Worcester Business Journal

6 Worcester Business Journal | Book of Lists 2023 | wbjournal.com A D V E R T I S E M E N T O riginally founded as a blacksmith shop in 1906, Ballard Truck Center has evolved into the Northeast's premiere commercial vehicle dealer. A fifth-generation, family- owned business, Ballard has maintained its reputation for excellence, always doing what is right for the customer. Since 1988, Ballard has been a leader in commercial truck sales. Customers will find a variety of vehicles, from dump trucks to crane trucks and everything in between. Most recently, Ballard added Isuzu Commercial Trucks to its inventory. This truck is the vehicle of choice for any medium duty job, such as landscaping and delivery. In 2022, Ballard Truck Center became the first Mack Certified Electric Vehicle Dealer in New England and sold the first electric Class 8 commercial vehicle in this region. The company is preparing its dealerships to accept additional electric vehicles. A group of select specialized technicians are undergoing extensive training so they can work on the new equipment. In spite of a challenging market, Ballard Truck Center has maintained a strong foothold in market share. With one of the largest warehouses of truck parts in the Northeast, Ballard carries $9 million in parts inventory. The company features the Road Choice product line, which is compatible with many makes and models of trucks, trailers, and buses and offers customers a quality product at a competitive price. Furthermore, Ballard's award-winning technicians can maintain and/or repair any make or model medium and heavy-duty truck. The industry has recognized Ballard Truck Center for excellence repeatedly through the years. Their dedicated employees have helped the company earn top spot in customer satisfaction several times in the United States from Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks. In 2022, Ballard Truck Center earned Mack Trucks Northeast Region Dealer of the Year and North American Dealer of the Year. That same year Volvo awarded Ballard Northeast Region Dealer of the Year and United States Dealer of the Year. The company also received the Isuzu Trucks Circle of Excellence for the second consecutive year. "We are honored to receive these awards that recognize our efforts to adapt and expand our business to meet the evolving needs of our customers," said John Picking, co-president and co-owner. These awards are based on sales, customer satisfaction scores and business development. "We can attribute our success to a group of dedicated and loyal employees who care and act as if the business is their own," said Steve Grahn, co-president and co-owner. "We consider customers as partners and when we do make a mistake, we always make it right, regardless of the cost." Ballard Truck Center believes in giving back to the local community and participates/contributes to several non-profit organizations, including ALS, Bourque Family Foundation, C&S Charities, Edward Street, the Lions Club, Operation Stand Down, the Wareham Police, and several others. Grahn said, "What distinguishes us from the competition is that we worry about being better, not bigger. Bigger happens as a result and it has with us." n Ballard Truck Center: Keeping the Community Rolling Street Address: 442 SW Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01604 7 total locations in MA, RI, and NH Phone Number: 508-753-1403 Website: BallardTrucks.com Product or Service Description: Full-service commercial vehicle dealer Number of Employees: 225 Head of Company and Title: John Picking, Steve Grahn, co-presidents/co-owners Robert Picking and Samantha Grahn, sixth-generation leadership Year Founded: 1906 BALLARD TRUCK CENTER P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y

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