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Spotlight: Thompson Truck & Trailer

posted by TrueNorth Risk Management on Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Talking Safety with Thompson Truck & Trailer

Dennis Thompson, the first-generation owner of Thompson Truck & Trailer, began working at what was formally known as Hawkeye International in 1975 as a mechanic's helper. Over the years, he took on the roles of utility mechanic, journeyman mechanic, shop foreman, and service manager, eventually assuming a leadership role in Hawkeye International's Fleet division.  

In 1998, Dennis purchased Hawkeye International and their three dealership locations (Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Davenport) and brought his son Travis into the business as a mechanic. Since 1998, Thompson has added locations in Dubuque (2003), Decorah (2005) and Sterling, Illinois (2007).  Most recently, in 2010, Thompson expanded beyond the trucking industry by purchasing Napa Premier Parts and opening 6 locations throughout the Midwest.  Like his father, Dennis' son, Travis has also worked up the ladder to assume his current title as President of Thompson Truck & Trailer. 

As Thompson Truck & Trailer continues to grow over the next three years, the owners anticipate expanding their business to include 10 locations and increasing their labor team to nearly 450 employees.  They also hope to open a new location in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Both men are very much aware that in order to accomplish this goal, they must also meet their goals with regard to workplace culture and safety.  

Meet Dennis Thompson: 

Title | Chairman of Thompson Family Holdings with ownership control of Thompson Truck & Trailer. 

Years on the job | 40

Passion | Riding the Harley and enjoying time with grandchildren

Volunteer and Community Involvement | Board of Directors for the Iowa Motor Truck Association and PAC Committee chairman, WayPoint Services volunteer.

Meet Travis Thompson: 

Title | President of Thompson Truck & Trailer 

Years on the job | 19

Passion | working on cars and getting outside

Volunteer and Committee Work | 100+ Men Who Care member, Convention Chairman for the Iowa Motor Truck Association. 

Q&A on Safety with the Owners of Thompson Truck & Trailer:

Q: What workplace hazards are your employees exposed to on a daily basis?

Travis: There’s lots of cutting and grinding going on and equipment moving all the time – not just through our shops, but through the parts department – you always have to be aware of your surroundings.  There are a lot of moving parts to our business and nothing is the same or consistent.  You must always be aware of your surroundings.

Dennis: The minute a [Thompson] employee walks through the doors of this business, they are putting themselves in a position where they need to be aware. There is equipment moving, trucks moving, a lot of everything moving!  -And that’s what we’ve really focusing on today with the help of TrueNorth. 

Q: How do you define success when it comes to safety?

Travis: Something that stuck with me [while] we were laying out our new incentive program was that we want every employee to go home in as good or better health than when they arrived.  Zero accidents.  To me that’s success.  They’ve come to work and maintained their health with regard to safety, vision, hearing, etc.   

Dennis:  I don’t know if you noticed when you came in, but everyone backs into a parking stall here.  I came up with that a couple years ago.  When backing into a parking area, you are aware of your surroundings: you know you can back in safety and not hit someone.  My thinking is, if you know your surroundings when you’re backing in, when you’re pulling out at the end of the day, you’re looking forward. The goal is to remind our employees that they should never look back – always look forward.  Don’t look at what happened yesterday, look forward to tomorrow.  

Q: How has your work with TrueNorth changed your idea of safety and culture?

Dennis: TrueNorth has helped us figure out how to confront these accidents and learn from them in a meaningful way.  You helped us get to where we are going.  We’ve implemented many safety meetings and presentations at all our locations. 

Travis: Granted, we’re somewhat new in our partnership with TrueNorth, but I consider them a business partner, not just our insurance broker. TrueNorth has helped us come up with our safety logo, our safety slogan, we’ve got banners, we’ve got decals on equipment. Our safety incentive we’ve rolled out is new and it’s been fun. We’re hosting lunch [for employees] and doing a safety drawing, we also give a quick “toolbox” talk on what we need to continue to do in order to improve – just the awareness that TrueNorth has helped us drive has been a huge benefit and I think we’ll continue to reap these rewards for years to come.

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