The Trucker Media Group had a chance to visit with Tyler Robertson, founder and CEO of Diesel laptops, along with Rob Howes, president of Howes Products, during the 2026 Mid America Trucking Show; watch the interview above.
Louisville, Ky. — Tyler Robertson, founder and CEO of Diesel Laptops, has been inducted into the Howes Hall of Fame. Howes Products made the announcement Thursday, March 26, during the 2026 Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky.
Diesel Laptops began in 2012 as a small, bootstrapped operation driven by a simple goal: Help people fix diesel trucks more effectively. What started as a one-man operation in Robertson’s garage has grown into a nearly $100 million company with about 180 employees, serving more than 80,000 customers annually.
Today, Diesel Laptops is recognized not just as a diagnostics provider but also as a diesel technician efficiency company that delivers tools, repair information, training, remote diagnostics and live expert support through a unified platform.
Not new to recognition, Diesel Laptops has earned numerous awards over the years. The company has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in South Carolina, named South Carolina Exporter of the Year, and received a governor’s proclamation recognizing Diesel Laptop Days in South Carolina. Through it all, Robertson remains both humble and driven.
“Being inducted into the Howes Hall of Fame is an incredible honor,” Robertson said. “To be recognized by industry leaders I’ve respected for years means more than I can put into words. Our mission has always been about helping people fix trucks and equipment better, and this recognition reinforces how much that work matters.”
Under Robertson’s leadership, Diesel Laptops has helped redefine how diesel repairs are approached by focusing on solutions rather than products. The company provides access to diagnostic tools across brands, maps hundreds of thousands of fault codes to real-world repair solutions, delivers ongoing technician training, and supports customers through a staffed call center of experienced diesel technicians and IT professionals.
Recent innovations including VIN-to-parts technology and remote monitoring platforms continue to push the industry toward faster, smarter, and more efficient repairs.
“Diesel Laptops represents everything the Howes Hall of Fame stands for, innovation, perseverance, and a deep respect for the people who keep this industry moving,” said Robert B. Howes II, President of Howes Products. “Their work directly addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing the diesel industry today, including the technician shortage, right-to-repair barriers, and increasing vehicle complexity.”
The Howes Hall of Fame recognizes companies and leaders who demonstrate long-term impact, leadership, and authenticity within the diesel industry.
Click here to explore Howes Hall of Fame online.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.