September is a milestone month for The Larson Group (TLG) and the company is proud to be celebrating 35 years in business! What began in 1987 as a single Peterbilt dealership in Springfield, Missouri, has grown into an award-winning organization with 23 locations in eight states, industry-leading products and services, and more than 1,200 employees who provide nothing but the best for its customers.
The company’s growth and success over the past 35 years is a direct reflection of its ongoing dedication to keeping customers on the road and its belief that a relationship with TLG means you aren’t just buying a Peterbilt – you're buying a TLG Peterbilt. Our roots as drivers-turned-dealers mean we understand the needs of our customers, from those who have a single truck to a fleet of 100. We’re focused on providing the right solutions and support that is a level above others – the TLG Peterbilt experience.
President and CEO Glenn Larson said, "Achieving these milestones doesn’t happen by accident. They are a direct reflection of our hardworking and dedicated employees, our commitment to developing lifelong relationships with our customers, and providing the solutions they need the most.”
It’s been a busy five years since TLG celebrated its 30-year milestone anniversary. Highlights include four new locations, the introduction of mobile service, TLG Leasing & Rental expansion to eight locations, numerous awards including 2019 North American Dealer of the Year, supporting customers during a pandemic, and a rebrand and logo update for TLG. With numerous achievements to look back on, the Larson family now looks toward the future.
“For 35 years, TLG has provided exceptional service to help meet our customer's needs in an ever-changing industry. Our commitment to customers remains as strong as it was 35 years ago.” Glenn Larson said, “I couldn’t be prouder of our team and what we have accomplished together, I look forward to the future and what’s to come.”
In honor of its 35th anniversary, TLG has published a special webpage with in-depth history and archives. Page visitors can submit stories about their experiences with TLG, whether it be from a customer or employee standpoint.
Chief Operating Officer Kory Larson said, “We encourage all our employees and our customers we’ve done business with for 35 years, to share their stories about TLG. We would not be where we are today without them.”
History
Before becoming an industry-leading dealer organization, our owners ran their family truck line for more than 20 years. In 1987, Glenn and his father, Claire, took interest in ownership of a dealership and met with Peterbilt Motors Company. They discovered Peterbilt of Springfield was available, and a Midwest family already, they headed south and took charge of the dealership by September.
After a few years Peterbilt of Springfield was ready to expand. The family gained interest in the Joplin, Missouri, area, and in 1989, TLG’s first satellite store was open for business, nearly 80 miles west of Springfield.
By the 1990s, the trucking industry was booming and with the right strategizing, the Larsons went from selling 200 trucks in a single year to more than 400. Without hesitation, Kory and Kyle Larson, the youngest of the six brothers, headed to the Ozarks to be part of the family business.
The Larsons acquired another dealership in 1991 in O’Fallon, Missouri, which Kyle ran and is still involved with today. TLG continued to grow beyond the Midwest toward the East Coast, by welcoming North and South Carolina to the network in 2016, and even had the honor of opening Peterbilt Motors Company’s 400th Peterbilt dealership with TLG Peterbilt – Dunn. With the acquisition of Piedmont Peterbilt in late 2020, TLG Peterbilt – Greensboro became TLG's fourth North Carolina location and 23rd location overall.
TLG earned its first national award from Peterbilt Motors Company in 1995. Numerous awards have since followed including six North American Dealer of the Year awards: 1998, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2015 and 2019.
Through growth, new products and services, and more, TLG Peterbilt remains family-owned and operated with Glenn, Kory, Kevin, and Kyle still working in and leading the business today.