Worcester Business Journal

72 Worcester Business Journal | October 28, 2024 | wbjournal.com F orty years ago, Kevin Holmes invested his life savings of $12,000 to open a gas station in Ashland, never imagining it would evolve from a two-person truck repair service business to become Advantage Truck Group. Today, ATG is New England's largest Daimler Trucks North America dealer and includes 400 employees across eight locations, with headquarters in Shrewsbury. is year, as ATG marks 40 years, it reflects on its commitment to its employees, customers and communities. "When I think about the past 40 years and the journey it took to get here, it's the people who have made the difference and helped build our success," said President and CEO Kevin Holmes. "It's our business partners who believed in us and gave us opportunities to succeed, and each customer who trusted us with their business. Yet no one is more important than every person at ATG." While a lot has changed over the past 40 years, ATG's commitment to its employees and its customers has not. e first technician Holmes hired 40 years ago and many of its earliest customers are still with the company today. ATG continues to support the next generation and foster their success, making investments in training and providing opportunities for growth within its network. Trucking is a life-sustaining industry, and ATG customers deliver the foods, medicines, and essential products and services that our families, businesses and communities rely on every day. "No detail is too small when it comes to the service and support our customers need; we are an extension of their business," Holmes said. 'ere are no spare customers' is a motto I live by every day, and it takes a remarkable team and the dedication and efforts of every member to make that happen." While ATG's most important mission is serving its customers, a commitment to giving back to its communities is what truly defines the company. At ATG, that focus is on helping fight hunger and food insecurity through its Haulin' 4 Hunger charitable initiative. From what started over a decade ago with a small donation of turkeys during the holidays has today reached over 80,000 meals donated and counting, and become a year-round effort to help make a difference to those facing hunger near every ATG location. As ATG plans for the next 40 years, a commitment to its employees, customers and communities will remain at the heart of everything it does. n Advantage Truck Group Celebrates 40 Years Special Advertising Section

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