Welcome!

to the latest issue of The Lift Newsletter

We’ve been hard at work to bring you a newsletter that is designed to both look great and function well right in your web browser. We trust you will find the content informative and helpful. Feel free to click to each page using the navigation, or simply scroll down. On the last page you’ll see we’re already looking ahead to the next issue, share your ideas with us!

Welcome!

to the latest issue of The Lift Newsletter

We’ve been hard at work to bring you a newsletter that is designed to both look great and function well right in your web browser. We trust you will find the content informative and helpful. Feel free to click to each page using the navigation, or simply scroll down. On the last page you’ll see we’re already looking ahead to the next issue, share your ideas with us!

Letter from the COO

As we gear up to enter the spring season and start a new fiscal year at TICF, we greet it with a sense of hope and optimism: hope that the effects of COVID-19 will recede this year, and optimism that we can soon return to normalcy – or at least what we may soon call “the new normal” – along with new opportunities to sell more Electric trucks and offer new financing products.

To support these exciting new efforts, TICF has made some positive changes to ensure we are prepared to meet our mutual customers’ needs.

Bill Borris, Remarketing Director, and Mike Cockrell, Wholesale Manager, have been appointed additional duties to lead TICF’s Heavy Duty strategy going forward. Their leadership and dedication to specs, application, residual positioning, and loan tenor will allow TICF to best support you, our valued dealers, in financing these products. Additionally, TICF launched our first ever Heavy-Duty program – PowerLift – with terms up to 96 months for eligible customers. You can find out more details about the PowerLift program later in this newsletter.

Another area in which TICF is committed to going all-in on is Electric products. Since last summer, we created and have extended our Electric Infrastructure program. For customers interested in upgrading their forklift fleet to new, Toyota Electric products, they can now upfit their charging infrastructure and receive a special financing rate on wiring, other material, and labor they need. By popular demand, we have extended this program through the end of March.

Lastly, we are still offering our Lease Renewal Payment Support Program. The program provides relief for current TICF customers with Toyota non-diesel class 4 and/or 5 lease(s) maturing between January 1, 2021, and June 1, 2022. Eligible customers can receive a 20% reduction in the lease base monthly payment going forward. Customers who do not have a Toyota factory order placed can participate and must renew for a minimum of 12 months and up to a maximum of 24 months.

Based on these noteworthy achievements, it’s clear we have substantial momentum heading into 2022. We remain committed to providing best-in-class dealer and customer service, innovative financial solutions, and continued integration with TMH, our valued manufacturing partner.

And we know that we couldn’t have done it without the strong support we have received from each one of you as we all forged our way in these untenable times.

We also have several exciting initiatives in store as we expand our sales team to support you, enhance TC3 to make doing business even easier, and launch our Toyota customer payment portal in support of features your customers need.

As we reflect on these auspicious accomplishments, I wish to thank each and every TICF associate for their role in helping us excel and continuing our quest to be the financial services partner of choice for you, our valued dealer.

Ron Storz,
Chief Operating Officer

Letter from the COO

As we gear up to enter the spring season and start a new fiscal year at TICF, we greet it with a sense of hope and optimism: hope that the effects of COVID-19 will recede this year, and optimism that we can soon return to normalcy – or at least what we may soon call “the new normal” – along with new opportunities to sell more Electric trucks and offer new financing products.

To support these exciting new efforts, TICF has made some positive changes to ensure we are prepared to meet our mutual customers’ needs.

Bill Borris, Remarketing Director, and Mike Cockrell, Wholesale Manager, have been appointed additional duties to lead TICF’s Heavy Duty strategy going forward. Their leadership and dedication to specs, application, residual positioning, and loan tenor will allow TICF to best support you, our valued dealers, in financing these products. Additionally, TICF launched our first ever Heavy-Duty program – PowerLift – with terms up to 96 months for eligible customers. You can find out more details about the PowerLift program later in this newsletter.

Another area in which TICF is committed to going all-in on is Electric products. Since last summer, we created and have extended our Electric Infrastructure program. For customers interested in upgrading their forklift fleet to new, Toyota Electric products, they can now upfit their charging infrastructure and receive a special financing rate on wiring, other material, and labor they need. By popular demand, we have extended this program through the end of March.

