By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Boston Truck and Van as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Boston Truck and Van's sales manager Jessica Crossman below.
SEMA News: Tell us the story of your shop.
Jessica Crossman: Boston Truck and Van started in 1985 as a 12V shop in Massachusetts--one of the first automotive aftermarket shops around. As the industry changed, owner Jeff Maron started to pivot towards commercial upfitting and is now New England's largest truck and van upfitter.
SN: What was your breakthrough moment?
JC: Our breakthrough moment was learning the commercial industry and the needs of the ever-evolving blue-collar tradesmen. Becoming partners with manufacturers such as Ranger, Adrian Steel and Holman gave us the opportunity to design packages that work for specific clients. Not every upfit is cookie-cutter, and that's our specialty.
SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on.
JC: Business is great. We're working with transport vehicles for animal rescue leagues and custom truck caps for all style pickups. Work trucks have come a long way over the years.
SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
JC: Ask as many questions as you can and network as much as possible. Surround yourself with people who aren't afraid of change. This business is continuously evolving so if you're not learning, you're around the wrong people. Be a solutions provider for someone even if it's not your product. People will remember that.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.
