Family-owned Canton company has eyes on growth as operations transition to fourth
generation.
Doing the right things for the right reasons typically works out for the best.
That’s precisely how things have played out for Young Trucks.
Since 1954, the company has sold the right new and used trucks, provided the right parts and service, and treated its customers the right way.
All of this has resulted in many happy customers rolling down our nation’s highways.
“Our business is more than just selling and servicing trucks,” said Ryan Young, a fourth-generation family member who grew up around the business. “We forge relationships with customers because we care.”
A leading seller of Freightliner, Isuzu and Volvo trucks, Young Trucks helps fleet owners and independent owner-operators travel from coast to coast with confidence.
The company offers a variety of heavy-and medium-duty new and used trucks. Its parts and service departments focus on keeping trucks — and getting them back — on the road.
In 1954, Herb and Nellie Young — with sons, Richard and Robert — formed Young-White Trucks Inc., a dealer of White and Autocar Trucks in Stark County and the surrounding areas. The organization had six employees. Operations were established in downtown Canton and remained there until 1965.
Growing to 15 employees, the company needed more space and relocated to Perry Township, where Richard and Robert established themselves as the second generation of leaders.
In 1977, White and Freightliner dissolved their partnership, and the company’s name was changed to Young Truck Sales, Inc., which was a Freightliner dealer.
In 1983, fire destroyed the business. A new facility was opened at 4970 Southway St. SW, where the Freightliner store still stands today.
The company purchased JayMac Body and Frame in 1989, which continues to serve as one of the few premier heavy-duty body shops in Ohio. In 1995, Young Volvo and GMC Trucks was established.
In 1996, Richard’s son, Craig, and Robert’s son, Bob, became the third generation to lead the company. Young Volvo and GMC moved to Shepler Church Ave. in 2000. When the company stopped representing the GMC brand, the name was changed to Young Volvo.
In 2005, the family re-entered the leasing business with a new company, Young Leasing, Inc. About the same time, another company, Young Trailer Shop at 3406 Navarre Rd., was created.
In 2012, the company purchased the building Young Volvo was housed at and remodeled it, adding service bays and establishing the largest natural gas-certified service facility in Ohio.
Today, Young Trucks encompasses all of these businesses and employs nearly 170 people. In the next few years, there’ll be an evolution to the fourth generation of Youngs running the business — Craig’s son, Zach, and son-in-law, Justin Candea, and Bob’s sons, Ryan and Adam.
Last year was one of the busiest yet for Young Trucks.
“The economy was booming,” said Ryan. “A lot of freight was being moved.”
This year looks to be more challenging.
“We’re constantly looking for steady growth opportunities we can keep up with,” said Ryan.
Word has gotten out about Young Trucks. Customers come from as far as California and Florida.
Young Trucks is a Freightliner Elite Support Certified Dealer and a Volvo Certified Up-Time Center, which means customers can rely on its service.
Today’s trucks are highly complicated and technical. The company’s strategy is to be on the leading edge of new developments.
“We’re not afraid of new technology and the challenges that arise from it,” said Ryan. “We strive to continuously improve.”
At one time, associates in the service department were only mechanically inclined. Now, they’re both mechanical technicians and computer technicians.
“There’s a ton of training and classwork our guys must go through to stay up to date,” said Ryan.
Happy customers are moving forward. Offering quality trucks and service helps make this happen.
“We understand what customers have been through,” said Ryan. “Their truck broke down, they paid for a tow, they’re late delivering a load — and now, they’ve got a service bill.”
For this reason, Young Trucks does everything it can to get customers back on the road as efficiently as possible.
The company supports its community. From local charities, schools and sports to even donating time and trucks to Habitat for Humanity.
Long work hours and countless business issues won’t go away. But the way Young Trucks goes about its business won’t change, either.
“As long as we keep doing things the right way, we’ll keep our customers on the road and satisfied,” said Ryan. “That makes it all well worth it.”