We understand our customers are the backbone and livelihood of our business, and we do our best to provide them with the best experience possible.
Q & A With Dan Bendever, President at ATL Diesel, Inc.
A Legacy of Excellence
How did you first become involved with ATL Diesel, Inc.?
I became owner in 1999, purchasing the company from my mother. Prior to that, I had worked with my grandfather on summer and holiday breaks starting in 1981.
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Dan Bendever’s journey with ATL Diesel is a testament to the enduring values and legacy of his family. Founded by his grandfather in 1973, the company has grown from humble beginnings into a leader in the diesel engine parts industry. Dan’s commitment to maintaining the high standards set by his grandfather is evident in every aspect of the business.
Dan Reflects on ATL Diesel's Legacy
Our story began in 1973 when my grandfather, a true embodiment of the American Dream, founded this business. My grandfather's life was marked by adversity from an early age. At the tender age of six, he faced the loss of his father, a pivotal moment that would shape his character and determination. By the time he was twelve, he found himself shouldering the responsibility of supporting his mother and without access to further education.
With grit and determination, my grandfather ventured into the diesel industry, driven by a burning desire to create something meaningful for his family and community. ATL Diesel emerged as a labor of love, a testament to his tireless efforts to turn dreams into reality.
Throughout the years, ATL Diesel has evolved and expanded, yet it has always remained rooted in the values and principles instilled by my grandfather. Being 'Above the Line' is not just a slogan; it's a tribute to his legacy. Being 'Above the Line' means that we hold ourselves to a higher standard, one that surpasses industry norms and expectations. It's a promise to our customers, partners, and ourselves that we will always go the extra mile in everything we do.
Comprehensive Product Offerings
What services or products does your company offer, and in which locations are these offered?
We have our main 3PL distribution warehouse in Springfield, Missouri, which puts us right in the middle of the US and gives us speedy service from coast to coast. Our machine shop is in Chillicothe, TX. We can also ship many products from Texas, Cleveland, Indiana, Georgia, Florida, and California. ATL Diesel is a premier provider of New and Remanufactured diesel engine parts built to OEM specifications for engines like Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Navistar, Mack, Volvo, Paccar. We provide in-frame rebuild kits, new cylinder heads, new and remanufactured camshafts, rocker assemblies, gasket sets, head bolts, oil pumps, water pumps, exhaust manifolds, exhaust manifold hardware, turbos, actuators, injectors, fuel pumps, crankshafts, connecting rods, conversion kits, high-performance parts, ECMs, bearings, EGR coolers, oil coolers, oil pans, vibration dampers, thermostats, piston cooling nozzles, air compressors, shims, radiators, and many more.
Building Trust Through Quality and Service
Which steps have you taken for the company to achieve the level of consumer trust that has been nationally recognized?
We have implemented many systems and procedures along the way. But the main thing is we understand our customers are the backbone and livelihood of our business, and we do our best to provide them with the best experience possible.
Dan’s approach to building consumer trust revolves around a relentless focus on quality and customer service. By consistently exceeding industry standards and fostering authentic relationships with customers, ATL Diesel has become synonymous with reliability and excellence.
Core Principles That Drive ATL Diesel
First and foremost, we're above the industry standard in our approach to problem-solving. When faced with challenges, we don't merely seek quick fixes. Instead, we take a step back, analyze the root causes, and find innovative, sustainable solutions that truly address the issue at hand. We understand that excellence requires continuous improvement, and we're dedicated to exceeding our own benchmarks.
In our interactions with customers, authenticity is key. We don't believe in smoke and mirrors or empty promises. Our commitment to authenticity means that every interaction with ATL Diesel is grounded in transparency and honesty. We don't sugarcoat the facts, and we always strive to deliver on our commitments.
Accountability and responsibility are two cornerstones of our company culture. We take ownership of our actions and decisions, whether they lead to success or present challenges. When things don't go as planned, we don't point fingers or make excuses; we focus on finding solutions and learning from our experiences. This is how we grow and become better with each passing day.
