Empire Group Wins Big at Keystone Truckin' Nationals

DVC • November 4, 2022

On Saturday, October 15th, Eric Roush, Austin Landis, Stew Rivers, Jim Blatt, Jaquann Alston, and Louis Rodriguez from Delaware Valley Contractors (DVC) attended the Keystone Truckin’ Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton on behalf of Empire Group. 


The event took place in the parking lot next to the stands. Empire Group won two awards: Best Appearing Bobtail - Daycab (Empire Wrecking’s 1972 Mack truck) and Best Appearing Service Truck (DVC’s Ford F550). Ellen Ganime (Empire Group) sat down with Eric and Austin to learn what they thought of the show. 


Ellen: Have you been to the Keystone Truckin’ Nationals before?


Eric: It was my first time at this show, and I was really impressed with the line up. There had to be over 300 trucks!


Austin: Yes. I had been to this show, but it was different since we were participating. I had heard about the show and thought it was a great way to bring Empire Group into [the show]. I had wanted [Empire Group] to get into bringing our trucks to the shows in the area, and we started with the Lanita Specialized Car Show in September, where we brought DVC’s new T880 truck, the DVC Mobile Repair Truck Ford F550 and the 1972 Empire Group Mack Truck from Empire Wrecking. Both shows were great experiences! 

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Ellen: How did you prepare for it? 


Eric: We cleaned up the trucks Friday night and a little on Saturday morning. We brought the trucks over, including the Empire Wrecking Chevy Utility Body truck on the flatbed. 


Austin: We cleaned them up Friday night. It was nice seeing them shine, since I’m usually under the hood.


Ellen: What did you think of the show? 


Eric: At first, I didn’t know what to expect. But it was great – a great representation of trucks from major companies. The show was a great way to get the guys out to show off our trucks. We were able to see the other trucks and equipment as well as watch the trucks that were racing. 


Austin: I was really impressed with the line up. Gear Jammer Magazine was there, and I think the Mack and Chevy Utility Body trucks from the show will be in the next issue. 


Ellen: Did companies attending the event set up tables to meet people? Anyone famous attend? 


Eric: There weren’t many tables set up. We had a table with a banner and gave out Russ’s [Oswalt] business card. There wasn’t anyone famous. 


Austin: I agree with Eric, I didn’t see many tables set up or anyone famous.


Ellen: What else can you tell me about the show? 


Eric: We saw the fastest sleeper cab going 106 miles per hour in 12.5 seconds! 


Austin: We saw some competitors there, such as BHL and Blair Trucking. An old customer (about eight years ago) came up to us and commented on the good work we did for him. 


Ellen: Was the show beneficial for Empire Group? 


Eric: Definitely. It was a great way to show off our trucks, show their quality. It also showed that we take pride in our jobs and in Empire Group’s capabilities. Plus, it was free advertising. 


Austin: Yes. We will definitely be there next year. We have great trucks and equipment and it’s nice to show them off. The show got our name out there, and there could be potential work as a result. And it’s a good way to meet people in the industry while enjoying a fun afternoon. We lucked out with great weather!


We wish to thank them for their hard work in getting the trucks ready for the show and for transporting them to it. Great job guys! 

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