Focusing on long-term relationships with customers, offering better service, and being transparent about supply have become a top priority. “In a way, COVID forced us to improve our customer communication and has actually made many of our relationships better,” Justin says. The Hopkins family works hard and continues to learn from each other. John, who has handed many of the day-to-day responsibilities to Katie and Justin, serves as a sounding board for them and stays involved in the industry as Vice Chairman of the Freightliner Dealer Council and will serve as Co-Chair in 2023/2024. John admits that his children have taught him how to text, FaceTime, and Zoom, but they have also shown him the power of living passionately, both professionally and personally. He admires how they continue to give back to the communities they serve. “Dad has shown us how to do everything with integrity,” Katie says. “He has lived his life this way and it shows.” Truck Centers currently employs approximately 700 people across all locations and the Hopkins family aims to treat all of them like one big extended family. 13 illinoisdealers.com
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