Author: John Arnaud

T-Rex Grilles: An American Original

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By John M. Arnaud

Southern California–based T-Rex Grilles might be a relative newcomer to Total Truck Centers, but the company has been pumping out cutting-edge grille designs for nearly two decades. With a variety of series to choose from—X-Metal, Torch LED, Graphic, and Billet, to name a few—T-Rex has a style to fit your aesthetic.

Last week Total Truck Centers had T-Rex National Sales Manager Tom Ameduri in the office to share ideas, swap stories, and build a more effective partnership. Tom learned about all the programs we’ve put together to support local jobbers, and we discovered a few things as well. Like when T-Rex says its products are made in America, they really mean it: everything, from materials and labor to manufacturing and shipping boxes, originates domestically. The company is also ramping up production with a faster, more efficient laser cutter.

We love having these meetings because they give us the chance to connect people with people, from warehouse distributors and manufacturers to all of us here at headquarters and our nationwide network of aftermarket jobbers. Thanks for coming out to see us, Tom: without the support of manufacturers like T-Rex, our program wouldn’t be possible!

T-Rex Grilles Visits Total Truck Centers
T-Rex Grilles Visits Total Truck Centers

To give your truck a front end to envy, head on over to your local Total Truck Centers retailer and ask about a T-Rex grille. Find an affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck aftermarket retailer or installer interested in joining the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, click here to get started!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Putting in Work with Putco

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By John M. Arnaud

Known for its broad range of truck and SUV accessories, Putco is a giant in the truck aftermarket industry—and rightly so. From bed rails, grilles, and aesthetic trim to protective finishes and an astonishing selection of premium lighting, Putco has something for just about anyone wanting to set their pickup apart.

That’s why Total Truck Centers was thrilled to have National Sales Manager Scott Majors and Western Regional Sales Manager Desia Anderson in house to talk shop and get a sneak peek at what’s coming down the pike on Putco’s production schedule. (Don’t ask, we can’t tell you…yet!) What we CAN say is that we have Putco down to shoot some In the Garage and AAM University videos next year, so you can look forward to detailed installations as well as some educational series straight from the horse’s mouth.

Many thanks to Scott and Desia for taking the time to come out to see us. Without the support of manufacturers like Putco, our program wouldn’t be possible!

Putco Visits Total Truck Centers
Putco Visits Total Truck Centers

To give your truck a full Putco makeover, head on over to your local Total Truck Centers retailer. Find an affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck aftermarket retailer or installer interested in joining the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, click here to get started!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Getting BAK to Business

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By John M. Arnaud

All right, I couldn’t help myself with that headline. My failed attempt at cleverness aside, there probably aren’t many such phrases that VP of Sales Ryan Herman and Director of Sales – East Chris Fleeman from BAK Industries haven’t heard. When they dropped in to see us last week for a vendor strategy meeting, however, we hoped to share some new information they’d find of interest. Turns out they had some to offer as well.

With ramped-up manufacturing to meet increasing demand, a reinvigorated customer service team, and fantastic truck covers on the rise, BAK Industries is one to watch in the tonneau segment. In addition to taking in our standard partnership briefing, the BAK team stayed on an extra day to help us shoot some installation video for their Revolver X2 cover. The below photo with Chris and In the Garage host Stephen Fillers is a sneak peek of some of the footage. Stay tuned to our Total Truck Centers YouTube channel for the full release!

In the Garage with Chris Fleeman - BAK Industries
In the Garage with Chris Fleeman – BAK Industries

We’d like to thank Ryan and Chris for taking the time to come out to see us. Without the support of manufacturers like BAK, our program wouldn’t be possible!

To grab a BAK topper for your pickup, head on over to your local Total Truck Centers retailer. Find an affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck aftermarket retailer or installer interested in joining the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, click here to get started!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Under the Hood with P&E

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By John M. Arnaud

Total Truck Centers regularly hosts marketing strategy meetings for manufacturers and distributors from throughout the country, but this week we welcomed three special visitors from just outside our own backyard: P&E Distributors.

P&E, which stands for performance and electronics (fun fact), operates out of Goodlettsville, TN, which is just northeast of Nashville. In the aftermarket business since the early 1960s, P&E remains a family-run organization committed to the growth and success of its jobbers. The two-time SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year maintains an extensive selection of both truck and performance accessories to fulfill needs for a diverse customer base.

