A Foundation Built on Relationships
Monroe Truck Equipment joined NTEA more than 60 years ago, when the association was still a distributor-focused organization. The decision was driven by a clear need: building relationships across a fragmented industry.
“From the beginning, Monroe recognized that our success was built on relationships. Joining NTEA gave us the opportunity to connect with customers, competitors, suppliers, dealers, engineers, and regulatory leaders all in one place. That spirit of collaboration has been a constant, and it’s a big part of why we’ve remained engaged for more than 60 years,” said Andy Holverson, General Manager of Monroe Truck Equipment’s Municipal Division.
NTEA created a space where manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, engineers, and even competitors could exchange ideas and solve problems. For Monroe, this network was invaluable in shaping both growth and long-term strategy.
Meyer Products followed a similar path, joining NTEA in 1969. Over more than five decades, the company has remained deeply engaged, using the association as a platform to connect, innovate, and contribute to the industry’s development.
Growing Alongside NTEA
As NTEA expanded, relocating its headquarters to Detroit and growing into a global authority with offices in Ottawa, Monroe and Meyer evolved alongside it. What began as a networking organization has become a comprehensive resource offering technical expertise, market insights, and regulatory advocacy. Today, NTEA represents over 2,100 companies and plays a critical role in shaping policies that impact the work truck sector. For Monroe and Meyer, as part of the Aebi Schmidt Group, staying engaged with NTEA ensures they remain connected to the broader forces shaping the industry’s future.
The Power of Work Truck Week
At the center of this partnership is Work Truck Week, NTEA’s flagship event and a cornerstone of collaboration. Marty Warchola, Engineering Manager at Meyer Products, recalls his first experience: “It was NTEA 2005. I had only been at Meyer for about a month when I shared how our engineering team was improving the product. That moment became the first of many opportunities to connect with dealers and influence the impact we would make as a team.”
Steve Carey, NTEA President & CEO, emphasized the importance of these gatherings: “Work Truck Week offers a unique chance for the full sector to come together. There’s something powerful about being in the same room, having real conversations, and seeing concepts take shape.”
A Proving Ground for Innovation
Work Truck Week is more than networking; it’s a proving ground for new ideas and technologies. A defining moment for Meyer came in 2016 with its Standard Operating System (SOS) for plows.
“We were the first to fully integrate the plow’s electrical and lighting system without tapping into truck wiring,” Warchola explained. “Ford, RAM, and Chevy all visited our booth and congratulated us on a simple, dependable design.” Events like this enable companies to showcase innovation and receive immediate feedback from key stakeholders, reinforcing the value of collaboration and face-to-face engagement.
Monroe’s Evolving Presence
Monroe’s participation in Work Truck Week has evolved over time — from exhibiting to attract new dealers, to hosting hospitality suites to thank customers, and more recently returning to the show floor under the Aebi Schmidt Group umbrella. “NTEA has become a strong advocate for our industry, and while collaboration is easier today, the association and Work Truck Week remain key for strengthening relationships and staying connected,” said Holverson.
Looking Ahead
As Monroe celebrates 60 years with NTEA and Meyer marks over five decades of involvement, their shared journey reflects the enduring importance of partnership. Through technological change, market evolution, and regulatory complexity, one principle has remained constant: growth comes from collaboration. “Meeting face to face with people I’ve known and worked with for years is always an opportunity to learn about their successes and challenges,” Warchola said. “It’s a chance to help find creative solutions.” With NTEA continuing to lead through advocacy, education, and connection, Monroe Truck Equipment and Meyer are well positioned to carry that legacy forward, building on a foundation more than half a century in the making.
Carey adds, “When a company has been part of NTEA for more than 50 years, it shows they’ve stayed engaged through change and uncertainty and continued investing in relationships across the work truck community. That sustained involvement helps strengthen the field as a whole.”
With NTEA continuing to lead through advocacy, education, and connection, companies like Monroe and Meyer are well positioned to carry that legacy forward … building on a foundation that has been more than half a century in the making.
