State Dignitaries Among Those Gathered For Keller Trucking’s Final 40th Anniversary Event

Keller Trucking founder Tom Keller and nephew Bryan Keller hosted the final of a series of events spanning the year to celebrate 40 years of service since Thomas E. Keller Trucking incorporated.

Among the attendees were: US Representative Bob Latta, Ohio State Senator Rob McColley, State Representatives Craig Riedel and Jim Hoops, city of Defiance Mayor Mike McCann, County Commissioners, and friends and members of the Keller family.

Guests gathered at the Keller complex, where Tom had the original 7,000 sq. ft. terminal, office, two maintenance bays, and wash bay built in 1985 to house Thomas E. Keller Trucking.

Bob Latta presented Tom and Bryan with a U.S. flag that was flown over the US capital as a thank you for creating jobs and making sure that product moves across the United States.

Craig Riedel and Jim Hoops presented an Accommodation to commemorate the occasion. The document from the Ohio House of Representatives refers to Keller Trucking as “a justifiable source of pride and an outstanding reflection not only on the business itself, but also on the astute management of its president and chief executive officer, Bryan Keller, and vice president Aaron Keller, on hard working employees, and on the Defiance community.”

Craig Riedel spoke about the giving, the heart and the humility shown to the community by Tom, Bryan and Keller employees, and how fortunate the community is to have such a team. He went on to say the success the company has had over the past 40 years starts with terrific leadership, and great teammates that can execute the game plan. He pointed out that the key to this is that Tom, Bryan and Aaron have brought in people that are team players. Jim Hoops said he appreciates the impact that Tom, Bryan, and all Keller employees have on Northwest Ohio.

Rob McColley pointed out that Keller Trucking is a community-minded staple in the logistics industry, not only in Defiance, but in all the communities we have an operation in that we touch with our business, and that it’s important to have good transportation and logistics companies like Keller Trucking. The document he presented from the Ohio Senate states- “Over the years, the management and staff of Keller Trucking have consistently demonstrated exemplary professionalism and expertise, as well as an unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest industry standards. Due to the tremendous effort and initiative they have displayed, these exemplary individuals have shepherded the company through significant growth during the last four decades, and this noteworthy enterprise is certainly deserving of high praise.”

Bryan spoke about Thomas E. Keller Trucking being about the people from the beginning. He recalled that Tom founded the company with the idea that “if you take care of your people, they will take care of you” and that he was impressed that Tom knew all his employees and spouses by their first names. Bryan continued by adding that the heart of Keller is still a family first atmosphere and the idea that people matter most. He recognized department directors for all their support and dedication contributing to the success of Keller Logistics Group and affiliates, as well as drivers with 10 or more years with Keller Trucking.