Brian Krumland's 43 Year History with Peterbilt

The Krumland Award | Brian Krumland’s 43 Year History with Peterbilt
Receiving a scholarship to Spokane Community College for Heavy Equipment Repair, Brian’s wheels began to turn with his eyes on a career at Peterbilt. Without much knowledge of trucks, other than being around some old equipment in his childhood on the farm, Brian was eager to learn about an ever- changing industry. Beginning his second and final year of the Heavy Equipment Repair Program at Spokane Community College, Brian stopped by every Friday at the Spokane Peterbilt Dealership, Northland Peterbilt, Inc., inquisitive to see if there were any job openings for him to apply to.
His persistence paid off.
Nearing the end of his program, timing was on his side one Friday afternoon. The apprentice mechanic turned journeyman decided to venture out and open a bar in downtown Spokane, so Brian was then asked, “When could you start?” Brian responded with, “How does Monday work?” Brian grabbed his tools from school, and began that following Monday, with his eyes set on becoming a mechanic.
Brian’s initial journey at Northland Peterbilt started with cleaning parts, sweeping floors, opening doors for customers, and helping mechanics when the opportunity arose. Absorbing like a sponge, Brian saw the mechanics as his mentors, and valued the knowledge and training they provided Brian. With his commitment to learn, and hunger to work with the team, Brian soon became a valued mechanic on the floor.
After working his way to a main mechanic and coming in on Saturdays to help with warranty, Brian’s boss at the time came to him with a question: “Can you run the shop?” Brian’s journey began as the Service Manager with many learning lessons ahead, like balancing night shift and navigating tech headcount.
And then Northland Peterbilt sold.
With the rebrand to Western Peterbilt, and transitioning to more of a sales focus, Brian was challenged with accepting a more sales oriented role. With the strength of his service customer base relationships, Brian was able to begin making his first truck sales transactions. Brian was also adamant that he didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes in the process, and found a unique market to focus on: refuse and towing. Brian quickly began to network and make his presence known in the market, as this was a completely new market for Western Peterbilt to explore.
In the late 90’s, the discussion of a Peterbilt dealership in Pasco, Washington, began to take shape, and Brian had interest. After speaking with his wife, Wanda, the decision had been made. A month later, Brian and his family were packed and ready to start a new journey in Pasco. Not only did Brian begin a new journey of living and selling trucks in Pasco, his journey of General Manager of the Pasco dealership started as well.
When reflecting on his journey, Brian noted how adaptation to change was part of the longevity of his journey. Brian said, “I remember when electronic throttle pedals were coming in and it was considered crazy at the time. There were 66 electrical wiring circuits when I started and now I think there is over 1,000.”
The Dobbs Family acquired Western Peterbilt in 2014, and the rebrand to Dobbs Peterbilt took place in 2020. For quite some time, Brian held the position of General Manager of the Pasco and Moses Lake locations, before transitioning to full time Pasco Truck Sales to round his career out.
“The industry - I can’t think of anything better”, Brian stated. “There’s money to be made, there’s never a dull job and you’re constantly learning”, Brian explained as he was talking about his experience.
When asked what advice he would give to those early on in their career, Brian stated, “Hang in there. It may get frustrating and the grass may look greener on the other side, but this company is a great place to be. You have to be willing to learn.”
We are extremely appreciative of the 43 years Brian Krumland has given to the company. Mike Clark, our Chief Executive Officer, pronounced at Brian’s retirement party that our Annual New Truck Sales Award would be renamed The Krumland Award.
We are excited to announce Dobbs Peterbilt - Little Rock was the recipient of The Krumland Award.
Brian, we hope you enjoy your retirement. We appreciate your commitment at Dobbs Peterbilt.
#DobbsValue #ClassPays #PeterbiltPride

[@HappyGoLucky1411]

Congratulations sir!...thats a long time to put up with people...but you stuck it out....enjoy your retirement....retired trucker sends you the best