from their engagement in a McDonald ’ s drive-through to their wedding on Shelton ’ s father ’ s birthday . The Sheltons ’ story , unique as it is , has
14 NATDA Magazine www . natda . org