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Knowledge Cafe |
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Power In Praise
How the Spiritual Dynamic of Praise Revolutionizes Lives by Merlin R Carothers
This book was published in 1972 and I read it in 1997 for the first time.
I have to say that this book was the impetus of a major change in my own thinking.
The book suggests that you give thanks in every circumstance and to praise God for everything in your life.
What? Are you out of your mind? There is so much wrong with the world and there are so many people to blame for so many things! All the bad things going on must be stopped!
Yes. It boldly suggests that you give thanks and praise in all things and to accept joy as a result of thankfulness. As in the Bible verse I Thessalonians 5:16-18 states, "Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
Yes, this book is religious and for those of you who are Christians, I couldn't recommend any book higher than this one.
Yet, for those of you who are not so religious, I couldn't recommend any book higher than this one.
It is not about religion so much as it is about learning a way to truly be joyful by overcoming the world. The way to do this is to be thankful for everything regardless of it goodness or badness or who is to blame.
After reading this book, I began testing it and I am still in 2009 praising and being thankful for more and more. I intend to become a complete expert any day now. And there are days, I must remind myself to be thankful, but fewer and fewer as time moves by.
The result is indeed joy and peace of mind. Two of the most noble of goals, wouldn't you say? They certainly feel good!
I predict after reading this book and testing it for yourself, that you will experience more joy in your life than you ever have. I guarantee that is life-changing!
There's no time like the present. Here are two links to get it right away for $9 or less. You will be so glad you did:
Amazon
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Have A Great Day! |
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Smile. It's the easiest gift you can give someone. Better yet, tell someone something positive and uplifting today. It will make their day--and, it will make yours! |
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Show Your Favorites |
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Do you have some special favorite bodies or body companies? Or, perhaps you have photos of overloaded trucks.
Send us photos and a short story of your experiences and we will put them in the CTS IdeaLetter.
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CTS is proud to be associated with the National Ford Truck Club
If you're part of a Ford dealer, we highly recommend you subscribe to the FordPros Magazine. It's FREE! Click on one of the links below to sign up and get access to their new website.
This is a great organization!
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Guest Article: Taking the High Road |
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Guest Article:
Taking The High (Ford) Road
by Joe Hughes, President
National Ford Truck Club
The impact of what has happened in our business in the past year-plus leads us to look at the big picture and to act on the vision the big picture has for us.
Sure, the economy has not seen rougher times in the past eighty years. Small businesses have been taking it right to the gut, and so have we.
Times have never been more challenging in any of our lifetimes: it's all true!
As we take a GIANT step back to get a little perspective on things, there are a couple of certainties we need to remember.
FIRST--THE ECONOMY CYCLES
Over the sixty-plus years I have been on this earth, I have seen the economy ebb and flow, like waves on the ocean. Constantly, relentlessly.
When times have been great, like the year I sold 352 units personally (178 to three accounts, 174 to just about 174 individuals), I had to keep myself - my feet - on the ground, and say to myself, "This, too, will pass!"
Now, as we are (hopefully) nearing the end of this great vacuum in our economy-this market correction-I have continued to remind myself, "This, too, will pass!"
In the Japanese language, the symbol for "crisis" can be translated to, "Opportunity riding the dangerous wind." Opportunities may come and go, but I'm still here.
SECOND--THIS COUNTRY IS THE BEST THERE IS
The success of the world economy hinges on the success of the American economy. Our economy caused the world economy to end up in the ditch. Conversely, our improved economy will bring the world economy back to a more prosperous future.
THIRD--WE NEEDED TO GET LEANER
Businesses (and governments) were operating with more people and waste than were necessary for them to meet their goals. There was too much excess in most organizations. Not now-we're all leaner! And as the economy roars back, organizations will be slow to add all but vital functions (and people...and vehicles) in their drive for effective results.
The organizations we serve will be more focused on buying the products that are needed to get the job(s) done. This will be good for us. In the same way that an organization only needs three people instead of the five they had, they will need the right three vehicles to do the job, instead of the five general vehicles they had.