Lastly, we are still offering our Lease Renewal Payment Support Program. The program provides relief for current TICF customers with Toyota non-diesel class 4 and/or 5 lease(s) maturing between January 1, 2021, and June 1, 2022. Eligible customers can receive a 20% reduction in the lease base monthly payment going forward. Customers who do not have a Toyota factory order placed can participate and must renew for a minimum of 12 months and up to a maximum of 24 months.

Based on these noteworthy achievements, it’s clear we have substantial momentum heading into 2022. We remain committed to providing best-in-class dealer and customer service, innovative financial solutions, and continued integration with TMH, our valued manufacturing partner.

And we know that we couldn’t have done it without the strong support we have received from each one of you as we all forged our way in these untenable times.

We also have several exciting initiatives in store as we expand our sales team to support you, enhance TC3 to make doing business even easier, and launch our Toyota customer payment portal in support of features your customers need.

As we reflect on these auspicious accomplishments, I wish to thank each and every TICF associate for their role in helping us excel and continuing our quest to be the financial services partner of choice for you, our valued dealer.

As we launch our fourth annual dealer survey, TICF looks forward to new insights

The fourth annual Dealer Satisfaction Survey has begun, and TICF couldn’t be more excited to see dealers’ perspectives on how service has held up while the pandemic has dragged on.

It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting business, and we empathize with the challenges you continue to face. Last year, we learned that 50% of respondents felt supported with our response to the pandemic.

These results also mean that 50% of dealers felt we could have done better, and that is where our focus has been the past year. With feedback on COVID-19 and every aspect of our service, we continue to make a genuine effort to provide even more meaningful support to you and our mutual customers.

While there are areas of opportunity all along the dealer experience, our action focused on:

  • Launched a new phone system and email ticketing system in customer service to better handle inquires and track our performance.
  • Developed new funding tools and DocuSign integration to help head-off issues.
  • Enhanced two-way communication from retail credit on decisioning.
  • Deploying a new lease-end guide and updated process for a more seamless handoff with customers. 

Additionally, we integrated last year with Toyota Material Handling to survey customers too.

In addition to gathering feedback from dealers, the Customer Survey allows TICF to hear directly from customers and compare results from both surveys to determine where TICF should focus to become even better. Toyota customers will be contacted on an on-going basis by TMH to complete a survey that includes questions from both TICF & TMH. 

In the Toyota spirit of Kaizen, there is always room for improvement, and we look forward to this year’s dealer and customer feedback to help us focus on the areas of our business that matter most to you.

As we launch our fourth annual dealer survey, TICF looks forward to new insights

The fourth annual Dealer Satisfaction Survey has begun, and TICF couldn’t be more excited to see dealers’ perspectives on how service has held up while the pandemic has dragged on.

It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting business, and we empathize with the challenges you continue to face. Last year, we learned that 50% of respondents felt supported with our response to the pandemic.

These results also mean that 50% of dealers felt we could have done better, and that is where our focus has been the past year. With feedback on COVID-19 and every aspect of our service, we continue to make a genuine effort to provide even more meaningful support to you and our mutual customers.

While there are areas of opportunity all along the dealer experience, our action focused on:

  • Launched a new phone system and email ticketing system in customer service to better handle inquires and track our performance.
  • Developed new funding tools and DocuSign integration to help head-off issues.
  • Enhanced two-way communication from retail credit on decisioning.
  • Deploying a new lease-end guide and updated process for a more seamless handoff with customers. 

Additionally, we integrated last year with Toyota Material Handling to survey customers too.

In addition to gathering feedback from dealers, the Customer Survey allows TICF to hear directly from customers and compare results from both surveys to determine where TICF should focus to become even better. Toyota customers will be contacted on an on-going basis by TMH to complete a survey that includes questions from both TICF & TMH. 

In the Toyota spirit of Kaizen, there is always room for improvement, and we look forward to this year’s dealer and customer feedback to help us focus on the areas of our business that matter most to you.

