When Truckworx, then known as Kenworth of Alabama, acquired Kenworth of Jackson, Miss. in 2007, Barry Willoughby was one of the first hires the company made to jumpstart its business venture in a new state.
“I had over 20 years in the industry in 2007,” Willoughby said. “One of the PACCAR financial representatives recommended me for the branch manager position because of my experience and tenure in the Mississippi market. The short story is I got the job and have had a great experience managing this dealership.”
Willoughby has been a constant smiling face at Truckworx-Jackson since then, building relationships and putting customers first since the facility first opened.
Before coming to Truckworx, Willoughby worked as a salesman for Utility Trailer Company for 19 years, then for Peterbilt for three years.
“Having the opportunity to manage a truck facility was something I had always set my sights on,” Willoughby said. “I did not have the money to open my own business in the trucking industry, but I thought it would be best for our customers if I ran this dealership like it was my own and treat our customers how I would like to be treated.”
One story in particular stands out to Willoughby when it comes to caring for his customers and going above and beyond for client satisfaction.
“A customer that I had not seen in years stopped by one Friday afternoon around 3:00 needing repairs. If he didn’t get his load to California on time, he would have been fined $4,000,” Willoughby said. “We only had one problem, which was that the part we needed was in Birmingham, Ala.
“I told him I could get it back if I went myself, so I took off to Birmingham and got back with the part around 9:50 p.m. when we closed at 10 p.m. After a short install process, he was back on the road and got the load delivered in time.”
However, that wasn’t the last time the Truckworx-Jackson staff saw this particular customer.
“The next Monday morning, that customer came by my office and bought two brand new trucks from us just because of how he had been treated,” Willoughby said. “He really appreciated our effort and gave back when he did not have to. That’s how you build a mutual relationship.”
Willoughby credits his mentors through the years as the reason he runs Truckworx-Jackson in this way.
“There are countless people that have helped me along the way, too many to mention, really.” he said. “For me, those who had the strongest influence on my life were the ones who overlooked their personal problems and took time to help others who needed it. That’s how I wanted to be.”
Through it all, Willoughby is grateful for the opportunity to have served his customers and wishes everyone in the industry good luck as he retires on Aug. 31 of this year.
“For my friends in the industry and at Truckworx, I know they will meet and overcome the new challenges they face each and every day,” he said. “I’m thankful for my Truckworx family. Not only do we sell ‘The World’s Best,’ but I think they are the best in the world at what they do.”
From all of us, we wish you a very happy retirement, Barry! Thank you for all you have done for the trucking industry and for the impact you have had on all of us through the years!
Truckworx president and CEO Will Bruser said, “Barry represents what Truckworx is all about. He is a family man and all about doing what’s right for the right reasons. He has a passion for customer service and staying true to his word. I will miss Barry dearly but I am so happy and excited for his ability to retire, allowing him to focus on his loved ones and enjoy the next chapter of his life to the fullest.”
Mike Levering, Truckworx chief operating officer, added, “I would like to personally thank Barry for his friendship and leadership over the years. His presence in the Mississippi market has always guaranteed Truckworx a seat at the table due to the amount of respect he has from the various carriers and owners in Mississippi. Whether we won or lost, we were always included and that can be attributed to his outstanding reputation. I want to wish Barry the best of luck in his retirement, and although he is leaving us, the Barry Willoughby stories will be told for years to come.”
