Meyer Distributing has named Weather Guard, Retrax, Mickey Thompson, Fab Fours, VP Racing, Chemical Guys, Lippert, Banks Outdoors, Big Ass Fans, and Metra as 2022 Vendor of the Year in their respective categories; and Rolston Hogstrom as 2022 Manufacturer Representative Agency of the Year.
April 6, 2023 -- Weather Guard, a WernerCo brand, is an industry leader in truck and van equipment, including boxes, drawer units, shelving, cabinets, and racks for trucks, vans, and utility vehicles. “Meyer is excited to award the 2022 Commercial Vendor of the Year to Weather Guard. This partnership saw major growth with the release of their 3rdgeneration toolbox and the fast-growing van market,” says Joel Terwiske, Commercial & Fleet Category Sales Manager at Meyer Distributing. “We look forward to a very busy, expanding commercial market in 2023, and Weather Guard will be a big part of that.” Weather Guard and Meyer have always been fortunate enough to work together closely. “We have seen what kind of success a true partnership can lead to,” notes Luke Musselwhite, Purchasing Manager at Meyer Distributing. “I am excited for what 2023 will bring, with our ever-growing infrastructure and Weather Guard’s dedication to bringing our industry the best product they can.”
When it comes to traditional accessories, Retrax has a reputation for providing high-quality, innovative covers backed by superior customer service and prompt product availability. “The entire Retrax team is what we expect from a business partner,” expresses Jeremy Schnaus, Traditional Truck Accessories Category Sales Manager at Meyer. “Retrax’s innovative methods to incentivize both the jobber and end-user have allowed both of us to capture more market share. We look forward to continuing our business partnership and helping to grow the Retrax brand.” Upon receiving the award, Andy Nephew, Senior Vice President of Sales at Retrax, expressed that “partnering with Meyer Distributing over the past 13 years has been a tremendous experience, both professionally and personally. It has allowed Retrax to offer its line of truck bed covers across the U.S. and has been an integral part of our growth during that time. Meyer has been the conduit between manufacturer and retailer, not only by delivering products in a timely manner, but also through providing a rare level of care and quality."
In the Tire & Wheel division, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels was second to none. “Mickey Thompson brings great products to the market and has outperformed its competitors in the past few years. They have always been and continue to be top-notch partners,” expresses Scott Hohler, Tire & Wheel Category Sales Manager at Meyer Distributing. Mickey Thomson Tires were built to win, with the desire to be better and to build record-breaking products. They are committed to building the best products for the street, strip, and off-road. Joseph Musson, Director of Performance Aftermarket Channel at Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, responded to the award: “It has been an honor to work with the Meyer Distributing Team over the last several years. We have continued to strengthen and build the relationship between Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, Meyer Distributing, and their valued customer base. I look forward to seeing what the future will bring in 2023 and beyond!”
Fab Fours is an industry-leading steel bumper and accessory manufacturer in the 4x4 & Off-Road division. They stand out from the rest by pushing the boundaries of innovation and design in every product they produce, consistently exceeding consumer demands. This is their 2nd year in a row winning this award. Jason Cummins, Meyer Distributing Purchasing Manager for the Fab Fours line, expresses that “Fab Fours once again delivered exceptional product, support, and customer service to Meyer Distributing in 2022. Their product innovation matched with their quality service is a recipe for success with Meyer and our customers. We look forward to continuing our success and strong relationship in 2023.”
Meyer Distributing is proud to present VP Racing with our Performance Vendor of the Year Award for 2022. VP Racing is a world leader in fuel technology with a catalog of more than 80 fuel blends. “VP Racing has been an excellent partner over the last year for Meyer Distributing,” says Austin Zehr, Performance Category Sales Manager for Meyer. “Whether our team needs customer service or training, VP’s team is dedicated to making sure we have the support and information to succeed. We couldn’t be happier with the partnership we’ve developed over this past year.” Tiffany Dodd, National Sales Manager of Consumer Products at VP shared that “Meyer has been a great partner for VP Racing for the last 4 years. The team is always receptive to exploring novel solutions and testing new programs, like helping with our Branded Retail Sites. We feel confident when we refer customers their way, knowing that the Meyer team will do what it takes to make sure customers are serviced quickly and effectively.”