Meet: Mark Andres

Dealer Principal for Toyota Material Handling Northern California (TMHNC)

As Dealer Principal for Toyota Material Handling Northern California, Mark Andres knows that great people are the backbone of the dealership. “Nothing matters more than the people you have working for you and representing your dealership,” he says.

Originally reluctant to join the family business that this father started in 1995, he was in between other jobs when he decided to give it a try, beginning as an entry-level utility associate, where he worked with technicians, cleaning and maintaining the shop and delivering parts. From that position he worked his way up into the rental department and eventually transitioning to outside sales where he learned that being in front of the customer was where he felt most comfortable.

“The chance to work in many aspects of the business has given me a unique perspective that makes me more effective as a dealer principal,” he says. “I have incredible respect for every role within the dealership.”

A self-described “dreamer,” Mark constantly has new and different ideas to take the dealership to the next level. “While stable, in many ways it’s an old-school industry, and I see so many opportunities to innovate and grow. Despite challenges like the 2008 recession and now issues with the supply chain, we are still hitting home runs, but you can’t be complacent. You have to be cutting edge because there’s always someone on your tail.”

This spirt of innovation shows up in several areas. Notably, TMHNC has a unique approach to lease returns that allows it to be proactive with the many types of equipment they have, while maintaining the best customer experience. Because they recognize that many things can go wrong with the customer relationship in “the last mile” when the leased truck comes back, they found the solution in hiring an internal full-time inspector to handle their customers’ units.

“While having a full-time equipment inspector is an investment, it has created consistency and transparency for our customers, which has paid off in stronger relationships and fewer equipment returns to TICF,” he says. Given current market conditions, they know it’s critical to keep used equipment they can re-sell.

“While having a full-time equipment inspector is an investment, it has created consistency and transparency for our customers, which has paid off in stronger relationships and fewer equipment returns to TICF.”

Another innovative strategy is proactive marketing tactics; for example, they offer a used forklift buyer guide on the website, accompanied by educational blog posts that help customers understand products and offerings. “Our goal is to position our dealership as a trusted authority on forklifts and forklift financing so customers trust we can guide them to the right product and financing option for their needs,” Mark explains. But he also makes sure to meet any customer’s need: Some appreciate education, but some just want a quote.

As an active member of NDAC, Mark recently became chairman. But his involvement wasn’t without hesitation; he only joined when it became clear he could offer value. “I want to be truly transparent about what dealers experience on a day-to-day basis, and help drive change by being open,” he says. “My role is to bring unity and consistency after a tenuous year.”

He’s also a member of TICF’s Used Forklift Council, where he has found tremendous value. “While we formed the council for ideas on how to sell used equipment, it now has shifted to members staying aligned on how best manage the many moving parts of a used equipment operation,” he says. “Toyota dealers currently have a great return rate, and my goal is to ultimately ensure that no used Toyota truck leaves the Toyota dealer network.”

He appreciates the partnership he’s built with TICF, and how they can work through difficulties together, prioritizing flexibility and tweaking things to get to a win. “To me, the definition of a good finance partner is the ability to operate in the gray because things are not always black and white,” he says.

When not at the dealership, Mark has numerous hobbies, many of which involve the outdoors, from camping with his family to running. He also indulges in his passion for leatherworking, making items like handbags, keychains and wallets and recently introduced his kids to the activity so they can enjoy it together.

Meet: Mark Andres

Dealer Principal for Toyota Material Handling Northern California (TMHNC)

As Dealer Principal for Toyota Material Handling Northern California, Mark Andres knows that great people are the backbone of the dealership. “Nothing matters more than the people you have working for you and representing your dealership,” he says.

“The chance to work in many aspects of the business has given me a unique perspective that makes me more effective as a dealer principal,” he says. “I have incredible respect for every role within the dealership.”

A self-described “dreamer,” Mark constantly has new and different ideas to take the dealership to the next level. “While stable, in many ways it’s an old-school industry, and I see so many opportunities to innovate and grow. Despite challenges like the 2008 recession and now issues with the supply chain, we are still hitting home runs, but you can’t be complacent. You have to be cutting edge because there’s always someone on your tail.”

