I am PSTC - Raymond Sellers

Raymond Sellers has been a steadfast member of the Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star team for over four decades. As he approaches his 59th year in the dealership industry, Raymond reflects on a journey that has seen the transformation of trucking from its mechanical roots to the highly electronic systems of today.

Raymond's affinity for trucks began when he was young. Although he wasn't exposed to trucking early in life, his father's involvement with trucks piqued his interest which led him to attend trade school in Nashville. During his time in the military after trade school, he spent hours in the motor pool, further cementing his fascination with these machines.

For 19 years, Raymond honed his skills at a commercial truck dealership after his service, starting as a mechanic and working his way up to foreman. However, the recession of the early 1980s caused the dealership to go out of business. This twist of fate brought Raymond to Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star, known back then as Liberty Truck Sales, just before it was purchased by Jerry Davis.

Since that time, Raymond has had the privilege of watching Birmingham Freightliner and Western Star grow exponentially. From selling just 200 trucks annually when he started to becoming the top seller in the country during the 1990s, Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star has come a long way. He has been a witness and contributor to this remarkable transformation, working 29 years as a service manager before Peach State Truck Centers acquired the dealership in 2012.

"When I started, there were no electronics on the trucks," Raymond recalls. "Everything was mechanical. We used pencil and paper for everything until 1995 when we got our first computers." Raymond has not only witnessed but also adapted to the sweeping changes in the industry, from the introduction of the Freightliner Century model with its initial computer systems to today's complex, multi-computer trucks.

Throughout his career, Raymond has always preferred the technical side of the job. "I much prefer solving problems no one else can solve," he says. This determination and expertise have earned him a reputation far and wide, with Daimler Trucks of North America representatives bringing trucks from across the country for his unique troubleshooting skills.

Despite the industry's shift towards electronics, Raymond continues to emphasize the importance of mechanical knowledge. This insight into the evolving industry highlights a significant challenge: attracting and retaining skilled technicians willing to engage with both the mechanical and electronic aspects of trucking.

Raymond's relationship with a top Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star customer involved in power line construction, underscores his ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships. "When the customer first used the Freightliner business class, we were one of the few Freightliner dealers they trusted with electronics," he explains. His dedication to understanding customers' needs and providing reliable solutions has fostered long-lasting trust.

Raymond’s philosophy extends beyond mere technical expertise. He believes in the power of relationships and understanding customer needs, often solving issues over the phone and maintaining decades-long customer loyalty. "It's not always about the truck," he explains. "You have to understand the customer and what they’re doing with their trucks to solve the problem."

Reflecting on his tenure, Raymond expresses admiration for Peach State Truck Centers' growth and management. "Freightliner being the best truck on the market helped Peach State grow to be one of the largest dealerships in sales," he says. He appreciates the fair pay and benefits that have attracted skilled technicians to the company.

Raymond’s personal life is as rich as his professional one. Married for 55 years to his wife Kaye, they share two grown children, seven granddaughters, and ten great-grandchildren. Outside of work, they enjoy camping, dancing, and traveling together. Over the years, they have established dance clubs and even participated in dance competitions, finding joy in shared activities.

As Raymond contemplates retirement, he remains undecided. "I like what I do and coming to work," he admits. His dedication to the industry, his customers, and his colleagues continues to drive him. "Peach State has been a good place to work. They let me do my own thing with freedom and flexibility."

Raymond Sellers' story is one of loyalty, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His journey through the trucking industry reflects not only the evolution of the field but also the enduring values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of relationships.