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FEBRUARY 2017
DIVERSITY IS KEY FOR THE LONG HAUL Multiple award winning full service truck and service company is big winner in community support and customer service
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AMPBELL RIVER - Everyth i ng that gets moved from one location to another, whether it’s food, wood products, clothing or materials for manufacturing, gets moved by truck. “At one time in a product’s life, it is transported by a truck,” said Craig Willett, owner and general manager of Bailey Western Star & Freightliner Trucks. Wi n ner of t he Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award three years ago, in 2014 and again this past year, in 2016, and 2017 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Award recipient of the Automotive Best Business of the Year, Bailey Western Star is a family owned and operated business with a long history of service to the Campbell River trucking community. Founded by George Bailey in 1977 the truck dealership has seen continued growth over the ensuing years, but it’s also seen multiple changes mostly in the industries it caters to. Initially from Nanaimo, Bailey and a business partner owned the Pacific Truck dealership. But as the forest industry on the North Island began to grow Bailey saw an opportunity, and acquired the Western Star Truck franchise. It was a good place to open a business and to raise his family. Forty years later, Bailey’s daughter, Tina and son-in-law, are now owners, with Craig managing the business. “I started out as a commercial banker but 22 years ago I joined Bailey’s, eventually taking over from George.” T he compa ny’s s uccess i s multi-layered and not only due to its top-quality truck and trailer sales, and complete after care, service and warranty repairs.
Bailey’s represents Western Star Trucks, Freightliner Trucks and Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar, Cummins and Mercedes Benz engines CREDIT:BAILEY WESTERN STAR TRUCKS INC.
It’s also because of Bailey’s ability to adapt and diversify to the changing market and industry, efficient systems, ongoing training and its dedication to staff. For a company that first started out with a focus on the forest industry, as it changed, so did Bailey’s. But unlike some businesses that felt the downturn in forestry, Bailey’s continued to grow, adding new products, hiring more staff and catering to a larger demographic of logistics and transportation companies in a variety of industries. Bailey’s now represents Western Star Trucks, Freightliner Trucks and Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar, Cummins and Mercedes Benz engines, offering both sales and service for all the models. With the region being mostly resource-based on the Island, other industries began growing, as well as the city of Campbell River itself. “Campbell River has a variety of industries that enhance the oceanside community,” Willett said. “Currently, there’s a focus directed towards aquaculture, agri-foods, clean energy development, construction, forestry, health care, international education, mining, technology and tourism.”
Transportation of goods plays a large role in each and as a major hub for the northern island, Campbell River’s trucking industry, is integral to its success and growth. “With the approaching change in BC Forests Bailey Western Star had to re-evaluate its standing in the market place. We branched out our truck sales, parts and service departments to other industries, including aquaculture, mining, road surfacing and even supplying towing equipment to Jamie Davis Motor Truck from the Discovery Channel series “Highway thru hell”.” Over the past four years, Bailey Western Star has supplied multiple trucks for the company that is showcased on the television series about extreme heavy machinery recovery and rescue operations in BC and Alberta. Another aspect of the dealership’s success Willett said is the company’s staff. “We have a low turnover and high satisfaction rate.” Bailey Western Star employs eight trained service technicians, five trained parts personnel and one road parts person covering the area from Courtenay to Port Hardy. It also has mobile service trucks that can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By the
Craig Willet says that Bailey’s has a low turnover and high satisfaction rate CREDIT:BAILEY WESTERN STAR TRUCKS INC.
“At one time in a product’s life, it is transported by a truck.” CRAIG WILLETT OWNER/MANAGER, BAILEY WESTERN STAR TRUCKS INC.
end of 2016, it went from having a total of 20 employees to 22. “We have some employees who have left the company to pursue other opportunities and have returned to Bailey Western Star. Our previous general manager, parts service manager and accountant have retired with a combined 115 years of service. Steve Steffensen came to Campbell River with George Bailey to open the dealership, and this year, he will be retiring after 40 years of excellent service. The business has also partnered with North Island College
Craig Willet started out his career in commercial banking but eventually took over Bailey’s from father-in-law, George CREDIT:BAILEY WESTERN STAR TRUCKS INC
and School District 72, as well as, working with the job Co-op program, for the past 25+ years. The programs have allowed the company to hire students right SEE BAILEY WESTERN STAR | PAGE 29
Congratulations Bailey Western Star on your Success from your friends at Brutus
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