This spirt of innovation shows up in several areas. Notably, TMHNC has a unique approach to lease returns that allows it to be proactive with the many types of equipment they have, while maintaining the best customer experience. Because they recognize that many things can go wrong with the customer relationship in “the last mile” when the leased truck comes back, they found the solution in hiring an internal full-time inspector to handle their customers’ units.

“While having a full-time equipment inspector is an investment, it has created consistency and transparency for our customers, which has paid off in stronger relationships and fewer equipment returns to TICF,” he says. Given current market conditions, they know it’s critical to keep used equipment they can re-sell.

“While having a full-time equipment inspector is an investment, it has created consistency and transparency for our customers, which has paid off in stronger relationships and fewer equipment returns to TICF.”

Another innovative strategy is proactive marketing tactics; for example, they offer a used forklift buyer guide on the website, accompanied by educational blog posts that help customers understand products and offerings. “Our goal is to position our dealership as a trusted authority on forklifts and forklift financing so customers trust we can guide them to the right product and financing option for their needs,” Mark explains. But he also makes sure to meet any customer’s need: Some appreciate education, but some just want a quote.

As an active member of NDAC, Mark recently became chairman. But his involvement wasn’t without hesitation; he only joined when it became clear he could offer value. “I want to be truly transparent about what dealers experience on a day-to-day basis, and help drive change by being open,” he says. “My role is to bring unity and consistency after a tenuous year.”

He’s also a member of TICF’s Used Forklift Council, where he has found tremendous value. “While we formed the council for ideas on how to sell used equipment, it now has shifted to members staying aligned on how best manage the many moving parts of a used equipment operation,” he says. “Toyota dealers currently have a great return rate, and my goal is to ultimately ensure that no used Toyota truck leaves the Toyota dealer network.”

He appreciates the partnership he’s built with TICF, and how they can work through difficulties together, prioritizing flexibility and tweaking things to get to a win. “To me, the definition of a good finance partner is the ability to operate in the gray because things are not always black and white,” he says.

When not at the dealership, Mark has numerous hobbies, many of which involve the outdoors, from camping with his family to running. He also indulges in his passion for leatherworking, making items like handbags, keychains and wallets and recently introduced his kids to the activity so they can enjoy it together.

Toyota Heavy Duty

POWERLIFT

Finance Program

Terms Up To 96 Months!

Toyota Industries Commercial Finance (TICF) is pleased to introduce the PowerLift finance program to help your Heavy Duty customers get the equipment they need to get the job done.

OFFER DETAILS

  • Eligible Equipment: New 2020 – 2022 Toyota Heavy Duty Material Handling Equipment (THD models only)
  • Eligible Finance Products: Finance Leases ($1 and $101), Installment Loans and Closed End Leases
  • Eligible Terms: Up to 96 Months. Up to 90 days to first payment (on approved credit)

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • New Toyota Heavy Duty transactions are eligible for Elite Dealer Rewards.
  • Applications must be received by March 31, 2022. Manual override for rate & term required in CRM.
  • Finance rates on approved credit applications are “locked-in” at the rate in effect at the time the credit request is submitted to TICF. Rate is valid until the last day of the 5th month, after the month the application is submitted, only if the equipment is retail ordered with TMH within ten (10) days of credit approval. Contracts received after this period will need to be re-approved under TICF Heavy Duty rates published at that time.

Toyota Heavy Duty

POWERLIFT

Finance Program

Terms Up To 96 Months!

Toyota Industries Commercial Finance (TICF) is pleased to introduce the PowerLift finance program to help your Heavy Duty customers get the equipment they need to get the job done.

OFFER DETAILS

  • Eligible Equipment: New 2020 – 2022 Toyota Heavy Duty Material Handling Equipment (THD models only)
  • Eligible Finance Products: Finance Leases ($1 and $101), Installment Loans and Closed End Leases
  • Eligible Terms: Up to 96 Months. Up to 90 days to first payment (on approved credit)

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • New Toyota Heavy Duty transactions are eligible for Elite Dealer Rewards.
  • Applications must be received by March 31, 2022. Manual override for rate & term required in CRM.
  • Finance rates on approved credit applications are “locked-in” at the rate in effect at the time the credit request is submitted to TICF. Rate is valid until the last day of the 5th month, after the month the application is submitted, only if the equipment is retail ordered with TMH within ten (10) days of credit approval. Contracts received after this period will need to be re-approved under TICF Heavy Duty rates published at that time.

