Featuring Bob Conaway, Service 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 Bob Conaway, Service Manager at Hunter Truck – Clearfield 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 in the transportation industry.
A: I have been at Hunter Truck for over 10 years as a Service Manager.I have been involved in the trucking industry since I was a young kid. My dad drove truck and eventually he started a small family-owned trucking company. The business ceased operations in 1991. At that time I started working for a large fleet and was employed there for over 22 years. I started there as a technician, moved up to a lead tech and then was the maintenance manager for over 7 years. When that fleet ceased operations, I started my employment at Hunter.
Q: What is the best or most rewarding part of your role as Service Manager?
A: Knowing that my department has successfully helped a customer in need of assistance and that the customer had a positive experience.
Q: How would you describe your experience at Hunter Truck?
A: It has been a very humbling and learning experience. Coming from a fleet facility to a dealership and learning about all the new technology and keeping up with all the changes from the manufacturers.
Q: Tell us about your department and the team.
A: The service department at Hunter Truck – Clearfield has been a very successful and profitable department. I attribute that to the team that we have put together. I have a very experienced and competitive team that takes pride in their work and being successful. We have very little employee turnover within the department whether it be techs or admin staff.
This year Bob’s team received a Platinum Service Award from Peterbilt Motor’s Company for 2023.
Q: What is the most important thing for customers to know about keeping up with their truck season to season?
A: Regularly scheduled preventive maintenance as required by the manufacturers.
Q: What tips do you have for the spring?
A: Inspect belts, coolant hoses and wiper blades for wear, cracks and soft spots, clean charge air cooler and radiator, pressure wash and clean chassis to wash away salt build up, and have your A/C system checked by qualified repair facility.
Q: If you could share one most important service tip with your customers, what would it be?
A: I would say regularly scheduled maintenance, it is one of the most important things when it comes to keeping up with your truck.
Q: How has your experience in the industry and at Hunter Truck helped you become the leader that you are today?
A: Don’t be afraid of change. You need to adapt and change as needed since the industry is always changing to meet required standards and guidelines. I have become more understanding of the needs of the customers and our employees. Treat them all fairly and set the expectation.