FOURTH--WE REPRESENT THE BEST TRUCKS ANYWHERE
I was so gratified that our brand avoided the National Dole. So gratified that it kept improving the line that I sell the most of... instead of "resigning" from serious segments of it. And so optimistic that the improvements Ford is making on the line will pay huge dividends in the long run. Ford is in it for the long haul and the best quality.
We-you and me-are in the best of positions, as this ship rights itself.
Joe Hughes has been with Scarff Ford in Auburn, Washington for over 11 years. He is the a founder of the Northwest Ford Truck Club in the Seattle area and is founder and President of the National Ford Truck Club. You can contact Joe at JoeHughes@FordPros.com, or 253-833-1500. This article is published in the current FordPros Magazine and is used here by permission. |
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Free
CTS Daily Inspirations
Email
We all need a little pump up to start our day, including myself. We now offer a Daily Inspirations email to give you some food for thought and a little encouragement. We began this new feature in Sep '09, and feedback is very positive.
To subscribe, click the link above "join our mailing list" logo. You will be sent an email to finalize your changes.
To see some samples, click here: Samples. If you prefer, an easy way is just to drop me an email (see link below) and put Daily Inspirations in the subject line. As always, you can unsubscribe easily at any time.
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The Royal Treatment |
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This is an open top lid on a Royal Truck Body Service Body with their plastic divider bins in lieu of the more typical metal dividers.
I used to sell against this approach when I was with Harbor Truck Bodies, but I have to say I really like this approach after all and I appreciate the fact that Royal, once making the decision to go this way, has stayed committed to it and has also improved this product.
They used to be gray and now they are blue, but the really cool improvement is the fold-down handle. Now you can life out a tray like a pro and carry it into the jobsite in style.
Great job Royal! Keep up the good work!
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It's CASECO Smooth! |
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No external hinges, doors are even with body surface. Looking at the side is like glass. It's CASECO smooth!
Caseco Manufacturing builds a wide range of great crane bodies. Check out their website at:
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Welcome! |
Welcome to the Commercial Truck Success Idealetter!
Published every other week, the Idealetter is an informative thought starter and news source for busy commercial sales professionals and managers with numerous links to great products, the Commercial Truck Success website, Daily Blog and many other links to useful information, tools and inspiration!
Please feel free to offer comments and suggestions for future topics that are of interest to you. Also, please forward this to others you wish to share it with. There is a forward email link at the bottom of this page. I wish you success! Keep up the good work! And, never stop learning! - Terry Minion, Editor |
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Supreme Shutter Door Delivery Van |
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This is a small delivery van that is very effective for around town deliveries. It is a 10' x 78" van mounted on an 80" CA cutaway van chassis and it sports barn doors on the rear, aluminum sheet siding and a special order, 93"x65" Aluminum Shutter Style Roll Up Door with full length grip strut step.
To be able to park and walk right up to the floor of the body which is very low is a huge advantage. You can also parallel park and make deliveries very effectively. Great for parts houses, supplies and so many small delivery items.
For more information, contact John Miller with Supreme Corporation at 415-460-1045 and Supreme's website is www.supremecorp.com. |
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Big Max Compact Cranes |
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Shown above is the BigMax Compact TC-160 model crane. The TC Series Telescopic Cranes start at TC-90 (1750 lb capacity) and go to the TC-350 (5200 lb capacity) and have these features and advantages:
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Enclosed low maintenance slewing gear set
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Rod-fed, hose free, side by side extension cylinders
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Counter balance valve protected extension cylinder
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Sequenced boom extension cylinders
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Multi-funtion, proportional control valve
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Easy to install, multi-position control console
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Hoses are enclosed and protected
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One piece hexagonal booms with single weld
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Enclosed and protected power pack
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and much more
For more information and all the different BigMax Crane styles and models, check out their website at www.bigmax-crane.com
You can also check the parent corporation's site at www.technocrane.ca for a wide variety of crane manufacturers and models. They are North America's leading crane wholesaler. |
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EPSILON Cranes by PALFINGER |
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The EPSILON timber and recycling crane comes to North America. EPSILON, which is part of the PALFINGER Group; manufactures hydraulic knuckle boom cranes (loaders) designed for high cycle, heavy-duty applications, such as forestry, scrap processing and waste hauling.