PERFECT LETTER

PROGRAM

The Toyota Industries Commercial Finance (TICF) Perfect Letter Program is a part of Elite Dealer Rewards! This offers a unique way for dealers to earn rewards based on the percentage of perfect contract packages received with a minimum number of contracts required per month.

How to Submit a Perfect Letter

  • Complete all the items listed on the attached TICF Funding Package Checklist.
  • All legal documents must be completed and signed by the customer and the dealer.
  • Billing information provided at the time of funding (Ex. PO#’s, Billing instructions).
  • The Delivery Date is completed on appropriate lease documents or a Bill of Lading is provided.

  • All supporting paperwork must match legal documents and credit approval.

    • Examples: Maintenance Agreement, TICF Site Survey (signed and less than 1-year old), UCC filing (If Applicable), Title Application provided and filled out (If applicable), Certificate of Insurance, Invoices (TIE, Dealer, etc.), Tax Exemption Certificate, etc.

Award Example

  • Dealer A submits 50 total contracts for the quarter = 17 contracts per month (16.7 rounded up).
  • 95% of the 50 contracts are Perfect.
  • Dealer qualifies for the 15+ contract level, Tier 1.
  • Dealer A is awarded 40,000 points for the 1st quarter.
  • In the next calendar quarter, the same Dealer A submits an average of 20 contracts per month.
  • 89% of the contracts are Perfect.
  • Dealer qualifies for the 15-24 contact level, Tier 2.
  • Dealer A is awarded 7,500 points for the second quarter.

Program Terms & Conditions

  • Dealership branch locations will be rolled up with the main dealership, incentive awards will be paid out around the 15th of the month following the quarter end. Points must be claimed with in one year. Only dealers opted in to Elite Dealer Rewards are eligible to claim points.
  • The number of Perfect Contract Packages will be consolidated by dealership for the calendar quarter and the incentive award points will be added to your Elite Dealer Rewards program.
  • Program terms remain the same as dealerships will be rewarded for preparing contract packages that are “Perfect.”
  • A contract funding package will be considered perfect, once the deal has been incepted in SAP and will be noted as “Perfect” in TC3 and counted towards your Tier measurement:
    • All required paperwork is included in the initial funding package.
    • Contracts previously returned will not qualify for perfect contract.
    • Completed Customer Welcome Packages must also be included to qualify. Welcome Package needs to be as filled out as possible. If a customer refuses to fill out, you may notate the package and file with the package.
    • TICF is not required to make (or ask for) any modification letters.
    • Contract package should be submitted to TICF no more than 20 days after the Date of Delivery, As a Reminder: Effective February 1, 2022, CODA Document will be required and should be signed by the customer during time of delivery. We will accept the BOL in the interim.
    • A complete Certificate of Insurance is included for new customers with TICF listed and appropriate limits and deductible amounts.
    • UCC’s are to be filed by TICF, we will no longer accept UCC filings done outside of our organization. The Fee of $50 will be charged and deducted from proceeds as the only option of payment.
  • TICF reserves the right to determine a perfect contract package at its sole discretion.
  • The program may be modified or canceled at any time for any reason.

PERFECT LETTER

PROGRAM

The Toyota Industries Commercial Finance (TICF) Perfect Letter Program is a part of Elite Dealer Rewards! This offers a unique way for dealers to earn rewards based on the percentage of perfect contract packages received with a minimum number of contracts required per month.

How to Submit a Perfect Letter

  • Complete all the items listed on the attached TICF Funding Package Checklist.
  • All legal documents must be completed and signed by the customer and the dealer.
  • Billing information provided at the time of funding (Ex. PO#’s, Billing instructions).
  • The Delivery Date is completed on appropriate lease documents or a Bill of Lading is provided.

  • All supporting paperwork must match legal documents and credit approval.

