Core Values
Diligence
Humility
Wisdom
Character
Integrity
Grace
ConEquip isn't just another parts supplier. Instead, ConEquip is a construction parts company that takes parts to a unique level.
ConEquip Parts was founded in 2008 by Al Alexander and Ben Krentz in Buffalo, NY. With years of sales experience, a desire to serve customers better, Ben and Al set out to form a business with their own set of core values on how the construction parts industry should operate.
Diligence
Together they came up with the name ConEquip Parts and the company motto, "A World of Parts with a Personal Touch". From its inception, the owners of ConEquip have worked very hard on building relationships with both vendors they work with and people who call ConEquip Parts.
"We decided we wanted to focus on the customer above all other things," says Alexander. The first principle for the two-man-team to be successful was to have diligence.
Humility
For Alexander, the next principle - humility -Which wasn't present at ConEquip's "humble" beginnings.
"To be completely honest my early desire for success in the industry was out of spite I had for a previous employer," admitted Alexander.
Since then however, humility grew as he and Ben learned the ropes of running a business.
"Humility is important to have success because pride sucks. Pride leads to confrontation, defensiveness, and selfishness. All the things you don't want to be."
Wisdom
As with anything new, there's a learning curve. Ben and Al made their mistakes and learned from them. From it, they continue to gain another important principle - wisdom - not only about the parts business, but about life.
"We don't make any big decision without prayer," Krentz said.
"The faith we share in God really is the center of everything we do," added Alexander.
Character
Sales didn't start in an office building with a rusty warehouse full of inventory. Instead, the early years started out with much less - a laptop and an uncomfortable wooden chair.
"I preferred sitting in that chair... it builds character", Alexander says.
"The character of our professionals helps us deal with tough situations with grace. We do things the right way, with our customer's needs the priority. If you don't have character you don't last here very long," says Loos.
Integrity
And finally, when it comes to all of the principles, perhaps the most important one for the success of ConEquip is integrity.
"Why is Integrity important? Because anything else is exhausting," says Alexander.
ConEquip Parts expects its employees to do everything the right way, even when it doesn't benefit them. It's one of the big reasons why the company does not run on debt. The owners believe in staying debt free so much, there were many months over the years they went without pay.
"It was well worth the sacrifice," says Krentz. Since that first sale for $1275, ConEquip has sold more than 33 million dollars worth of construction equipment parts and employs more than 40 people.
"We have a lot of great partners across the country. Some of their companies sell rebuilt engines, others used parts, still others aftermarket parts. Without them, we wouldn't be who we are today," says Alexander.
"We keep our employees happy, offer incentives, and in return we expect hard work. We really are a family, everyone looking out for each other. It really is special to see," says Krentz.
"Making money, making money, making money," says Loos (yeah you can tell he's an accountant!)
Grace
Grace refers to the ability to handle difficult situations or interact with others in a way that is calm, composed, and courteous. Employees are encouraged to handle themselves with poise and tact and to treat others with kindness and respect.
