Minimizer donates fenders for Back on the Road 2008 contest

Minimizer Liquid Platinum fenders

The Trucker News Services

4/30/2008

BLOOMING PRAIRIE, Minn — Minimizer, a manufacturer of truck fenders and accessories, was one of eight vendors that donated products to the Back on the Road 2008 contest, put on by Kansas City, Mo.-based Arrow Truck Sales.

Minimizer provided a new set of its Liquid Platinum fenders and accessories — a value of $5,000 — as part of the contest’s prize package, which also included a new truck, a one-year work agreement with Heartland Express, an insurance policy and tires.

Back on the Road 2008 contest is an initiative designed to benefit an independent owner-operator in need of a truck and a job. People were encouraged to submit stories about deserving friends, family members, associates and even themselves to be considered for the opportunity. The winner was chosen after an extensive nomination and interview process.

Don Turkelson, this year’s winner, stood out for the misfortune he experienced on the job in 2002 when a potential hijacker shot him in the leg, according to a company news release. He underwent surgery and physical therapy for his injuries, and has been off the road since.

Turkelson says he looks forward to working again as a full-time driver.

“Being chosen as the winner has put a bounce in my step and joy in my heart for my family and I,” he says, adding that the prize package is “beyond my greatest expectations.”

His new set of Minimizer fenders, in particular, enhances his new truck’s clean lines, he says.

“The Minimizer fenders accent the truck with a definite ‘ah hah!’” says Turkelson. “They make a definite ‘show truck’ look.”

Craig Kruckeberg, CEO of Minimizer, says the Back on the Road contest offered a unique opportunity for his company to make a difference in the life of a veteran truck driver.

“It’s thrilling to help a driver restore his livelihood and get back to what he loves to do.”

Headquartered in Blooming Prairie, Minn., Minimizer manufactures truck fenders, toolboxes, customized mud flaps, and bracket kits. Founded in 1983 as Spray Control Systems, Inc., the company is a second-generation family-run organization. For more information call (800) 248-3855 or visit www.minimizer.com.

Arrow Truck Sales Inc. carries all makes and models of pre-owned heavy- and medium-duty trucks., maintaining a diverse inventory of more than 2,000 over-the-road tractors, vocational and specialty vehicles, and trailers. Arrow is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., and has 16 retail locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.