DECKER 24 HOUR TRUCK & TRAILER SET TO START 10,500 SQ. FT. EXPANSION IN BOONE COUNTY

November 15, 2019 (Belvidere, IL) – When Kit and Deanna Decker started their business, Decker 24 Hour Truck and Trailer, Inc., in 2013, they began with one used service truck, a dream and a whole lot of ambition. They each were working full-time jobs at other companies and trying to manage their expanding business on the side.  They eventually got to the point where they both needed to leave their jobs to focus entirely on the business they were building.

Their hard work and dedication shown through as family, friends, business partners and elected officials made their way to 1010 ECS Way, in Belvidere, IL on Friday, November 15^th, to celebrate Decker 24 Hour Truck & Trailer’s  upcoming 10,500 square foot expansion. The ceremonial groundbreaking marks the start of an expansion project that will bring an investment of nearly $1.4 million dollars to the Boone County economy.

Pamela Lopez-Fettes, Executive Director of Growth Dimensions, is looking forward to working with the Deckers now and into the future. Fettes expanded, “On behalf of the taxing bodies, Growth Dimensions manages the Enterprise Zone.  Decker 24 Hour Truck and Trailer will be taking advantage of this program that will provide Incentives including property tax abatements, permit fee reductions, and sales tax exemptions on a majority of materials for remodeling, rehabilitation and new construction.”

“This is the American Dream, folks,” stated Karl Johnson, Boone County Board Chairman. “We’ve got a family that has worked hard. They started in 2013, in their garage…and now more than doubling the size of that business.  That’s proof that the American Dream is still alive here in our country; it’s still alive here in Illinois; and, especially alive here

in Boone County.”

With the project slated to begin next week, the lead contractor, Schmeling Construction Co., can’t wait to get started. Peter Schmeling added, “This has been a dream project for us.”  From beginning the design process with Brian Blakemore and his team to working with Drew Bliss and Boone County, Schmeling has been happy with the people he has been able to work with. He thanked Kit and Deanne for the opportunity to work on their expansion.

Mr. Kit Decker thanked everyone for attending and asked everyone to take a moment of silence in honor of his father, Doug Decker, who passed away in 2017. Everyone in attendance remained silent as they reflected on Doug’s legacy, after which he introduced his wife, Deanna.

Deanna reflected on working with her husband and making their business successful. “There are a lot of times where we doubt who we are and what we are capable of. But in those times, we lean on each other.” She continued, “We know that sometimes, even when we have those voices in our heads screaming and yelling, ‘You can’t do it. You’re weak. You’re going to fail.’ our faith in each other is stronger and so much louder than that voice.”

Not only do Kit and Deanna lean on each other, they also respect and listen to their employees, who have become a part of their extended family. The Deckers recognized each employee and asked them to be a part of the ground breaking ceremony, by calling them up one by one.

With shovels ready, Kit and Deanna, Johnson, Lopez-Fettes and the entire Decker 24 Hour Family dug into the dirt signifying the start of an expansion of a business that continues to call Boone County home and looks forward to growing their business and increasing jobs within the community.

The project is anticipated to be completed in May 2020.

About Growth Dimensions

Established in 1979, Growth Dimensions, Inc. provides a progressive and cooperative environment which improves the quality of life by fostering economic opportunity and personal growth. With economic development partners throughout Belvidere-Boone County, Growth Dimensions is advancing a coordinated economic development strategy to create jobs, promote community assets and stimulate capital investment through business retention and attraction efforts. For more information visit www.growthdimensions.org.

About Decker 24 Hour Truck & Trailer, Inc.

Decker 24 Hour Truck and Trailer, Inc. is a family owned and operated business, established in 2013. They offer Fleet Maintenance and on-site truck and trailer repair North of Chicagoland. They extend their on-site trailer repair service and full fleet maintenance service to a 50-mile radius from Rockford, Illinois.  Repeat customers know their commitment to performing high quality repairs on trucks and trailers. The solutions they provide will keep their clients in motion. Learn more by visiting decker24hr.com.

About Schmeling Construction Co.

Schmeling Construction Co., a family-owned business since 1903, offers a wide-variety of services including preconstruction services, construction management, design/build, and bid/build. Our Portfolio includes commercial, industrial, institutional, and healthcare. Visit schmelingconstruction.com for more information.