Featuring Sam Horne, New Truck Sales Manager at Hunter Truck – Butler.

We interviewed a member of our team that we feel is an expert in their department. In this edition of Ask the Expert, we talked to Sam Horne, New Truck Sales Manager at Hunter Truck – Butler 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: My journey at Hunter Truck has been one I would do again and recommend to anyone wanting to start out in the trucking industry. It started as a management/dealership trainee where I worked in Parts, Service, and Sales learning as much as I could while understanding the processes of the dealership. Service is where I started to really learn and be challenged as someone that was communicating with customers daily. New Truck Sales put all the pieces together and that’s where it started to become fun. I enjoyed helping the department sell trucks, finding ways to get the sale done, and also learning how to build the ideal stock truck for the impulsive buyer. Having zero knowledge of trucks prior to starting with Hunter Truck, I’m still not an expert but I always have an opportunity to continue learning.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: I find satisfaction and fulfillment watching my team succeed and in turn the department succeed. Innately, I’ve always been a team player so whatever I can do to support their success is where I find most value in my work.

Q: How would you describe your experience at Hunter Truck?

A: My personal experience at Hunter Truck has been great. I’ve always had great teachers, people I’ve enjoyed learning from, people to challenge me, and people I’ve had fun with.

Q: Tell us about your department and team.

A: The sales department team is dynamic and experienced. They all have their areas of expertise and different perspectives which I appreciate. I like to think everyone in the department gets along well and enjoys each other’s humor. Without fail, our sales team meetings always include moments of shared laughter. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Q: What is the most important thing for customers to know about keeping up with their truck season to season?

A: Take advantage of bringing your trucks in for winter service for a quick turnaround in the shop with parts specials and complimentary pickup and delivery by service. This is a huge opportunity to get oil changes, inspections, or any other general issue that’s been lingering throughout the season. It’s important to reach out to the service department for updates on how quickly work can be cycled through to minimize downtime. Also, if you’ve been busy this summer and winter is slowing down, it’s a great time to establish a relationship with the service advisors and service manager so they can better know you and service you.

Q: In 2025, what should customers focus on when it comes to their truck(s)?

A: Entering the second quarter of 2025, if customers require body upfits for their trucks and business operations, then planning to get in line now is of the essence. Chassis manufacture lead times are fast now, but body companies are busy so getting in line now is needed in order to get a truck built within a reasonable time for your season. Another important consideration is knowing what trucks you need to trade in, what time of the year you’ll want them off the road, and/or when their warranty is expiring are all things to think of when purchasing new trucks.

Q: What advice do you have for trucking industry professionals in 2025? What are some things they should be thinking about?

A: As we hear and see how CY2025 is unfolding, customers should consider buying larger quantities now as lead times are short and prices are still competitive before the incoming price increases from the manufacturers entering a “pre-buy” year. Customers should also consider as everyone else expects to experience an uptick in business, stock trucks will become more desirable leaving the variety of options to become less available than they are currently.

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