Featuring Andrew Walker, Parts Manager
We interviewed a member of our team that we feel is an expert of their department. In this edition of Ask the Expert, we talked to Andrew Walker, Parts Manager at Hunter Truck – Buffalo about his time at Hunter Truck, in the industry, and how he leads his team to success.
Q: Tell us about your journey at Hunter Truck and your experience in the industry.
A: I have been in the heavy-duty truck industry for over 20 years now. I started off at the Buffalo Truck Center doing outside parts sales, and from there I did truck sales, leasing & rental, and service sales as well. My journey at Hunter Truck started 3 years ago, and I have been enjoying every minute of the journey.
Q: What is the best or most rewarding part of the job?
A; It’s definitely being there to find a solution to a customer’s problem. We help them find the parts they need and get their truck back on the road.
Q: How would you describe your experience at Hunter Truck?
A: My experience at Hunter Truck has been amazing. I have learned a lot as to how a heavy-duty truck dealership should operate and how a strong dealer group finds success. We’re set up to help our customers succeed, and we support them which is so important at Hunter Truck. It’s also great to have the support of the other branches as well.
Q: Tell us about your department and team.
A: Our parts team is made up of 20 employees between front and back counter, outside sales, inventory, and our five parts delivery vans. We have some folks that have been here for over 30 years, and others that are newer to the industry, but they all work great together and everyone helps out when needed in a professional manner. The parts team is full of knowledge and ready to help the customer with whatever they need.
Q: What is the most important thing that customers can do to optimize their parts purchases season to season?
A: Prepare your vehicle for the worst conditions to avoid down time during bad weather, replace your air dryer filters, with our TRP brand filter, check your batteries and the connections to ensure they are working properly, and stock up on fuel additives to avoid any gel ups as the weather gets colder. It’s also important to check all hoses for wear and cracks, and make sure to check your safety equipment that everything you need is operational.
Q: What is one piece of advice for customers to remember this fall?
A: It’s easier to prepare for the worst than to be stuck on the side of the road.
Q: What parts do you find are the most important that customers may forget to replace or stock up on?
A: Belts, hoses, and batteries take the most wear and tear and should be checked before they fail.
Q: What do you want customers to know about Hunter Truck parts?
A: Hunter Truck has a great twice a day parts delivery service, and a vast network of parts that are on the ground ready and to be delivered. We also have two warehouses that hold our large parts inventory to help our customers quickly. Our inside parts sales representatives are here to help you directly for all your parts needs.
Q: Why should customers consider using the Online Parts Counter?
A: OPC has many benefits to the customer. First is take advantage of all of the specials that OPC offers month to month and annually. Second is they are able to order the parts they need online and have them delivered. Lastly is they are able to look at their order history and they can reorder the parts they got previously.
Q: How has your experience in the industry and at Hunter Truck helped you become the leader that you are today?
A: This industry has taught me to be patient in all situations and know that we can fix it and help our customers. I’ve learned a lot on how bring out the best in my team, and help them do their job the best they can. I started out at Hunter Truck as a salesperson who managed a few people and now I’m the parts manager and I lead an entire department. The help that I get from the managers around me have aided me in growing as a person and manager.