Trailer Tech Expo Powered by NATDA™ Announces Finalists for Inaugural Industry Excellence Awards 

Arlington, VA – The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) and Trailer Tech Expo powered by NATDA™ are proud to celebrate the innovators, leaders, and visionaries shaping the future of the trailer industry with the inaugural Industry Excellence Awards. These prestigious awards recognize individuals and companies that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in elevating the trailer industry across categories such as innovation, customer service, leadership, and marketing impact. 

“Launched as part of NATDA’s ongoing mission to recognize excellence and inspire innovation, the awards represent the highest honors within the trailer community,” commented Andria Gibbon, CEM, Executive Director of NATDA. “The Trailer Tech Expo was the perfect event to debut our Industry Excellence Awards since it focuses on new trailer technology & innovation that is driving business success for dealerships.” 

“This year’s finalists exemplify the dedication, creativity, and hard work that continue to move the industry forward. Winning an award not only highlights significant accomplishments but also solidifies their reputation as an industry leader.” Gibbon added. 

AWARD CATEGORIES & FINALISTS

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

• Ricky Baker

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

• Diamond C Trailers
• Down2Earth Trailers
• Watchdog Trailers

DEALER OF THE YEAR

• AW Trailer Sales
• Maine Trailers
• White Spruce Trailers

RISING STAR – COMPANY 

• Liberty Trailers
• Timpte Equipment Trailers
• Viper Trailers

RISING STAR – INDIVIDUAL 

• Tyler Bauman, Regional Account Manager, Viper Trailers
• Jon Bloch, Owner, Great Lakes Trailer Sales
• Shane Buckner, VP, RBJ Trailers DBA GPS Trailers

CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE

• Delco Trailers
• Lamar Trailers
• Liberty Trailers

MARKETING EXCELLENCE: BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN MARKETING

• Action Trailers
• Central Trailer Sales
• Transax

LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

• Lightspeed DMS
• Taskmaster Components
• WholeHOG

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

• Kyran Hollje, Marketing Director, Delco Trailer
• Brittani Lewis, Owner, Shout Out Entertainment
• Donna Schmucker, Marketing Director, GEN-Y Hitch

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Johnathan Aguero, Sr. VP of Revenue, BlackPurl
• Kent Lewis, Chief Evangelist, FreeGren Digital
• Bill Snider, Product Training Manager, Dexter 

VENDOR OF THE YEAR

• Bulletproof Hitches
• GEN-Y Hitch
• Valcrum

AWARDS CEREMONY DETAILS

Finalists will be officially notified and featured on the NATDA website. The winners will be announced during a special ceremony at the awards banquet at the Trailer Tech Expo on February 26, 2025. In addition, the Innovation Showcase winners from the 2024 Trailer Show will also be recognized at the ceremony. Attendees can look forward to an inspiring evening filled with celebration, networking, and a showcase of the best in the trailer industry.

ABOUT TRAILER TECH EXPO POWERED BY NATDA™

Taking place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center from February 25 – 27, Trailer Tech Expo is proudly sponsored by Novae and Dealer Spike. Trailer Tech Expo offers an immersive experience in all things trailer innovation and technology. Discover new ways to accelerate dealership performance, get hands-on with technician certification workshops, test breakthrough solutions, meet the experts, and gain access to exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders who are reshaping the future of trailer sales, service, and technology. 

Complete details on awards criteria and more information on the banquet are available on the NATDA website at https://www.natda.org/industry-excellence-awards-2025. For more information, including event details and registration, visit www.natda.org/trailer-tech-expo.

ABOUT NATDA

The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) is the largest trade organization representing trailer dealers across North America. Our mission is to advocate for the trailer industry and provide education, networking, and business solutions to professionals in the trailer community. At NATDA, your success is our mission™.

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