    • Examples: Maintenance Agreement, TICF Site Survey (signed and less than 1-year old), UCC filing (If Applicable), Title Application provided and filled out (If applicable), Certificate of Insurance, Invoices (TIE, Dealer, etc.), Tax Exemption Certificate, etc.

Award Example

  • Dealer A submits 50 total contracts for the quarter = 17 contracts per month (16.7 rounded up).
  • 95% of the 50 contracts are Perfect.
  • Dealer qualifies for the 15+ contract level, Tier 1.
  • Dealer A is awarded 40,000 points for the 1st quarter.
  • In the next calendar quarter, the same Dealer A submits an average of 20 contracts per month.
  • 89% of the contracts are Perfect.
  • Dealer qualifies for the 15-24 contact level, Tier 2.
  • Dealer A is awarded 7,500 points for the second quarter.

Program Terms & Conditions

  • Dealership branch locations will be rolled up with the main dealership, incentive awards will be paid out around the 15th of the month following the quarter end. Points must be claimed with in one year. Only dealers opted in to Elite Dealer Rewards are eligible to claim points.
  • The number of Perfect Contract Packages will be consolidated by dealership for the calendar quarter and the incentive award points will be added to your Elite Dealer Rewards program.
  • Program terms remain the same as dealerships will be rewarded for preparing contract packages that are “Perfect.”
  • A contract funding package will be considered perfect, once the deal has been incepted in SAP and will be noted as “Perfect” in TC3 and counted towards your Tier measurement:
    • All required paperwork is included in the initial funding package.
    • Contracts previously returned will not qualify for perfect contract.
    • Completed Customer Welcome Packages must also be included to qualify. Welcome Package needs to be as filled out as possible. If a customer refuses to fill out, you may notate the package and file with the package.
    • TICF is not required to make (or ask for) any modification letters.
    • Contract package should be submitted to TICF no more than 20 days after the Date of Delivery, As a Reminder: Effective February 1, 2022, CODA Document will be required and should be signed by the customer during time of delivery. We will accept the BOL in the interim.
    • A complete Certificate of Insurance is included for new customers with TICF listed and appropriate limits and deductible amounts.
    • UCC’s are to be filed by TICF, we will no longer accept UCC filings done outside of our organization. The Fee of $50 will be charged and deducted from proceeds as the only option of payment.
  • TICF reserves the right to determine a perfect contract package at its sole discretion.
  • The program may be modified or canceled at any time for any reason.

Have you read the new
COORDINATOR CONNECT newsletter?

In December, TICF launched a brand new newsletter called Coordinator Connect. Going forward, we are bringing you the latest news and insights on funding with TICF and recognizing the top 5 Coordinators with the highest amount of Perfect Letter Packages!

CURRENT TOP 5 COORDINATORS

Congrats to our Top 5 Coordinators for the quarter!

#
Coordinators
True
False
Grand Total
%
1
Teresa Doucette

Southern States Material Handling

 86 19 105 81.90%
2
Marie Stellman

RJMS Corporation

 92 12 104 88.46%
3
Megan Jeche

Rebas, Inc.

 43 6 49 87.76%
4
Stacey Reap

Southeast Industrial Equipment

 33 7 40 82.50%
5
Gabrielle Hall

Toyota Material Handling Ohio

 29 3 32 90.63%

Want to read more? Check out the first edition by clicking here:

Have you read the new
COORDINATOR CONNECT newsletter?

In December, TICF launched a brand new newsletter called Coordinator Connect. Going forward, we are bringing you the latest news and insights on funding with TICF and recognizing the top 5 Coordinators with the highest amount of Perfect Letter Packages!

CURRENT TOP 5 COORDINATORS

Congrats to our  Top 5 Coordinators for the quarter!

#
Coordinators
True
False
Grand Total
%
1
Teresa Doucette

Southern States Material Handling

 86 19 105 81.90%
2
Marie Stellman

RJMS Corporation

 92 12 104 88.46%
3
Megan Jeche

Rebas, Inc.