Communication is the lifeblood of any successful relationship, and we prioritize it above all else. We listen attentively to our customers, partners, and team members. We value feedback, both positive and constructive, as it helps us improve and adapt to evolving needs. Our lines of communication are always open, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.
Lastly, we take great pride in our commitment to fair pricing. Unlike some competitors and dealers who engage in price gouging, we believe in offering competitive and transparent pricing. We want our customers to know that they're getting exceptional value without breaking the bank.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Milestones
Which milestones have marked meeting benchmarks towards the fulfillment of your personal goals/ the company's vision and goals?
We have built a tremendous team and culture and have met and surpassed any personal and company vision goals. We are resetting our standard and moving into the future with a new set of goals and a company vision. We want to set the industry standard for diesel engine parts. We are committed and focused on giving our customers the best experience in the industry by having products available and ready to ship, priced competitively, and product quality and customer service second to none.
Are there any challenges that made it difficult to continue operation and that you managed to overcome? What was your approach to get past these?
When we started this company as a new entity in 2015, it was a huge undertaking and challenge in many ways. As we were starting a concept that was very unique and different than what we had done in the past. So, there was anxiety and stress initially, but we stuck to our plan and executed it consistently, and it has paid off for us.
ATL Diesel’s journey has not been without its challenges. The transition to a new business model in 2015 was a significant hurdle, but Dan’s strategic planning and unwavering commitment to the company’s vision ensured its success.
Learning and Growing from Experience
What part of your education or other experiences do you feel was the most helpful in preparing you for success?
My best experience has come from the mistakes I have made and learning from them. We all make mistakes, but confronting them head-on, understanding what they are and how they happened, and then implementing policies and procedures to correct them. Also, understanding the things you're doing right and trying to find ways to improve on them. If you're running the business the right way, education happens daily because you can learn and get better every day.
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Dan’s emphasis on learning from mistakes and continuously improving has been a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. This approach has enabled ATL Diesel to adapt and thrive in a dynamic industry.
Effective Growth Strategies
Which strategies have you found the most effective in growing your audience/bringing awareness of your service to a larger consumer group?
We utilize all strategies from social media exposure, website, email marketing, etc. But the best strategy continues to be boots on the ground; people buy from people, and having a sales team that understands that is essential.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
What are some ways you use your success to give back to the community/any causes that are meaningful to you?
This is great timing as we are working to support the Wounded Warriors Project this year. It's a great cause and something we can all get behind and support.
Balancing Work and Life
How do you balance work, passions/hobbies, and relationships?
It's a hard balance but I've been at it for a while and have a good feel for balancing my faith, family, work, friends, and hobbies. There's always room for improvement and I try to get better every day.
It's a hard balance but I've been at it for a while and have a good feel for balancing my faith, family, work, friends, and hobbies. There's always room for improvement and I try to get better every day.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
What advice would you like to give readers that hope to achieve success in your field?
In a quick synopsis: Have a vision you're passionate about, plan and set goals accordingly, and have a niche that sets you apart. Be honest with yourself in the good and the bad times, tackle them both head-on, stay committed and focused on your vision. Most of all, be kind and thoughtful to others and yourself.
Recognized for Excellence
Is there anything else you would like to share with Winner Magazine readers?
We are grateful for this honor and will do our best to live up to it.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ATL Diesel
As we celebrate our history, we also look to the future. We are a company that values innovation and growth, but we will never forget our roots. The spirit of my grandfather's journey continues to guide us in our pursuit of excellence. Together, we honor our past while forging ahead, always striving to rise above.
Dan Bendever and ATL Diesel have been recognized for their contributions to the diesel engine parts industry, building a tremendous team and culture that exceeds both personal and company vision goals. Their commitment to fair pricing, transparency, and innovation continues to set them apart as leaders in their field.
We thank Dan Bendever for sharing his inspiring journey and insights with Winner Magazine's readers. If you are seeking top-quality diesel engine parts and exceptional service, we highly recommend visiting ATL Diesel, Inc. Connect with Dan and his team at atldiesel.com to learn more about their outstanding products and commitment to excellence.
