Published: June 16, 2008 10:53 am         

Enid Mack Sales enjoying a new boom in business

Local Mack dealer is 1 of only 3 in state

Enid Mack Sales, Inc., is in it for the long haul, and according to Troy Phillips, president, it’s due to a close-knit community of clients and employees.

“This hasn’t ever been a one-man show,” Phillips said. “We’ve had many good long-time employees and friends who have helped us survive in this business for so long.”

The company was established in September 1976 by L.E. “Les” Phillips, and has remained a stand-alone, independent dealer since then.

“We’ve remained family-owned and operated,” Phillips said. “We’ve been able to create a niche in a market that tends to fall to bigger dealers.”

Enid Mack Sales is an authorized Mack dealer, one of three in Oklahoma. They sell both used and new trucks, as well as trailers. In 2007, Phillips said they sold 125 trucks, and are on track this year to sell as many, if not more.

Enid Mack Sales services mainly small- to mid-sized fleets, — 40 to 100 trucks — from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Arkansas. Macks are unique, Phillips said, because they’re known for doing the “hard jobs.” Enid Mack Sales’ clients include oil field service companies, agriculture-related industries and feed haulers.

Prices for new trucks range from $100,000 to $150,000. That’s nearly doubled since the business began, when Phillips said prices were about $45,000.

Business has been up-and-down in the 29 years of Enid Mack Sales’ existence. During the oil boom days, Phillips said they sold as many as 300 trucks a year. But in 1983, the selling “just quit” and didn’t pick up again until 2002 and 2003.

Through the difficult times, Phillips said loyal customers and employees helped the business.

Now is a “fantastic” time for the company, according to Phillips, with many opportunities for growth. They recently broke ground on a 12,000-square-foot expansion of their fabrication shop, a facet of Enid Mack Sales which brings in additional business. Phillips said they can fabricate equipment to go with trucks, including winches and vacuum tanks.

“We’ve created a really good reputation with our fabrication work,” Phillips said. “That’s equated into sales.”

In addition to selling trucks and fabricating equipment for them, Enid Mack Sales provides parts and service. They also have a 24-hour heavy-duty wrecker service.

Les Phillips started the company as part of a team, but when his partner dropped out shortly after the business venture began, he had to figure out how to make it work, his son said.

“He’s a bootstrapper,” Phillips said. “This business is one he enjoyed for so many years.”

Phillips began working at Enid Mack Sales in 1988, and worked side-by-side with his father for 17 years.

Les Phillips left the company in 2005, due to health reasons.

“This company is a testament to him,” Phillips said.