E-business cruises with new truck website
Turn5, which is renovating a building for its new headquarters, adds AmericanTrucks to its two websites for aftermarket car parts
EAST WHITELAND >> Turn5, the growing online retailer of after-market parts for Jeep Wranglers, Ford Mustangs and F-150s, is turning its attention to new offerings.
The company recently announced the launch of its third brand website, this one to serve enthusiasts of Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierra pickup trucks.
AmericanTrucks joins AmericanMuscle for Mustang and F-150 lovers and ExtremeTerrain for Wrangler enthusiasts as sites run by Turn5, which recently announced it is expanding its presence in Chester County by moving part of its operation into a nearby building and hiring 183 people.
The aftermarket offerings for Ford F-150 pickup trucks now on AmericanMuscle will eventually move to AmericanTrucks, founders of the company, brothers Steve and Andrew Voudouris, said last week.
“The mid- and full-size truck market is rapidly growing and our goal is to continue to serve a group of owners that are enthusiasts and passionate about their vehicles,” said CEO Steve Voudouris. “We also took into consideration the heavy production numbers of these particular trucks.”
There are no plans for more websites after AmericanTrucks, said the brothers, who founded Turn5 in their parents’ basement more than 15 years ago and who will have more than 500 employees once the latest hiring spree is done.
The hiring of the new employees is an ongoing process. Employees who have contact with customers are expected to match their enthusiasm for the products.
“That’s what sets us apart,” Steve Voudouris said, “guys knowing the product inside-out. Same with the guys shooting the video (showing customers how to install their new purchases).
“We have hired 20 new employees since the article came out announcing our new headquarters in Paoli,” Steve Voudouris said. “We are excited about the added talent and we still have a few key IT and technical positions open that we are actively recruiting for.”
In early April, Gov. Tom Wolf announced incentives to keep the company, now based in East Whiteland, in the area. The new headquarters at 600 Cedar Hollow Road in Tredyffrin will be about four miles from its current location on Lee Boulevard.
As the growth continues, so does the company’s involvement with the Make-A-Wish program.
Last week, the company hosted Seth Willis and his family at its headquarters. Willis, 16, of Collegeville, was treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and a social worker there referred them to Make-A-Wish. In his free time, Willis enjoys outdoor activities, such as riding dirt bikes and fourwheelers. He also enjoys fishing, watching football and spending time with friends. He has always wanted an ATV and asked MakeA-Wish for one.
Turn5 had their graphic designer come up with the design for the ATV after receiving input from Seth on what he wanted. He chose elements from different designs that he has seen and also wanted to include his lacrosse number, 18. Turn5 used a wide format vinyl printer and laminator to print, laminate and cut the graphics and install them onto the ATV.
“It was great, we took him on a tour and kept him waiting (for revealing the new ATV),” said Andrew Voudouris, Turn5’s executive marketing director. “He knew exactly what he wanted (for graphics) and we were able to give it to him.”
Turn5’s biggest involvement with Make-A-Wish will come in August, when it holds a large car show at Maple Grove Raceway in Berks County.
Last year’s AmericanMuscle show brought out 3,000 Mustangs and more than 10,000 people. It raised $55,000 for Make-A-Wish, putting the total money raised for various charities at more than $150,000 and counting.
This year the company hopes to raise $75,000 for Make-A-Wish.
“It’s a great time, Mustangs wherever you turn,” Steve Voudouris said.