Business Solutions for Winter 2020

4 W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 BUSINESS spotlight Dedication and Innovation Area Diesel still honors the principles Val used to build the com- pany—dedication to improving diesel performance through hard work, honesty, ongoing development of technical skills, and quality diesel performance products. Employees also follow one of Val’s most valued rules: “Always go the extra distance to ensure customer satisfaction!” Due to relationships with some of the biggest companies in the diesel industry, Area Diesel sells its performance truck products and diesel engine replacement parts online. The company car- ries many OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement fuel injection and turbocharger items along with specialty tools, and it boasts the Midwest’s largest new and remanufactured turbocharger inventory along with an expansive stock of specialty parts. In addition, its diesel specialists bring first-hand expertise on jobs ranging from repairing diesel engines on agricultural and heavy equipment applications to increasing fuel efficiency and turbo performance on diesel pickups. Connecting with Madison Communications To help keep Area Diesel working efficiently, Madison Commu- nications provides Hosted PBX and internet service. Hosted PBX is a relatively new addition, having been installed in June 2019. Von Leefers, Vice-President of Area Diesel and son of Val Leefers, is pleased to have Hosted PBX. Von said, “The phone systems we had before were a ‘mixed bag of tricks.’ Des Moines had an old Area Diesel Hard work and a commitment to customer satisfaction have fueled this success story In the early 1970s, Val Leefers discovered his talent for the innovation of diesel performance upgrades and the repair of diesel pumps. After honing his skills, he built a small building just outside Carlinville, Illinois, bought $1,300 in inventory, and established Area Diesel in 1973. Today, that tiny, one-man operation is a thriving national operation with five locations and upward of 50 full-time employees. L to R: Tyler Leefers, Manager; Von Leefers, Vice-President; and Val Leefers, President