 43 6 49 87.76%
4
Stacey Reap

Southeast Industrial Equipment

 33 7 40 82.50%
5
Gabrielle Hall

Toyota Material Handling Ohio

 29 3 32 90.63%

Want to read more? Check out the first edition by clicking here:

Top Performing Dealers

Standings for Q4 FY2022 

as of February 2022

Top Dealers by Volume

1. Southeast Industrial Equipment, Inc.
2. Southern States Toyotalift
3. Welch Equipment Company, Inc.
4. Doggett Equipment Services
5. ProLift Toyota Material Handling
6. Mid Columbia Forklift, Inc.
7. Shoppa’s Material Handling
8. Brodie Toyota-Lift
9. Southwest Totoytalift
10. Hugg & Hall Equipment Co.

Top Dealers by Market Share

1. Williams Toyota Lift, Inc.
2. Jefferds Corporation
3. Lift Pro Equipment Co.
4. Doggett Equipment Services
5. Maintainco, Inc.
6. Kenco Toyota-Lift
7. JIT Toyota-Lift
8. Dillon Toyota Lift
9. Vesco Toyotalift
10. Southern Material Handling Company

Top Performing Dealers

Standings for Q4 FY2022 

as of February 2022

Top Dealers by Volume

1. Southeast Industrial Equipment, Inc.
2. Southern States Toyotalift
3. Welch Equipment Company, Inc.
4. Doggett Equipment Services
5. ProLift Toyota Material Handling
6. Mid Columbia Forklift, Inc.
7. Shoppa’s Material Handling
8. Brodie Toyota-Lift
9. Southwest Totoytalift
10. Hugg & Hall Equipment Co.

Top Dealers by Market Share

1. Williams Toyota Lift, Inc.
2. Jefferds Corporation
3. Lift Pro Equipment Co.
4. Doggett Equipment Services
5. Maintainco, Inc.
6. Kenco Toyota-Lift
7. JIT Toyota-Lift
8. Dillon Toyota Lift
9. Vesco Toyotalift
10. Southern Material Handling Company

More Ways to Earn with Elite Dealer Rewards

For a limited time, Dealer Groups with at least 35% Toyota Market Share with TICF are eligible to earn Elite Dealer Rewards on all Forklifts financed with TICF. 

Additionally, for a limited time, Toyota Heavy Duty and business classified as Warehouse Products payout points based on the amount financed with TICF.

Program Terms & Conditions

  • Current terms apply to qualifying deals made between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022.
  • Points structure above awarded monthly between February 2022 and July 2022 based on the prior month’s qualifying deals.
  • Dealership must be opted in to the Elite Dealer Rewards program to be eligible to earn points.
  • Not enrolled in Elite Dealer Rewards? Enroll at: www.elitedealerrewards.com.
  • All other program terms, conditions, and rules are applicable.

More Ways to Earn with Elite Dealer Rewards

For a limited time, Dealer Groups with at least 35% Toyota Market Share with TICF are eligible to earn Elite Dealer Rewards on all Forklifts financed with TICF. 

Additionally, for a limited time, Toyota Heavy Duty and business classified as Warehouse Products payout points based on the amount financed with TICF.

Program Terms & Conditions

  • Current terms apply to qualifying deals made between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022.
  • Points structure above awarded monthly between February 2022 and July 2022 based on the prior month’s qualifying deals.
  • Dealership must be opted in to the Elite Dealer Rewards program to be eligible to earn points.
  • Not enrolled in Elite Dealer Rewards? Enroll at: www.elitedealerrewards.com.
  • All other program terms, conditions, and rules are applicable.

Meet Your RSM:

Chris Weeks

Although Chris Weeks has spent a prolific 20+ years in corporate sales with Toyota, he still appreciates what he calls the “newness of the job and new relationships to build with customers and team members.”

Chris began his leasing career in 1992 financing medical equipment and then moved to GE Capital.  He started with Toyota in May 2000 as a Regional Sales Manager in the Southeast region, then in 2011 moved to California and corporate side to manage TMH’s National Accounts, and from 2018 he’s currently managing the South Central region as a forklift RSM.

And while the products he has sold remain similar, the type of businesses he partners with are nearly limitless – from food services to construction and everything in between – which is what keeps the business fresh and exciting. “I can be shopping for furniture or food, and it never ceases to be exciting to see your business in action when you’re out as a consumer,” Chris says. “Almost every item you purchase is dependent on Toyota forklifts.”

