With 32 years of trade expertise, Laurie Engle will transfer on to her subsequent journey as she retires from trailer gross sales. Felling Trailer bid her farewell and shared the historical past and plenty of successes that Engle has had with the corporate.
Based on the press launch:
Laurie Engle, Felling Trailers’ Inside Trailer gross sales advisor, has lived and breathed trailers for 32 years. Laurie’s trailer story began within the fall of 1991; Merle and Kathy Felling (founders of Felling Trailers) had been within the midst of an workplace enlargement. The native contractor operating the enlargement was Laurie’s husband. Like many family-owned companies, Laurie was lending a hand to finish the undertaking, engaged on portray and marking. 
Felling Trailers
“I used to be portray within the workplace someday, and the telephones had been ringing off the hook. I requested the secretary on the time in the event that they (Felling) ever wanted assist answering telephone calls, and she or he replied positive do,” mentioned Engle.
Not realizing a lot about trailers however prepared to be taught, she spoke with Merle later that day and expressed her curiosity in working for Felling Trailers. After a little bit of dialog, Merle mentioned, “Sure, definitely, however we’ll begin you off within the Components room, promoting axles, brakes, sheet metal, and so on., then transition into trailer gross sales.”
Merle believed strongly that having a great basis of information in regards to the parts and building of a trailer makes for a greater salesperson. “That was one of the best factor he ever did! Inside six months, I bought my first trailer to Panorama Designs out of Alexandria, MN, and after I was requested in regards to the parts on the trailer, I had the solutions instantly with my expertise in components gross sales,” mentioned Engle.
Within the early 90’s, Felling Trailers didn’t have the intensive seller community it does in the present day; with a couple of sellers within the higher Midwest, Felling bought immediately to finish customers. “We additionally bought livestock/horse and enclosed cargo trailers at the moment. We had been very busy; my telephone was ringing off the hook. I’ve by no means appeared again. Through the years, our product line grew dramatically; we now have 240 plus trailer fashions in comparison with the eight to 10 totally different fashions we as soon as supplied. We by no means turned down a trailer deal, although; if a buyer/seller needed one thing longer, shorter, taller, or totally different materials, we would make it occur,” mentioned Engle.
With every decade that handed, the corporate by no means ceased to develop in a method or one other. Merle strived to take care of an ongoing technique of enhancing efficiencies with new gear and cutting-edge applied sciences, increasing manufacturing area, and growing the workforce.
“Once I began, we (Felling) had solely 4 or 5 bays, and trailers had been painted throughout city. A number of years down the street, extra bays had been added, together with paint and blast cubicles and ending. Merle and Kathy had been very busy elevating a household whereas placing in lots of hours all through the day on the store. They had been always wanting forward, constructing for his or her future and their kids’s futures,” mentioned Laurie. 
Merle Felling, Laurie Engle, and Kathy Felling.Felling Trailers
In the present day, the corporate is now owned and operated by Merle & Kathy’s daughters, Brenda (Jennissen) and Bonnie (Radjenovich). Felling Trailers has all the time been a really family-orientated enterprise.
“I watched the ladies develop, proper alongside my very own three kids, as they created their lives and began households,” mentioned Engle.
Via the years, Engle has constructed many working relationships with sellers and clients, fixing transport issues different producers mentioned had been unsolvable. Felling’s Trailer Consultants (Gross sales Workforce) work with sellers/clients to configure a trailer to fulfill the specified specs and supply a customized resolution. “Laurie has been a fixture of Felling Trailers for a very long time. Her expertise and customer support abilities shall be sorely missed. Felling Trailers is a greater place due to Laurie Engle!” mentioned Pat Jennissen, vp of gross sales and advertising.
“I’m really humbled by the belief and confidence positioned in me over time. The loyalty and assist from sellers and clients has been the driving drive behind my success, and for that, I’m eternally grateful,” mentioned Engle.
From the various standard-built trailers to these which were extremely personalized, sure ones stand out from the remainder. One such trailer was for an amusement park journey firm positioned on the East Coast. 
Felling Trailers
Felling Trailers
“Laurie has been a powerful asset to our workforce. Along with her deep trailer information and wonderful buyer relationships, Laurie’s shiny smile and large character shall be missed within the workplace! I want her one of the best retirement, making reminiscences together with her household!” mentioned Brenda Jennissen, president/CEO.
Laurie Engle retired in late Might 2024.
“After 32 years of devoted service within the trailer manufacturing and gross sales trade, the time has come for me to embark on a brand new chapter in my life as I transition into retirement. Whereas I’m excited for the alternatives forward, I’m additionally grateful for the unimaginable journey we now have shared.” Passing on a couple of phrases of knowledge to those that comply with, Engle mentioned, “Work onerous, it doesn’t matter what your job is, whether or not it is on the telephone getting the subsequent sale or doing a improbable job welding, portray, or ending a trailer.”
“Congratulations in your retirement, Laurie! Your a few years of onerous work and dedication have impressed us all. We are going to miss your presence, however we’re so comfortable for you as you embark on this new journey. We want you all one of the best for this new chapter in your life!” mentioned Nathan Uphus, gross sales supervisor.
Her retirement plans are to “keep in mind that I am retired, take pleasure in life, household, and associates and all of the moments but to return.”
