With 32 years of business 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 lots of successes that Engle has had with the corporate.
In keeping with the press launch:
Laurie Engle, Felling Trailers’ Inside Trailer gross sales guide, 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 challenge, engaged on portray and marking. 
Felling Trailers
“I used to be portray within the workplace at some point, 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 cellphone calls, and he or she replied positive do,” mentioned Engle.
Not figuring out a lot about trailers however keen to study, 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, actually, however we’ll begin you off within the Elements room, promoting axles, brakes, sheet metal, and many others., then transition into trailer gross sales.”
Merle believed strongly that having a very good basis of data in regards to the parts and building of a trailer makes for a greater salesperson. “That was the perfect factor he ever did! Inside six months, I offered 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 at the moment; with just a few sellers within the higher Midwest, Felling offered immediately to finish customers. “We additionally offered livestock/horse and enclosed cargo trailers at the moment. We had been very busy; my cellphone was ringing off the hook. I’ve by no means appeared again. Over time, our product line grew dramatically; we now have 240 plus trailer fashions in comparison with the eight to 10 completely 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 completely different materials, we might make it occur,” mentioned Engle.
With every decade that handed, the corporate by no means ceased to develop in a technique or one other. Merle strived to take care of an ongoing technique of enhancing efficiencies with new tools and cutting-edge applied sciences, increasing manufacturing house, and rising the workforce.
“Once I began, we (Felling) had solely 4 or 5 bays, and trailers had been painted throughout city. A couple 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 trying 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.
By the years, Engle has constructed many working relationships with sellers and clients, fixing transport issues different producers mentioned had been unsolvable. Felling’s Trailer Specialists (Gross sales Staff) work with sellers/clients to configure a trailer to fulfill the specified specs and supply a customized answer. “Laurie has been a fixture of Felling Trailers for a very long time. Her expertise and customer support expertise might be sorely missed. Felling Trailers is a greater place due to Laurie Engle!” mentioned Pat Jennissen, vice chairman of gross sales and advertising and marketing.
“I’m really humbled by the belief and confidence positioned in me through the years. The loyalty and help from sellers and clients has been the driving pressure behind my success, and for that, I’m ceaselessly grateful,” mentioned Engle.
From the numerous standard-built trailers to these which were extremely personalized, sure ones stand out from the remainder. One such trailer was for an amusement park trip firm positioned on the East Coast. 
Felling Trailers
Felling Trailers
“Laurie has been a robust asset to our staff. Along with her deep trailer information and glorious buyer relationships, Laurie’s vibrant smile and great persona might be missed within the workplace! I want her the perfect retirement, making reminiscences along with her household!” mentioned Brenda Jennissen, president/CEO.
Laurie Engle retired in late Could 2024.
“After 32 years of devoted service within the trailer manufacturing and gross sales business, 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 unbelievable journey we now have shared.” Passing on just a few phrases of knowledge to those that observe, Engle mentioned, “Work arduous, it doesn’t matter what your job is, whether or not it is on the cellphone getting the subsequent sale or doing a implausible job welding, portray, or ending a trailer.”
“Congratulations in your retirement, Laurie! Your a few years of arduous work and dedication have impressed us all. We are going to miss your presence, however we’re so glad for you as you embark on this new journey. We want you all the perfect 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 buddies and all of the moments but to come back.”
