Grand Rapids Gravel Company, based in Grand Rapids MI, operates over 200 pieces of equipment and hauls gravel as well as operating as a ready mix business in the state of Michigan and has been in business since 1920.  Service Manager Jim Widdis began using JOST 5th wheels nearly 8 years ago when JOST first entered the U. S. marketplace, and has been specifying them on new Kenworths during that time.

“Our service technicians really appreciate the ease of maintenance of JOST fifth wheels including less frequent rebuilds compared to competitive products we have used in the past.  The JOST 5th wheel also has less movement in the sliders, the locking mechanism stays tighter than competitive product, and drivers like the easy pull operation.  Simply put, JOST fifth wheels are very maintenance friendly and the most durable fifth wheels we have ever used at Grand Rapids Gravel.”

    - Jim Widdis

JOST International announces the creation of a quarterly award for sales excellence to honor the memory and legacy of Mr. John Sacksteder who succumbed to cancer after a brave fight on December 8, 2007.

Mr. Sacksteder pioneered the JOST International landing gear product line in the North American market and his efforts were integral in the sales of over 1 million sets of JOST landing gear in North America. John remained active with JOST to the time of his passing training new JOST personnel to assure continuity for the company and the products he so proudly represented.

Throughout his distinguished career John was very successful in part due to his tenacity in staying focused on sales opportunities not only until the receipt of the order, but beyond to assure the total satisfaction of the customer.  This characteristic will define the criteria for the John Sacksteder award at JOST International. The John Sacksteder award winners will be chosen by Lee Brace president of JOST and Rich Carroll vp sales & marketing.

*Photo above shows Lee Brace and John Sacksteder