Who We Are

about palmer trucks

our story & our mission

A man of humble beginnings and a middle school arithmetic teacher by trade, Eldon Palmer changed career fields and became an Indianapolis Dodge dealer in 1956 at 28. In December 1966, Eldon signed his first Kenworth Dealer Agreement. His humor, hard work, and attention to not only the numbers but to the needs of others, were his legacy – a legacy that serves as Palmer Trucks’ guiding roadmap to this day. ​

Eldon left his legacy, and dealership, to the second and third generations.​

Second-generation owner and son-in-law, John Nichols, celebrates more than 30 years in the business – a true passion. He embraces technology and innovation to bolster already outstanding customer relationships throughout the heavily traveled region – known as the Crossroads of America for good reason. A down-to-earth gentleman – in his spare time, you can find him with his seven grandkids or embracing his Hoosier roots on the farm – all roads lead to Nichols Farms.

Today, Palmer Trucks operates twelve, exclusive Kenworth dealerships with 650 employees in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois.​ Palmer Leasing Group operates as a full-service leasing and rental PacLease franchise, and Palmer Power & Truck Equipment provides industry-leading work truck upfit services.

Palmer Trucks has proudly served customers across seven decades and three generations of ownership. Eldon’s grandsons, Jacob and Scott Nichols help operate the business, and the entire Palmer family remains engaged – providing support, guidance, and care.

who we are

Palmer Trucks is a full-service Kenworth dealership network serving Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois with a comprehensive package of products and services. As a family-owned business with more than a half-century history of growth and success, Palmer Trucks has grown to a team of more than 600 individuals. With more than two million trucks on U.S. highways and interstates at any given time, a paramount need exists to keep the industry moving forward – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We maintain a commitment to forming authentic and valuable connections through fulfilling the industry’s unique, time-sensitive needs as a trusted partner. We accomplish this by providing products and services of the highest quality and value – personalized for you.

Because of this philosophy, we develop and nurture long-term, valuable relationships with our partners. The Palmer Trucks team has the utmost privilege and gratitude of doing business, and these core values are what keep customers returning year-after-year, and are what have kept us – On the Road Since 1965.

our mission

“We are dedicated to meeting our customer’s truck needs by building quality relationships with them and going the extra mile. Our employees are the best they can be and display a positive attitude. We will lead by example, work hard, and treat everyone with honesty, dignity, and respect.”

– Founder Eldon Palmer

history

The Palmer Journey — 1965 to Present Day

  1. Edson Palmer and business partner, Doyle Zaring, found Indiana Dodge Truck Center, Inc.
  2. The company’s name was changed to Indiana Truck Center, Inc. after the Kenworth truck line is added
  3. The company moves to an expanded facility on S. Holt Road.
  4. The company has become the largest heavy duty Dodge truck dealer in the United States

    In the spring, Dodge discontinues building heavy-duty trucks, so the Dodge stock is liquidated
  5. The company expands to its second location in Cincinnati.
  6. The name, Indiana Truck Center, Inc. is changed to Kenworth of Indianapolis, Inc.

    I.T.C. Acceptance Company is founded to ensure customers a smooth financing process
  7. A body shop is added to Kenworth of Indianapolis, Inc.
  8. A leasing operation, PacLease, is created at the Indianapolis location.

    A third location is opened in Evansville, IN.
  9. Cincinnati adds their own PacLease operation.

    A fourth location is added in Terre Haute, IN
  10. John Nichols joins the company.
  11. A fifth location opened in Fort Wayne, IN
  12. A sixth Location is opened in Dayton, OH
  13. PacLease is renamed to Palmer Leasing Group and becomes a franchise
  14. Palmer Power & Truck Equipment is established to assist with dump body installations

    Palmer Trucks expands to the property next to the Indianapolis location

    Jacob Nichols begins working at the company
  15. Palmer Power & Truck Equipment begins their first major builiding project with Monroe County
  16. Palmer Power & Truck Equipment is established as a Muncie Master Warehouse
  17. Scott Nichols joins the company
  18. Palmer Indy East is opened and a TRP Parts Store is added shortly after
  19. Kenworth of Indianapolis, Inc and Kenworth of Cincinnati, Inc merge and become Palmer Trucks, Inc
  20. Another location is opened in Effingham, IL
  21. Two locations are acquired in Kentucky, one in Louisville and one in Bowling Green

    Scott Nichols becomes the president of the company and Jacob Nichols becomes Director of Corporate Operations
  22. A second TRP Parts store is opened in Northern Kentucky
  23. The most recent TRP Parts store location is opened in Sellersburg, IN
  24. Palmer Trucks celebrates 55 years of business

    Kenworth of Sellersburg is opened.

    Kenworth of Indianapolis expands to include an east dealership location
  25. Palmer Power & Truck Equipment celebrates 20 years of business
  26. The Company open its TRP of Calvert City location new Paducah, Kentucky
  27. Fort Wayne opens a new TRP Location on the south side of city

    A TRP store is opened in Greenville, Ohio
  28. Palmer Trucks celebrates 60 years of business

The Palmer Roadmap

our values & philosophy

The Palmer Roadmap communicates who we are, what we believe, what drives us and how we do business. The Roadmap summarizes the founding principles through our:

mission statement

mission statement

we believe statement

we believe statement

Eight Feet, Meet and Greet Philosophy

Eight Feet, Meet and Greet Philosophy

We Travel Together 
Statement 

We Travel Together 
Statement 

  • Approach all we do with honesty and hard work
  • Partner with customers to meet their needs
  • Provide superior service every time
  • Recognize employee value with training, opportunity, and competitive compensation
  • Lead by example with a focus on teamwork
  • Create a safe and pleasant environment that encourages all

  • We meet customer needs through quality relationships and extra-mile service
  • We bring our best with positivity and hard work
  • We approach all with honesty, dignity, and respect

  • Relationships come first and are nurtured by a sense of belonging
  • Always greet someone who comes within eight feet with warmth
    and empathy

Palmer Trucks is a team that intentionally serves and includes all people. Building upon our founding principles, we will go the extra mile to know, ask questions, and understand one another in order to work towards the inclusion of all. Everyone who walks through our doors will be welcome as part of the Palmer family, not in spite of who they are, but because of who they are as unique individuals within our industry and communities. We will hold ourselves accountable as a place that is safe and welcoming for all.

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60 Year of Palmer Trucks