Hopkins Family Makes History as Truck Centers Inc. Earns Second ATD Dealer of the Year Award Truck Centers Inc.’s (TCI) President/CEO, Katie Hopkins, received the industry’s highest honor, the prestigious 2024 American Truck Dealers (ATD) Dealer of the Year Award, at the ATD Show in Las Vegas, NV. The ATD Dealer of the Year Award is a national distinction that recognizes commercial truck dealers for business performance, industry leadership, and charitable and civic involvement in their local communities. An esteemed panel of independent experts from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business used a decision matrix to evaluate various aspects of dealer operations, business and the seven nominee’s individual contributions. “Over the past 11 years since her approval as dealer principal successor, she has spearheaded acquisitions in multiple markets and championed growth and core values for the dealerships,” praised the panel of judges. “Hopkins has seen growth with TCI in key performance indicators, including substantial increases in the past five years. Under her leadership, the firm operates as a solutions valueadded company.” Hopkins has spent her entire career in the dealer industry and aligned with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and their Freightliner and Western Star brands at TCI. She and her brother, Justin Hopkins (VP of Sales), have both been approved as DTNA dealer principal successors and are the third generation of their family to lead the company. Katie was promoted to CEO and successor of her father, M. John Hopkins, IV, who led the business for 48 years. The elder Hopkins retains his role as chairman alongside his longstanding TCI partner and minority owner, Michael F. Yates, as vice chairman. In winning this year’s award, the Hopkins family etched their names into the ATD history book. Katie and her father, John, are now the first parentchild duo bestowed ATD Dealer of the Year honors. 14 Illinois Automobile Dealer News
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