Category: Brand

Putting in Work with Putco

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

John Arnaud 1 Comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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!

John Arnaud 1 Comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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.

Dee Zee in Da House!

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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.

We Got Hitched!

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

By John M. Arnaud

Last Thursday, Total Truck Centers and The AAM Group enjoyed a special visit with representatives from two of our program vendors: CURT Manufacturing, a giant in the towing industry, and ARIES Automotive, whose custom pickup and Jeep accessories help trailblazers everywhere break their own ground.

We spent the day brainstorming ways that Total Truck Centers’ marketing tools and services could introduce CURT and ARIES products—hitches, grille guards, bumpers, seat covers, and towing accessories—to more of our jobbers and their customers.

Thanks to Jeff Perez, Joe Thompson, and Patrick Cripe for flying out to see us. We loved having you and look forward to an exciting year ahead!

To add towing power or aggressive styling to your truck, 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!

CURT / ARIES Group Shot
CURT / ARIES Group Shot

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.

Shedding Light on Road Safety

John Arnaud Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

by John M. Arnaud

A recent AAA report described deficiencies in standard halogen headlights on roads lacking overhead lighting. Rural roads, which convey 40% of this country’s overall vehicle traffic as measured in miles traveled, are the most likely to exist under such low-visibility conditions.

AAA found that halogen headlights were insufficient to illuminate dark roads at speeds as low as 40 mph. Though high-beam settings offered better results than low, halogen “brights” provided sufficient reaction time only for an additional 8 mph in real-world conditions. With halogen bulbs used in more than 80% of today’s vehicles, the study highlights serious opportunities to improve safety—specifically the ability to see and react to road hazards—using aftermarket HID and LED lighting.

HID and LED lights did a better job enabling faster reactions to road obstacles. In particular, their high-beam settings provided sight distances up to 500 feet—equivalent to 55 mph. No bulb can replicate the visibility of full daylight, and the US still has some work to do to catch up with the lighting output available in Europe, due to restrictions imposed by domestic regulations.

One final tip: Clean or replace your headlight housing at least every five years! Deteriorated or cloudy lenses can reduce intensity and increase scattering.

Total Truck Centers partners with several manufacturers that offer advanced HID/LED products, including Anzo, PIAA, Pilot Automotive, Putco, Race Sport, Rigid Industries, Vision X, and Westin Automotive. So head in to your Total Truck Centers retailer to find the bulbs perfect for your application. Or find a 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.