In the detail division, Chemical Guys shined brighter than any other. “Chemical Guys was an easy choice for Vendor of the Year,” stated Schnaus. “The planning and collaboration between Meyer Distributing and Chemical Guys is the type of partnership you wish all vendors had,” Johnny Hayes, Purchasing Manager at Meyer Distributing added. “Throughout 2022, Aaron and the team at Chemical Guys went above and beyond in building our partnership. From regular calls and quarterly promos to thinking outside the box on ways to capture new business together, they have proven that they are behind us 100%. This kind of teamwork naturally leads to growth with Meyer, as well as excitement from our entire team.” Chemical Guys echoed these sentiments: “Through diligent planning and collaboration, we were able to approach every customer that Meyer services as a potential customer for Chemical Guys,” states Phil Reed, Vice President of Sales at Chemical Guys. “This collaboration resulted in success for the customer, for Meyer, and for Chemical Guys! We are very excited and grateful to have been recognized as Meyer’s 2022 Vendor of the Year.”
Looking at 12-Volt, “Metra has been a great partner for us, says Cody White, 12-Volt Category Sales Manager at Meyer Distributing. Metra is the world leader for car stereo dash kids and a wide variety of 12V accessories. “They continue to expand their offerings into multiple categories. We are excited to see what the future holds as we continue to work together, states White” “On behalf of Metra Electronics we greatly appreciate our strategic partnership with Meyer and this award, expresses Jon Brothers, Regional Outside Sales for Metra. “Having 14 brands under the Metra hat, Meyer has helped educate their dealers in all categories, such as truck accessories, RV, marine and powersports, about opportunities for growth in 12-volt product sales and installations.”
In the RV sector, Lippert stood out above the rest. “The team at Lippert went above and beyond in 2022, said Johnny Hayes, Purchasing Manager at Meyer. “They have proven time and time again what a partner looks like, and they continue to work well with all of us at Meyer to continue solid growth and recognition in the market.” Matt Clauss, Lippert’s Director of Sales for Aftermarket Exterior, commented: “We are truly humbled to receive this award, and we appreciate the partnership between our companies. We look forward to another successful and exciting year together in 2023!”
The outdoors division is a newer market for Meyer Distributing. They have seen strong success with Banks Outdoors and wanted to recognize them for going above and beyond. Banks Outdoors is a sporting goods company that specializes in blinds, feeders, and watering systems. “Meyer Distributing and Banks Outdoors were fortunate to experience solid growth while continuing the great working relationship we’ve established through the year,” announced Scott Callison, Purchasing Manager for Meyer Distributing. “In this market, it’s key to have valuable partners that want to see each other succeed.” Mitch Banks, Owner of Banks Outdoors stated: “It is an honor to receive the Vendor of the Year Award from Meyer Distributing. From day one, our venture with Meyer has always felt like a partnership. When you surround yourself with great people, great things can happen!”
In the industrial supply division, Big Ass Fans experienced a big ass win. They’ve been helping dealers at Meyer keep their employees safe and happy in the hotter months. "Their evaporative coolers have been a home run for our dealers, and they have been a tremendous partner in just a very short time here at Meyer” expresses Nick Gramelspacher, Vice President of Brand Strategy at Meyer. “Big Ass Fans is honored to receive Meyer’s Vendor of the Year Award in the industrial supply division,” cheers Kevin Young, Director of Sales. “Meyer’s ability to deliver timely solutions for their customers uniquely qualifies them as an ideal partner for Big Ass Fans.”
When it came to the Manufacturer Representative Agency of the Year Award, one agency demonstrated true exceptionalism in 2022. “Meyer Distributing would like to recognize the contributions made by Chris Hogstrom and the entire Rolston Hogstrom team,” expressed Bruce Terwiske, Vice President of Purchasing. “Chris works very hard to ensure that his lines meet established sales goals and remain a valuable partner to Meyer's Purchasing and Marketing departments. Being named the Meyer Distributing MFG Representative of the Year is a special award; one earned through hard work and dedication.” Luke Musselwhite, Purchasing Manager at Meyer Distributing, added: “Chris has always been like family to us here at Meyer. He is quick to respond, and is always doing everything he can to promote Meyer. We are truly grateful for the relationships we have built in this industry, and Chris is a prime example of what a true partnership can lead to.” Chris Hogstrom, President of Rolston Hogstrom, Inc, proclaimed: “I have been working in distribution for 35 years, and I have never had another customer like Meyer. The term ‘partnership’ should have Meyer in its definition. Everyone takes ownership, everyone has the desire to win, and everyone treats others with the respect and kindness that is not seen in today’s business environment. I am honored and humbled by this award and I cherish the relationships I have built at Meyer.”
