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Many of you have heard about our interstate breakdown in the winter. After a great career exploration event in Winona, we were driving on I-90 heading west and back to DCTC, when the diesel fuel heating element shorted out leaving us stranded on the highway. Luckily, we had a 2nd vehicle with us, but we had to wait for 2 tow trucks to be dispatched our way.

Now, you would think that a technician pulling a trailer filled with diagnostics and tools would be able to fix this on the roadside, but, unfortunately, we could not find the parts on a Friday night. And, it was a little cold and windy outside.

On the way home, we talked to the great truck drivers at Borkowski Towing Inc. about life, work, family, and the industry. During our 2-hour trip home in their truck, we talked about the industry and what the heck it is that we do at the Transportation Center.

Their answer was, well I’m glad that we are all getting together and collaborating to do something. But, they were surprised when they learned that we were statewide, and we had such an old truck, and even more surprised when they found out that what we do is the transportation industry.

The next week we thought about it and started conversations with our industry partners about getting something a little newer and more reliable to pull the trailer.

One of those industry partners is Walser Automotive Group.  Walser’s Director of Talent Acquisition, Ryan Moffitt, put the wheels in motion to secure the reliable transportation we needed. Ryan shared MSTCE’s mission and the additional outreach that could be possible with a vehicle donation. Andrew Walser, CEO of Walser Automotive Group, saw the need and agreed. In April, Andrew Walser and other members of Walser’s Senior Management Team handed over the keys to a 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 ST, Diesel, Crew Cab, Dually truck outside Walser Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Hopkins, MN.

Walser has also challenged other industry leaders to step up with support for our organization and, ultimately, the for the future of Minnesota’s transportation industry. Thank you, Walser Automotive Group, for the amazing and gracious donations and partnerships.

Walser Automotive Group operates 25 dealerships and affiliated businesses featuring major and luxury brands throughout Minnesota and Kansas. From Walser’s negotiation-free sales practice to its Complimentary Limited Powertrain Warranty for Life, Walser is committed to delivering outstanding customer experience every time.