EMILY CAMPBELL CAMPBELL SUPPLY COMPANY How long has your dealership been in business? Campbell Supply Company was founded in 1967 by my grandfather Whitman (Woody) and started in a small family home in Edison, New Jersey, selling fire apparatus. Since then, we have grown into a third-generation company with seven locations representing multiple product lines, including Freightliner, Western Star, Isuzu, and Spartan ERV. How did you first become involved in the industry? I grew up in the industry, starting from a very young age sweeping floors, landscaping, assisting with office tasks, and eventually working in the parts warehouse during the summers off from school. During high school and college, I continued to work in the business on a more regular basis, eventually moving to the Accounting Department after graduating from Rutgers. Is there an event when your presence as a female entrepreneur in the auto dealership industry influenced younger generations to shop at your dealership or join the industry? As a young female in a commercial truck dealership, I am always looking for opportunities to engage with our industry to drive increased awareness and engagement from younger generations, including females who may not know how great the trucking industry can be. What is your pioneering vision for the future of your dealership? I want to continually elevate our customer and employee experience through innovation and engagement. With more aggressive emission laws and regulations being enacted, our customers are entering a time of financial uncertainty. My vision for Campbell is to ensure that we are always working towards a better future for our customers, as well as our employees. What would you say to other women who haven’t considered a career in auto retailing? I would start by mentioning that women who have ventured into this industry often find themselves embracing and thriving in its challenges and opportunities. With significant growth and potential, it offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. I encourage all women to explore the possibilities within the trucking industry, where they can contribute their skills, drive, and passion to make a meaningful impact since trucking is such a critical part of the U.S. economy. How did you get to be the Controller, and what does that mean exactly? Campbell Supply is proud to be a family-owned dealership that will soon be a third-generation business with myself and my two brothers. We have expanded over the years, increasing our footprint across New Jersey and the surrounding areas to better service our customers. “Female” and “trucking industry” are words that don’t immediately come to mind as a combination. I have been working at Campbell Supply for as long as I can remember and have worked in multiple departments and positions throughout the years. I currently hold the position of Controller of our Raritan Center location, which includes overseeing accounting and financial reporting as well as ensuring compliance with financial regulations, monitoring cash flow, and analyzing financial data to guide strategic decisions. I collaborate with our teams to optimize the company’s profitability and operational efficiency by maintaining accurate financial records and implementing effective financial controls. Have you been able to implement any changes/programs/etc. to support your vision of the future of trucking or your company? Within Campbell, I work closely with our executive team to implement new strategies and processes that will drive growth in our organization. I initiated Campbell Supply’s commitment to the Woman in Trucking Association allowing for more engagement with women within our industry as well as ensuring Campbell Supply remains a foundational piece of the New Jersey trucking industry. In 2023, I graduated from the intensive, six-week American Truck Dealers academy course offered through NADA, which provided me with valuable information and material to further the success of Campbell Supply. I am looking forward to leading Campbell Supply with my two brothers, Spencer and Mason, and continuing the success for both our organization and our customers. 15 NEW JERSEY auto retailer
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