Little did Peter know that someday he would become a partner in a business he helped to become a franchised OEM dealer. Stationed in Nova Scotia in 1991, Peter worked with the founding owners of Provincial Diesel Repair allowing them to become a full line Kenworth dealer. Prior to becoming a dealer, the business had been operated a diesel repair shop, specializing in engine overhauls.
Provincial Diesel was purchased by David Lockhart in 1997, which had by then represented Western Star trucks. In 2000, David had the opportunity to purchase Evangeline Sterling and re-branded his dealership Lockhart Sterling Western Star.
Dave armed with an excellent staff and strong commitment to customer service was able to more that double the size of the original business. With 36 employees and expected revenues of over $20M in 2007, Dave had grown the business larger than one man could handle and went to market in search of a partner for his business. The result couldn’t have produced a partnership which two individuals with more different backgrounds.
Dave was brought up in the family business, an independent chain of building supply companies. His father and brothers has grown a successful chain of building supply stores across Atlantic Canada. They sold the business in the mid-1980’s Dave remained with the acquiring company. With a strong commitment to hard work and a personal dedication to all staff and customers, his entrepreneurial spirit convinced him to set off in his own business. Dave managed a fleet of building supply vehicles and has a passion for trucks, not to mention he can drive pretty much anything with wheels. The purchase of a truck dealership seemed like a nature fit.
Peter grew up in the OEM side of the business with 19 years of experience with two manufacturers and another 7 years in leasing and bulk trucking. This experience gave him exposure to many different dealers and the process and discipline required in the bulk trucking industry. After earning a business degree in 1998, Peter was infected with a desire to own his own business. He was told long ago, that “You should only go into a business you know.” Trucking has been his whole career. Therefore the opportunity to join David in Lockhart Sterling Western Star seemed the perfect fit.
Lockhart Sterling Western Star has a loyal customer base and strong market share in the province of Nova Scotia. Representing both Western Star and Sterling allows the dealership to cover a broad spectrum of the market.
Peter and Dave hope to draw from their varied backgrounds to continue the profitable growth of Lockhart Sterling Western Star. For more information please visit their web site: www.lockharttruckcenter.ca Remember, in all your business dealings, that you never know where they one day may take you.