In this Hunter Truck customer feature, we interviewed Tad Agoglia, CEO and Founder of First Response Team of America. Tad talked about his background, what inspired him to help others, what his team does, and how Hunter Truck continually supports his mission.
At Hunter Truck, our customers are the heart of our business and the backbone of the trucking industry. They impact both local and national communities, serve a wide range of industries, and help keep our world moving. Through our customer features, we aim to showcase their work, highlight their contributions to their communities, and share a piece of their story.
What began as an opportunity to lend a helping hand in a time of need has since turned into an operation that has seen over 200 disasters. Tad Agoglia, CEO and Founder of First Response Team of America, along with his team has proudly aided families across the United States with the cleanup process following natural disasters.
Tad began his work in his early 20s. The loss of his father made him realize how short life can be, inspiring him to take action. Tad was leading a successful business with several trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment when he decided to use the resources he had to help a small town in Kanas that had been destroyed by an EF-5 tornado. This experience is what led Tad to where he is today; helping those affected by natural disasters begin the process of cleaning up debris, their homes, and their communities.
“I found that the simple act of clearing debris and helping families find belongings was an important first step in the recovery process,” said Tad Agoglia about his experience in helping after storms. “I have been told by many people we have met and helped that they were overwhelmed with knowing where to start. They were not sure how they were going to lift the heavy debris and that the help we provided was just what they needed to get through that day. These are the types of experiences that inspire us to keep responding to storm after storm.”
Tad and his team have volunteered their time and resources at over 200 disasters which gives them the real-life insight into what needs to be done upon arrival. Whether it is how to handle and remove challenging debris, navigating dangerous flood waters with hovercrafts, or assisting firefighters in search and recovery with heavy equipment, Tad and his team are willing and able to help out no matter what. The knowledge that they have allows them to not only help local communities affected but also engage with emergency services and local leaders. Often times during the aftermath of disasters, a tremendous amount of assistance comes in through food, water, and clothing donations. While these are needed the demand for volunteers with heavy equipment to help with debris removal sometimes lacks due to the cost or difficulty in owning and transporting large trucks and equipment.
Tad expressed how vital the Peterbilt network has been for the work that he and his team do. Peterbilt dealers have donated trucks to his cause, Ledwell has donated trailers, and Caterpillar has donated heavy equipment – all to make sure that the team at First Response Team of America has the tools they need to continue helping families across the country.
“Since 2012, Hunter Truck has been a silent partner for First Response Team of America. They donate their time ensuring that our trucks and trailers are always ready to respond at a moment’s notice when severe weather strikes,” said Tad on his relationship with Hunter Truck. “Our trucks inevitably need repairs once we return from disasters, the Hunter Truck – Lancaster service team go through great lengths and detail to ensure that all our trucks are inspected thoroughly. Because of Hunter’s support, we are able to travel all over the U.S. and help these people with no cost to them.”
The (then) Parts Manager, Dave Bresch and Service Manager, Eric Hirt, along with their teams, play a crucial special role for the First Response team. Every time the trucks pull out of the service department, Tad knows the trucks have been well taken care of in the shop, but that they have replacement filled with oils and filters needed for field maintenance while on the job. He can count on the parts team to ship him the parts he needs, even in remote areas.
“Over the years, Tad and I have built a strong and lasting relationship, and the Hunter Truck team has always stood firmly behind his mission. Time and time again, Tad and his crew step up—often putting themselves in challenging and even dangerous situations—to support storm relief efforts across the country,” said Dave Bresch, Director of Parts Sales about his relationship with Tad Agoglia. “Their dedication is nothing short of heroic. The work they do is truly remarkable, and at Hunter Truck, we are proud to support their mission in any way we can, even if that means simply providing the parts and services that keep their equipment running strong in the toughest conditions.”
When affected communities see the First Response fleet arrive on scene, they often feel a sense of relief as the cleanup process can seem overwhelming. Tad and his team are able to help these families take those initial steps; by getting roads cleared and their properties cleaned up, they have hope and strength for the journey ahead.
“We have built a strong partnership with First Response Team of America. Our team is proud to support them by maintaining their specialized fleet, ensuring they stay operational and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice,” said Eric Hirt, Service Manager. “We’re honored to play a small but meaningful role in helping them bring hope and critical aid to those who need it most.
One of the first things that Tad and his team focus on when they arrive at the scene of a disaster is help clearing roads so emergency personnel can get in to help those in need. The First Response team utilizes trucks like their Peterbilt Grapple Truck; it is designed with a crane and hydraulic head that aids in cutting and handling large pieces of trees and housing debris. It is able to not only move this debris out of the way but also load it onto a truck to be hauled away.
“Our relationship with Hunter Truck gives my entire team peace of mind. We are a small team, and we all wear many hats. Preparing for the next event, deploying, and then working 24/7 once on site is a demanding process,” said Tad. “Knowing Hunter Truck technicians have ensured that our fleet is ready for the next disaster gives us confidence that we can drive into any storm knowing our fleet is up for the challenge ahead.”
Hunter Truck is proud to partner with Tad and the First Response Team of America, supporting their selfless mission of helping communities in need. We are honored to pay it forward and stand behind Tad and his team as they provide vital resources to those affected by natural disasters.
Interested in donating or volunteering? The First Response Team of America is a 501C3 Nonprofit and always looking for donations and happy to have additional volunteers. For more information visit their website: https://firstresponseteam.org/
Hunter Truck’s ‘customer feature’ campaign is something that we would love to continue to carry on and showcase more of our amazing customers. If you’re interested in showing off your latest truck build or your business, reach out to the Hunter Truck Marketing team, we’d love to feature you! Contact Katie Wilson, Corporate Marketing Coordinator – kwilson@huntertruck.com or fill out our contact form here: https://huntertruck.com/contact/
