It’s common knowledge that if you don’t keep your customers happy, your business will cease to exist. For the past 12 years, the Berube family, owners and operators of Berube’s Truck Accessories in Bow, New Hampshire, have been throwing a customer appreciation BBQ and truck show that, like their business, has grown steadily. For the 2015 bash, held on June 28, Mother Nature was in a foul mood as rain fell, heavy at times, all day. But some water didn’t stop the party, with 50 trucks and 500 hungry CDL holders making the trip to enjoy the annual festivities.
Some of their vendors stepped-up big time, too, with Pro Tech sponsoring a horseshoe tournament featuring a $600 purse and Minimizer helping out in the entertainment department with “The Fuzz Box Band” that belted out tunes the entire day. All of the participants were treated to a BBQ that not only featured the usual dogs and burgers, but one could also grab a plate of steak, ribs, salad, dessert and drinks, to boot. The Berube’s always do everything first class! When everyone’s growling belly was silenced, the fun of dealing out a ton of raffle prizes, ranging from gift certificates to a set of dual chrome stacks and a polished headache rack, began. All in attendance took home a loaded goodie bag that included an event t-shirt.
Starting your own business is one thing, but after the grand opening hoopla dies down, the real work of keeping the doors open, paying the bills and building a customer base, is where the real challenge begins. In 1986, Don Berube Sr. made the jump from owner operator to small business captain when he opened up the operation in a 20’ x 20’ space at the Break A Way Truck Stop in Bow, NH. Back then, as it still is now, it was a family affair, with Don Sr., his wife Gaetanne and their son Don Jr. behind the counter. Selling quality parts combined with a CB repair shop and great customer service, their business thrived. So much so, that in 1998 Don tossed the rent receipts for his own 8,000 square-foot store and installation facility just down the road from the truck stop.
Since then, the Berube team has now expanded to 13 members, added a top-shelf graphics department and two service bays, where any product sold can be installed. Working alongside the crew is the 3rd generation of family with Don Jr’s son Alex and Richard’s Daughter Devin learning the ropes and, eventually, taking the company into the future.
If you want your business to thrive, then look at how this family goes to great lengths to keep their customers happy. And don’t miss this fun event next year! Check them out for yourself at www.berubes.com or call (603) 224-7370 to get a free catalog of their services and available inventory.
Photo 1: A show ‘aint a show without a show-off, and Brian Forst quickly took that challenge with his 2000 Pete doing a bit of the burnout thing. The tweaked Cat in this rig is pushing over 1,000 hp, allowing Brian to have some fun torturing the tires.
Photo 2: Thanks to Wayne Gould of Aerial Crane Service for the 125-foot boost.
Photo 3: Just in case the rain made things a bit too muddy, Hopkinton Land Clearing brought out their all-wheel drive Mack.
Photo 4: A tri-axle Mack Superliner dump truck owned by Jennings Excavation.
Photo 5: A pair of LTL Macks belonging to the Eilers brothers from Vermont.
Photo 6: Bach Towing brought out their awesome flamed Peterbilt wrecker.