Vigorous movements and high speeds characterize recycling and scrap handling industries, along with continuous, heavy grab duty. The cranes have to work quickly and are often on continuous duty. The EPSILON cranes are characterized by numerous solution-oriented features which make the driver's job easier.
Standard features include the double slewing system and a steel casting column, radio remote or stand-up controls, spot lights, linkage system between the crane column and main boom and of course the highlights of EPSOLUTION, EPSCOPE AND EPSLINK.
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Harbor Short Bed Service Body |
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Here's a shot of the Harbor Short Bed Service Body. This 6.5' unit is perfect for those contractors who want their cake and eat it too. Now they can have the shorter wheelbase and all the sweet options and have a hard working truck body that looks great!
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Maintainer Introduces EH Series Cranes |
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Maintainer Corporation of Iowa, Inc. introduces the new EH Series Cranes. These cranes are designed to perform to a high standard of durability and reliability, while providing the maximum duty cycle possible in today's electric crane industry. Some features and option:
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Planetary Winch--hoist drum and wire rope located outside boom for improved operator visibility.
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100% solid-state control system with industry exclusive arch-suppression and a 25' cable.
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Anti-two block is standard on all models.
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System Overrides - Anti-two block, pump, and crane functions.
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Self-contained hydraulic system with a 12 volt DC motor that delivers 2.2 gal/min.
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All steel worm gear drive system provides 360 degrees continuous rotation.
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Standard power boom extension with optional 4' to 6' of manual boom reach.
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Wireless remote control - no more cables to tend with.
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20" crane pedestal for flat bed applications.
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Battery isolator dedicates crane function draw from the auxiliary battery only, thus protecting your truck batter.
Check out the entire product line or find the nearest dealer at the Maintainer website at www.maintainer.com or call 800-831-8588. |
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Unicell Excels For Advertising! |
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Smooth Gelcoat exterior, clean lines, AWESOME place for graphics! Unicell excels for advertising.
Unicell builds a great line of composite van bodies in a range of sizes for single rear as this one is shown and dual rear.
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Power Inverter In Service Body |
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Here is a great option for stocking on the lot: a power inverter. Now the customer is ready to hook up power tools and get the work done without lugging around a huge generator.
This installation by is by Carter Industries in a Knapheide 11' Service Body curbside front compartment. Notice how it is mounted to the roof of the compartment so that there is still use of most of the compartment. This particular inverter is a Dimensions SSI-12HF15N from Sensata Technologies. It is rated at 1500 watts continuous power with a surge rating at 3000 watts and maximum output of 1650 watts. Operation is a snap!
This solution gives you something to sell besides the truck! Get yours today at Carter Industries in Union City, CA. Call them at 800-310-6390 and visit their updated website at www.carterind.com. |
Royal Transverse Compartment |
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This is a Royal Truck Body 8' Service Body on an uplevel Chevy extended cab chassis. It has the horizontal series on the curbside as shown and the more common vertical series on the streetside.
In addition, this unit has a transverse compartment that goes through to the back of the compartment on the opposite side and sports two beautiful HD drawers, one to carry small items and the other to carry larger items as needed. This makes great use of the space available in a service body.
Have Royal build one for you. Call them at 800-834-7692 and visit their website and see what else they have at www.royaltruckbody.com. |
KUV with Shutter Door & Ramp |
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You don't see this every day! This is a common 12' Knapheide KUV plumber style body mounted on a conventional cab F450. What is interesting is the shutter style aluminum roll up rear door instead of the standard doors. In addition to this, an aluminum ramp, normally found on van bodies was installed.
This unit was modified by Stiles Truck Body in Turlock, CA who is a Knapheide distributor. You can reach them at 209-667-2639 and visit their website at www.stilestruckbody.com. |
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Loadsrite Drop Down Van Rack |
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Adrian Steel's selection of commercial van and truck equipment and accessories includes their LOADSRITE ladder racks, adjustable for every fit. The LOADSRITE ladder racks easily raise and lower to eliminate the need to climb, stretch or reach for your ladder on top or your van. The unique design of the LOADSRITE ladder rack presents the ladder in a diagonal position bringing it to a comfortable working height in the right way.
