Page 3 - TrailerTalk - December 2025
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TRAILERTALK
         NTDA Celebrates 35 Years of Industry



         Leadership During Annual Convention…



         Continued from Page 1


                     Sheahan’s message centered on practical ways to   presented Paul Christenson, North American Trailer, LLC (Salt Lake
                     win in markets defined by rapid change — guidance   City, Utah)  with the President’s Award of Excellence (and a $1,000
                     that resonated with dealers navigating shifting   prize) for recruiting the most new members between Sept. 1, 2024 and
                     freight  cycles,  evolving  customer  expectations,  and   Sept. 1, 2025.
                     technology-accelerated competition.
                                                               Christenson was also given the NTDA “Hall of Commitment” award
        Dealer Breakout: “Big Ideas”                           for his work with the Association’s Political Action Committee.
        Following the Exhibition Luncheon, members reconvened for a dealer-  The NTDA wishes to thank all its Membership Ambassadors who
        focused breakout: “Big Ideas” for Improving Productivity, Efficiency,   recruited new members this year.
        and Profitability. The session encouraged open exchange on what’s
        working right now inside dealerships — service optimization, inventory   •   Paul Christenson, North American Trailer, LLC
        decisions, staffing realities, and customer-experience wins.   •   Dave Feitler, Cramaro Tarpaulin Systems
                                                                   •   Trey Gary, Dorsey Trailer
        Mack Keay’s presentation took home the prize for “Best Dealer Big   •   John Gillie, TruckTractorTrailer.com
        Idea for 2025.” Keay’s presentation was based on extensive survey data     •   Jon Jeffries, Fontaine Trailer
        that focused on trailer tracking devices for Ocean Trailer’s rental fleet.   •   Gene Masteller, Atlantic Great Dane, Inc.
                                                                   •   Stuart Swint, Clement Industries, and
        Exhibition & Strolling Luncheon
                                                                   •   Rob Ulsh, Great Dane Trailers.
        A highlight every year, the Exhibition & Strolling Luncheon brought   The Association also recognized Convention volunteers and staff:
        dealers and suppliers together on the show floor in the resort’s
        Arizona Ballroom & Foyer. Attendees explored new trailer products,   •   Stephanie Bloomquist (Retired)
        components, parts programs, technology solutions, and service   •   Richard Bloomquist (Retired)
        offerings — while building relationships that turn into year-round   •   Gwendolyn Brown (NTDA President)
        business collaboration.                                    •   Morgan Brown (NTDA Social Media Coordinator)
                                                                   •   Jeff Brown, Wolf Pack Marketing, LLC (Allied Member)
        Foundation Fundraising, Adventures, and Awards
                                                                   •   Laurie Carr (Retired)
        The Convention concluded on  Thursday, October 9 with a mix of   •   John Carr (Retired)
        traditions and networking.                                 •   Mark Hall, Stoops Freightliner (Dealer Member)
                                                                   •   Trey Gary (Allied Member)
            •   NTDA  Golf  Tournament  &  Scholarship  Fundraiser: The   •   Tabitha Gary (Spouse)
               annual tournament at Starr Pass Golf Club once again   •   Nancy Hall (Spouse)
               supported the National  Trailer Dealers Foundation and its   •   James Harness (Allied Member)
               scholarship efforts. Funds were raised via donations from a   •   Kim Harness (Spouse)
               golf ball cannon option and a “Beat the Dorsey Guys” contest.  •   Patty Kealy, Conference Direct (Allied Member)
            •   Optional  Tours & Activities: Off-Roading Jeep tours and   •   Barbara Lopiccolo (Retired)
               a  Trap & Skeet adventure offered memorable ways for   •   Mary Ellen Nickodemus (Retired)
               attendees to connect outside meeting rooms.         •   Luke Reynolds (Guest)
                                                                   •   Shelley Reynolds (NTDA Administrative Specialist)
            •   Foundation Duck Derby: The afternoon’s Duck Derby at the   •   Tim Reynolds (Allied Member).
               Lazy River area added a fun, family-friendly fundraiser that is
               sure to become a tradition at the Convention.   Sponsors that made the 35th Annual Convention possible through
                                                               their generosity were also recognized.
            •   The evening wrapped with a  Cocktail Reception and the
               Awards Dinner,  where  NTDA  celebrated  excellence  and   Mark Your Calendar
               industry contributions from across the membership.   Be sure to mark your calendar for the 36th Annual NTDA Convention,
                                                               Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026–Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at  TPC Sawgrass
        Each year, the NTDA recognizes its Membership Ambassadors who
        have recruited one or more members within the past year. The NTDA   Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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