Navistar recently honored G. Russ Trimble, dealer principal of Southwest International Trucks in Dallas, as the International Truck Dealer of the Year at its 31st annual Circle of Excellence awards in Napa Valley, Calif. Trimble is the 11th recipient of the award, presented annually to only one of the more than 300 International Truck dealers and distributors throughout the world.
The Dealer of the Year must be exceptional in all facets of the truck distribution business, including sales, parts and service. The International Dealer of the Year also is characterized by his or her distinguished level of investment back into the business, including investments in personnel, business processes and facilities.
“The International Truck Dealer of the Year honor is given to the very best of an elite group of International dealers,” says Aida Tanaka, vice president of dealer operations. “For almost 30 years, Russ Trimble has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his customers, his employees and the International brand.”
Trimble became a dealer in 1982 when a number of truck sales employees took over former International Harvester Co. truck sales branches and became dealers. Since then, Trimble has earned the Circle of Excellence 17 times. Starting with one dealership in Dallas, Trimble and his team grew into one of the pre-eminent, locally owned and operated truck dealerships in the Southwest and the entire nation, with 305 employees and four more locations in McKinney, Fort Worth, Arlington and Bridgeport, Texas.
Southwest expanded in 2005 and 2006, adding 18 service bays, a used truck operation and a parts and service store that has become a full-line dealership. They have reinvigorated their Idealease lease and rental operations by naming a new president, growing their rental fleet and improving their presence. Southwest International designed all their dealerships to provide an outstanding customer experience.
“This award is a great honor for everyone at Southwest International because it recognizes all the hard work and professionalism we bring to our customers in Texas,” Trimble says. “I accept the International Truck Dealer of the Year award on behalf of our incredibly talented team of truck professionals and our loyal customers at each of our five Southwest International Trucks locations. Our customers depend on our great team of people – they rely on us to keep their businesses moving and growing. Our Three C business philosophy, ‘Customer, Cooperation and Can Do,’ keeps us focused on doing the right thing for the customer. Good people make it happen, and I believe we have the best people in the business.”