The P&E contingent included Purchasing Manager Chris Eatherly, Warehouse Manager Josh Eatherly, and Marketing Director Scott Dobler. They made the 4.5-hour drive east out to see us for a two-day marketing intensive, which included business analyses, customer-focused discussions, and goal building.

P&E Distributors Visits Total Truck Centers
P&E Distributors Visits Total Truck Centers

The entire Total Truck Centers crew thanks P&E for making the trip out to see us—here’s to another great year, neighbor!

If you are a truck aftermarket jobber or retailer who would like to set up an account with P&E, visit their website to get started or call (800) 251-2034.

Click here to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Win a Bike Rack from CURT Manufacturing!

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By John M. Arnaud

CURT: Total Truck Centers' Featured Vendor
CURT: Total Truck Centers’ Featured Facebook Vendor

This week Total Truck Centers is featuring CURT Manufacturing, the leading manufacturer and marketer of USA-made towing products, on our Facebook page. And CURT intends to end its time in the spotlight with a bang: by giving away a free tray-style bike rack to one lucky fan!

We’ll be sharing two exclusive CURT videos every day this week. To throw your name into the bike rack sweepstakes, all you’ve got to do is comment on one of the posts and Like CURT’s Facebook page. At the end of the week, we’ll randomly select one eligible entrant to win. It’s that easy!

Visit your local Total Truck Centers retailer to check out CURT’s industry-leading products in person, or find an affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck accessories retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

In the Garage with UnderCover

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By John M. Arnaud

UnderCover, a leader in the truck tonneau industry, spent a couple of days with us this week brainstorming marketing plans and shooting some exclusive videos we’re looking forward to sharing with you soon. National Sales Manager Michael McLaughlin and Director of Sales East Mike Henderson were our honored guests (newly minted UnderCover Marketing Director Joe Combs virtually attended by phone), and we gave them the full program tour—including all the tools we’ve put together to help our Total Truck Centers jobbers succeed in the marketplace.

The Mikes drove down a gorgeous 2015 Ford F-150 Platinum to use for the videos, but we’re not revealing it just yet! Stay tuned to the Total Truck Centers YouTube Channel to be among the first to see it fully “under cover.”

Many thanks to our valued partners at UnderCover for their commitment and time—you’re welcome any time!

UnderCover Visits Total Truck Centers
UnderCover Visits Total Truck Centers

To start making over your truck UnderCover style, visit your local Total Truck Centers retailer, or find an affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck accessories retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

On-Site with CargoGlide

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By John M. Arnaud

Total Truck Centers and The AAM Group spent Tuesday speaking with CEO Brad Harrell and Executive Manager Ryan Colvin from CargoGlide—one of our newest program vendors. Headquartered near red rock country in St. George, Utah, CargoGlide manufactures top-notch sliding truck bed trays, which offer safety, comfort, and convenience in a variety of transport and work situations.

Brad and Ryan shared their impressive business philosophies with us, and we presented all of the program tools we’ve created to help them educate jobbers on the products they sell. CargoGlide is a super organization we’re proud to have on board!

CargoGlide - Total Truck Centers Group Shot
CargoGlide – Total Truck Centers Group Shot

Many thanks to CargoGlide for making the commitment to come out to see us. We enjoyed getting to know you and are excited about the future of our aftermarket partnership.

To enhance your truck bed with a one-of-a-kind CargoGlide, head on over to your local Total Truck Centers retailer, or find an affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are an aftermarket accessories retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

AAM GROUP AND TOTAL TRUCK CENTERS BRING TOGETHER AFTERMARKET PARTNERS TO BENEFIT NAVY SEAL FOUNDATION

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“NSF1” Show Jeep To Be Presented to Navy SEAL Foundation at 2016 AAM Membership Meeting

October 7, 2015 (JOHNSON CITY, Tenn.) — The AAM Group, the largest program distribution group in the SEMA marketplace, is proud to announce NSF1: a fully customized 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited being built to benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation. NSF1 is intended to represent the spirit of the Naval Special Warfare community and features the best products from leading manufacturers within the SEMA accessory aftermarket.

AAM secured commitments from more than two dozen manufacturing partners to purchase the Jeep and outfit it with the latest aftermarket products; the donated accessories showcase the full power of AAM’s Jeep aftermarket lineup. AAM’s Special Markets Manager Greg Griffith oversaw the project’s concept, design and implementation with additional installation help from RPM Offroad (Edelbrock supercharger), Atomic City 4×4 (ring and pinion gears and chromoly axles) and Autopro of Nashville (custom Katzkin leather seat covers and a KICKER audio upgrade).

