When Todd Resser, the President of Southwest Equipment Parts (SEP) became a golf pro at the age of 18, his career path seemed set, but a twist of fate and a family connection led him to a different trajectory.
From Salvage Yards to Heavy Equipment Parts
After serving in the Air Force, Resser found himself job hunting and eventually landed a position at his uncle’s demolition company. This role was just the beginning of a journey that would see him rise through the ranks of the heavy equipment parts industry.
Resser’s introduction to the industry was hands-on and grueling. He worked at his uncle’s salvage yard, where he spent his days extracting nails, removing bolts, and salvaging usable lumber. "It was hard work,” Resser recalled, noting the satisfaction of transforming discarded materials into valuable resources.
An unexpected opportunity arose when an equipment truck at the Kobelco dealership his uncle owned across the street was wrecked, creating an opening that the salvage yard manager encouraged Resser to pursue. "Go over there and try it,” the manager said. "If you don’t like it, I got a spot for you here, no problem.”
Resser started as a parts' driver, running errands and picking up parts for shop jobs. His work ethic quickly earned him promotions, first to warehouse manager, then to parts manager, and eventually to general parts manager. Within nine years, he was the general manager, effectively running the business.
“I pushed the broom in the warehouse, worked in the service department installing components and rebuilding components.”
“I’ve done everything in the industry,” Resser said, reflecting on his diverse experience. “I’m really blessed to have that background, honestly. I pushed the broom in the warehouse, worked in the service department installing components and rebuilding components, predominantly on Japanese and Korean excavators.”
Under his leadership, the company excelled, rising from 26th to sixth in the nation in parts sales as a Kobelco dealership. However, in 2002, the dealership was abruptly closed due to Kobelco’s decision to reduce the number of dealerships in the area. This setback did not deter Resser; instead, it prompted him to pivot and start dismantling Kobelco machines for parts, buying them at auctions.
Resser’s innovative approach included creating quick reference guides for clients, which streamlined the parts lookup process. This ingenuity helped his business stand out in the parts industry, particularly with Japanese and Korean equipment.
H&R Parts, a major customer, recognized Resser’s expertise and offered him a leadership role at their recently acquired, Contractors Service Company in Southern California. “Everyone we talked to says you’re the guy that should run this company,” they told him. Despite his loyalty to his uncle’s company, the timing and opportunity was right, and Resser accepted the offer.
In 2006, Resser moved to Southern California. By 2007, when H&R Parts sold a majority stake to Sumitomo Corporation, he was tasked with leading a new aftermarket parts division. His extensive knowledge and experience were instrumental in building this division from the ground up, involving international travel and data management.
A pivotal moment came in 2009 when Kayaba in Japan ceased selling to the aftermarket, which significantly impacted Resser’s business, as well as Plant Parts’ business in the UK. Seeking a solution, Resser tracked down Richard Finch from Plant Parts, and together they developed a database tool to match final drives to heavy equipment machines, a vital resource still used by parts specialists today.
“We only buy quality products. We will never sacrifice your reputation by cutting corners.”
At the heart of Resser’s business philosophy is a steadfast commitment to quality. “We rarely have product issues. Your reputation is everything,” Resser asserts. This dedication to maintaining high standards ensures that every component not only fits but performs optimally.
“We only buy quality products. We will never sacrifice your reputation by cutting corners,” he emphasized. His dedication to integrity and educating consumers about the aftermarket parts industry has helped build a loyal customer base.
Todd Resser touring aftermarket factory.
“It’s not just about what will bolt to a machine,” Resser explains. “It’s about the sprockets fitting, the speed, the port sizes, the indexing.” In an industry where precision and reliability are paramount, Resser’s approach goes beyond mere compatibility. His focus is on delivering parts that meet rigorous standards, ensuring customer satisfaction and equipment longevity.
However, the industry landscape is shifting. “Now it’s going in a different direction, where China is copying everything,” Resser observes. "And the only way they compete is solely on price, they undercut the price.” Despite this challenge, Resser remains confident in the value of quality over cost-cutting measures.
"We are the largest stocking supplier of swing bearings for excavators in North America.”
Over time, the company has expanded its focus. "Other than final drives, we now focus on swing motors and swing gearboxes. We are the largest stocking supplier of swing bearings for excavators in North America,” he says. The company has also added main hydraulic pumps, recoil springs, and Volvo hydraulic cylinders to its inventory.
Resser’s unwavering dedication to quality and innovation continues to drive his company’s success, setting a high bar in the heavy equipment parts industry.
In 2024, Resser expanded his operations by opening a hydraulic repair shop, offering repair and return services for various components, including final drives, swing motors, and gearboxes. Continuous product development remains a focus, with Resser’s team reverse engineering and improving designs to stay ahead of industry trends.
for Free Parts Quote!
Innovation and Engineering: Staying Ahead of the Curve
Resser’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by his proactive approach to new product releases. When Volvo introduced the new and enhanced EC300, which featured different bolt patterns on its final drives, Resser saw an opportunity. "As soon as they came out with it, I got a sample,” he recalls. His team of mechanical engineers, took on the challenge.
“We feel we improved on the design and didn’t just copy it. We re-engineered it. It’s our own design,” Resser states proudly. This approach is a hallmark of his business. By purchasing samples and leveraging advanced engineering techniques, they are demonstrating their capability to innovation on a continuous basis.
“We’re looking at all the late models, all the newer stuff,” Resser explains. "We’re huge on swing bearings.” The company’s strategy includes reverse engineering to enhance existing designs and maintain the most current portfolio on heavy equipment components, which includes swing bearings and final drives, boasting the broadest range in the industry.
As the industry evolves, Resser’s focus on quality over cost-cutting measures and his strategic expansions, such as the opening of a hydraulic repair shop in 2024, demonstrate his forward-thinking approach. His dedication to customer satisfaction and equipment longevity, combined with his ability to adapt and innovate, solidifies SEP’s reputation as a leader in the heavy equipment parts industry.
Speak to a Parts Specialist Today!
Call today and one of our knowledgeable and well-trained staff will find the parts you need at a price that fits.
