Finalist Named for American Truck Dealers' "Dealer of the Year"
24 April 2000
Local Business and Community Leader Named Finalist for American Truck Dealers' "Dealer of the Year"
MILWAUKEE--April 20, 2000--President and Owner of Lakeside International Trucks, Inc. Recognized
for Business Excellence and Community Service
Sixteen years ago, William K. Reilley, Sr. moved his family to Brookfield, Wis., and took over the management of a nearly defunct truck dealership. Earlier this month, he was acknowledged as one of the two finalists for the trucking industry's coveted Dealer of the Year award. He was recognized for his successful business practices and industry and community leadership.
"In 1984, we walked into a business with no customers, no employees and no phone number," Reilley said. "Lakeside International Trucks, Inc. is now a market leader in southeast Wisconsin with sales of $73 million. Most importantly, we employ 140 local people at our dealerships in Brookfield and Racine, who are committed to moving our customers ahead, on the road and in their business."
Heavy Duty Trucking magazine and the American Truck Dealers (ATD) Division of the National Automobile Dealers Association recognized Reilley as a finalist for the Dealer of the Year award at the association's national meeting in San Antonio, Texas, during April.
"We are proud that the industry has recognized Bill's many accomplishments," said Steve Keate, president, truck group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "International looks to our dealers to help drive the success of our customers with unwavering product and service support. Bill is a proud example of this dedication."
As a result of Lakeside's success, Reilley is upgrading his two dealership facilities to enhance service for his customers. Recently at the Racine location, the dealership underwent a $400,000 expansion. The spacious facility now features an additional six drive-through service bays, an enlarged parts warehouse, warranty center and tool storage area. This provides additional help for customers to quickly get their trucks in, get the parts they need and get back on the road without losing valuable time and money.
Within a year, Lakeside will be able to provide its customers with an enhanced dealership experience. At the end of this April, Lakeside is breaking ground for a new 75,000 square-foot facility on 14 acres of land in Milwaukee to replace the existing Brookfield facility that is 38,000 square feet on five acres.
The Milwaukee facility, located off Silver Spring Road, will open in 2001. Along with International(R) brand medium, heavy, severe service and bus products, other customer-focused features of the modern dealership will include 50 service bays, a comfortable driver's lounge with amenities such as a big-screen TV, sleeping lounge and showers, and office suites for select customers to rent for dispatching or other needs.
Beyond the growth of his dealership, Reilley continues to extend his leadership in the community as well. In 1998, Lakeside International donated a 4x4 vehicle to the Milwaukee Archdiocese for a mission in Guatemala. Also, Lakeside has annually contributed $5,000 to the United Negro Fund, has established a scholarship program for employees' dependents and has implemented the Racine Unified School District Apprenticeship program in 1998.
"The Apprenticeship program is a true investment in our community and our business," said Reilley. "We train young people for a vocational career that provides them with a solid direction for their future. I believe investing in education is absolutely essential for the success of my business and future generations."
Reilley began working for International Truck and Engine Corporation in 1963 as a clerk in the truck sales operation. From there, he rose to various positions within the company including retail truck salesman, fleet account executive and fleet sales manager. In 1984, he received the sales and maintenance contract for medium- and heavy-duty trucks in the Milwaukee market, taking over Lakeside International Trucks, Inc. By 1994, Reilley expanded the dealership into the Racine market and in 1995, he became 100 percent owner of Lakeside International. Reilley currently resides in Brookfield with his wife.
Lakeside International Trucks, Inc. is a full-service dealership offering International brand products including new and used trucks, lease/rental options, all-makes parts, 24-hour service and a full-service paint and body shop. With two locations in Racine and Brookfield, Lakeside International is part of the International dealer network, the industry's largest with nearly 1,000 locations in North America.
International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Chicago-based Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), which had 1999 sales and revenues of $8.6 billion. International Truck and Engine is a leading producer of medium trucks, school buses, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, mid-range diesel engines and parts and services sold under the International brand. The company also is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Additional information can be found on the company's Web site at www.InternationalDelivers.com.