NSF1 Jeep for Navy SEAL Foundation
NSF1 Jeep for Navy SEAL Foundation (Photo credit: Greg Griffith)

Now in its 15th year, the Navy SEAL Foundation maintains programs that help Naval Special Warfare warriors and their families cope with the rigors, stress and sacrifice associated with military deployment to some of the world’s most dangerous places. After completing a national circuit of appearances, NSF1 will be handed over to the nonprofit during a special ceremony at AAM’s 2016 Membership Meeting. The foundation plans to use the vehicle at its various recruitment drives, publicity events and outreach engagements.

Video Resources

Click here to watch a video from CURT Manufacturing detailing the genesis of NSF1. In addition, The AAM Group hosts several videos that highlight the features, installation and benefits of products donated by sponsoring manufacturers on its NSF1 YouTube channel.

Schedule of Appearances

NSF1 has already been featured at several events so far this year, including the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion, the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association’s Dixie Run 29, and Wheelers for the Wounded at Windrock Park, Tenn. Future engagements through 2016 include:

November 3–6:
2015 SEMA Show — Booth V40 (Las Vegas)

November 9:
Performance Warehouse (Portland, Ore.)

November 10:
Competition Specialties (Auburn, Wash.) and Nelson Truck Equipment (Kent, Wash.)

November 11:
Titan Truck Equipment (Spokane, Wash.)

November 12:
A-1 Distributing (Salt Lake City)

November 13:
Midstates, Inc. (Englewood, Colo.)

March 19–27:
2016 Jeep Safari (Moab, Utah)

April 20–24:
2016 Jeep Beach (Daytona Beach, Fla.)

May 18:
2016 AAM Membership Meeting (St. Charles, Mo.)

Sponsoring Manufacturers

The NSF1 project would not be possible without the support of and contributions from AAM’s generous manufacturing affiliates. From air intakes, superchargers and lighting to suspension, wheels and a full complement of interior and exterior details, the following vendors have united behind this worthy cause: AIRAID/K&N, Air Lift, AMP Research, ARIES Automotive, BedRug, Bestop, BFGoodrich, Bushwacker, CURT Manufacturing, Edelbrock, Flowmaster, Husky Liners, Katzkin, KICKER, Lund International/AVS, Motive Gear, Painless Performance, Rampage Products, Rancho, Rugged Ridge, Superchips, UnderCover, Vision X, Warn Industries and Westin Automotive.

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Dee Zee in Da House!

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By John M. Arnaud

Earlier this week, Total Truck Centers and The AAM Group hosted four special representatives from one of our oldest program vendors: Dee Zee, a Des Moines, IA–based company that serves both the OE and aftermarket industries with a versatile product lineup.

We spent the day discussing ways to identify more of our Total Truck Centers locations as Dee Zee destinations and scheduled some video shoots that will educate consumers and jobbers alike about some of Dee Zee’s biggest sellers.

Thanks to Director of Aftermarket Sales Troy Wirtz, Regional Sales Manager Doug Vinsand, Marketing and Advertising Director Dan Kruzic, and Art Director Matt Gearhart for making the trip out to AAM headquarters. We loved having you and look forward to an exciting year ahead!

Dee Zee Visits Total Truck Centers
Dee Zee Visits Total Truck Centers

To outfit your truck with one of Dee Zee’s tanks, toolboxes, cab racks, or step bars, head on over to your local Total Truck Centers retailer, or find an affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck accessories retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Retrax Gets the Full Treatment

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By John M. Arnaud

Though Retrax is usually in the position of providing full coverage by way of its world-class retractable tonneaus, Total Truck Centers turned the tables when National Sales Manager Andy Nephew came in to see us for a complete marketing presentation. We spent the day demonstrating how Total Truck Centers’ exclusive marketing channels could grow Retrax’s brands—including the company’s hugely popular RetraxPRO MX and PowertraxPRO MX covers, which feature a powder-coated matte black finish that has taken the segment by storm.

We got a photo with Andy out in our recently constructed warehouse before he headed back out to North Dakota. Thanks to Retrax for being such a terrific partner and ally; we look forward to a fantastic end-of-year finish!

Total Truck Centers / Retrax Group Photo
Total Truck Centers / Retrax Group Photo

To make over your truck Retrax-style, visit your local Total Truck Centers retailer, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a truck aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Total Truck Centers affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Total Truck Centers Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.