I saw this at an event recently and loved it. So easy to use and nicely constructed. For more information on this and other Adrian Steel Products, go to www.adriansteel.com. |
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1/2 Ton PU with Commercial Shell |
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Here's a shot from a local Alarm installer. They actually have 6 or 7 of these 1/2-ton extended cab beauties. It is a great way to have the tools and parts they need and have it all in an inexpensive and effective unit. The operating costs are so much lower on this combination for this company than would be a service body or other common vehicle.
Add a bedslide and the job is complete! Reach and grab. No crawling in and out. Great trucks. | |
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How To Carry 4,000 lbs On 11,400 GVWR |
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Here's a way to carry 4,000 lbs on an 11,400 GVWR chassis: Put an aluminum flatbed on it! This one is from Carter Industries and is manufactured by Alum-Line of Iowa. This now carries 800-900 lbs more than the comparable steel and wood flatbed. |
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Carter Ind SRW Contractor Body |
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Here's a sweet SRW Contractor Body on a GM chassis by Carter Industries. A perfect use of this chassis. www.Carterind.com. |
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Thoughts On Business |
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I was looking out on the lot of the commercial upfitted inventory at the dealership we are currently working with and an interesting thought came up. The thought is this: when all you have is old inventory, it makes it ever harder and more challenging to move them as time passes and inventory depth shrinks.
We inherited a large number of '07 model units and even one '06 model--all new, but very old. Some were over 1,000 days old. When we took over, all there was on the lot was old stuff. It is increasingly difficult to move the old stuff if that is all there is. Here's why: there is nothing to compare it to in order to create value.
One value of an '07 let's say is that it can be a bargain. A bargain compared to what? Everything is relative. Well, for sure, it is a bargain compared to an '09 model. Yet, if I don't have any '09 models to show, there are no opportunities to demonstrate the value and why it is a bargain.
Reducing inventories in slower times is a common strategic cost-saving move, but it can also be a cost-increasing move. Most would not recognize this based on what I see in the marketplace (lowering inventories, no new units, etc.).
Look at this another way. When the fast moving, popular pieces are gone (and you know they are the first to go . . .), all you have left are the rest. Making profits has everything to do with making sales and when you lower your inventory so much that you have none of the best moving units, you can and should expect profits to tumble. I suggest that you keep the good moving units coming while doing everything you can to move the old units too. Stopping the good units and keeping only the bad is a terrible strategy.
So, let me offer a specific example. When we took over this operation, there was not one 8' service body on a single rear wheel chassis. This is THE most popular unit in all my experience. And, wouldn't you know it, our first real prospect was someone who wanted an 8' service body on an extended cab. Luckily, he was willing to wait a week and a half to get one, so we made that sale. Our second sale was an extended cab 8' service body. We now have several extended cab service bodies on the lot, don't you know. At the same time, we have moved a good number of older pieces and I believe that it has more to do with the fresh items on our lot than any one other thing.
If you're committed to the commercial truck market, I highly recommend that you do not let your inventory get so stale that stale is all there is. Fresh units, especially faster moving and unique units (another article or two) will help you continue to earn profits to help compensate for the additional flooring the old units are using.
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Load Grief |
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Overloading trucks began pretty much with the advent of the truck and it continues to this day.
This break took a great deal of weight! |
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Here's Something Fun and Inspiring! |
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Danyl Continues To Perform!
Danyl
Rising To The Occasion(s)
Miss Frank Moves
Comes Through Each Show
and he does T Rex. . .
Who are these guys?
Bad. But, they entertain!
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Redesigned and Improved |
Check out the redesigned and improved Commercial Truck Success reference website at www.comtrk.com. New larger size, center line main menu, easier navigation. Growing daily with currently over 120 pages, over 1,000 photographs and hundreds of links to suppliers and product websites all across the country for common and not so common bodies and other applications.
Keep telling us your thoughts on making it better and we'll keep changing it for the better. |
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