Utility Dealer Celebrates 50th
Utility Trailer Sales Southeast Texas Hits Milestone
There are some who believe success is simply good luck, but as Samuel Goldwyn said, “Luck is the sense to recognize an opportunity and the ability to take advantage of it.” In 1971, Jon Loring Sr. had the “good luck” to work for a dairy scheduled to be sold. He heard about a trailer sales job opening at Utility Trailer Sales Southeast Texas, a one-year-old Utility dealer. Jon knew nothing about trailers, but he dropped in, met owner Ted Hardesty, and decided to give it a shot.
With three kids to support—Leslea-6, Missy-3, and Jonny Jr., not yet 1, he had to make at least $1,000 per month. He was guaranteed only $650. Jon got to it and never quit. In 1978, he seized the opportunity to buy into the company. His kids grew up in the business, and the entire Loring family developed a lifelong relationship with Utility.
“Utility and the Bennett family gave my dad and our families an opportunity that we are all grateful for today,” says Jon Loring Jr., President of Utility Trailer Sales. “Dad still shakes his head as he sees our growth, never dreaming this would happen. He simply was trying to make a living for his family. Little did he know, he built a legacy for generations to come.”
Today, Utility Trailer Sales is 303 team members strong. Jon’s children are in leadership; Jon Loring Jr. is President, Leslea Loring is Director of Advertising & Marketing, and Melissa Meza heads up Trailer Finance/Accounting. The next generation is also involved: Megan Murillo— Safety; Tyler Barras—Trailer Finance/Accounting; and Luke Meza—Trailer Sales.
Utility Trailer Sales provides timely service throughout Southeast Texas, Southern Louisiana, and Mexico, with locations in Houston (Blaffer and Wallisville), Pharr, San Antonio, Laredo, LaPorte, San Benito, El Paso, Amarillo, and Eagle Pass. To celebrate this milestone, they will host Customer Appreciation B-B-Q’s at each of their locations throughout the year. For more on Utility Trailer Sales Southeast Texas, go to: www.UtilityTrailers.com