And yet, he says, it’s not a commodity because you have to constantly innovate as you partner with our dealers as these customers have different and specific equipment and financing needs.

“It never ceases to be exciting to see your business in action when you’re out as a consumer. Almost every item you purchase is dependent on Toyota forklifts.”

Building relationships and creating history with his customers is one of the highlights of his long tenure. “Being a veteran is nice because you can leverage historical knowledge to find new ways to teach, learn and grow. You can look at what you’ve done and how you can pivot it for any new circumstance that arises,” he says.

Of course the past few years have thrown incredible curve balls as everyone rethought approaches to work, and Chris sees that COVID created a dichotomy in many ways. “While we shifted from meeting in person, our interactions were actually more personal,” he says. “The pandemic gave everyone a commonality so there was an instant rapport even when meeting with someone new.”

One area he found more challenging was pivoting training and internal education to an online forum, which limited interaction and feedback. “You had to work hard not to lose the engagement you would otherwise have in person so I looked for the silver lining and discovered it helped me improve my presentation skills, focusing on asking more questions and working to create an interactive vibe that was more dynamic.”

He appreciates the role of a captive in touching all aspects of a business, such as credit, remarketing and customer service, which offers a broad view of the industry and business as a whole. 

“My favorite thing about the job is that you aren’t isolated in one department. You really build your business acumen because you go beyond just being a banker and offering funding to really understanding your customers’ goals and how you can help them meet them,” Chris says. “And even once a deal closes, you remain their point of contact to help facilitate communication with other departments.”

He has found that the key to success is to become invested with the client. “Our service is very personalized as a partner who wants the best for the customer,” he says. “When TICF becomes involved in the deal early, we can cater programs and structure deals to ensure they fit the customer’s needs.”

In his off hours Chris stays busy with his vibrant family – his wife, two sons and two dogs. Together they enjoy outdoor activities like canoeing and kayaking, and he relishes the time he has spent involved with his sons’ athletics. On that note, he is a proud University of Georgia Bulldog, cheering them on as a football season ticket holder, which of course was particularly exciting this year as they captured the 2021 National Football Championship. He also likes to read and is currently reading Daniel Silva, natHamilton, participating in the TICF book club and likes to read a new business book each quarter.

Meet Your RSM:

Chris Weeks

Although Chris Weeks has spent a prolific 20+ years in corporate sales with Toyota, he still appreciates what he calls the “newness of the job and new relationships to build with customers and team members.”

Chris began his leasing career in 1992 financing medical equipment and then moved to GE Capital.   He started with Toyota in May 2000 as a Regional Sales Manager in the Southeast region, then in 2011 moved to California and corporate side to manage TMH’s National Accounts, and from 2018 he’s currently managing the South Central region as a forklift RSM.

And while the products he has sold remain similar, the type of businesses he partners with are nearly limitless – from food services to construction and everything in between – which is what keeps the business fresh and exciting. “I can be shopping for furniture or food, and it never ceases to be exciting to see your business in action when you’re out as a consumer,” Chris says. “Every item you purchase is dependent on Toyota forklifts.”

“It never ceases to be exciting to see your business in action when you’re out as a consumer. Every item you purchase is dependent on Toyota forklifts.”

And yet, he says, it’s not a commodity because you have to constantly innovate as you partner with dealers.

Building relationships and creating history with his customers is one of the highlights of his long tenure. “Being a veteran is nice because you can leverage historical knowledge to find new ways to teach, learn and grow. You can look at what you’ve done and how you can pivot it for any new circumstance that arises,” he says.

Of course the past few years have thrown incredible curve balls as everyone rethought approaches to work, and Chris sees that COVID created a dichotomy in many ways. “While we shifted from meeting in person, our interactions were actually more personal,” he says. “The pandemic gave everyone a commonality so there was an instant rapport even when meeting with someone new.”

One area he found more challenging was pivoting training and internal education to an online forum, which limited interaction and feedback. “You had to work hard not to lose the engagement you would otherwise have so I looked for the silver lining and discovered it helped me improve my presentation skills, focusing on asking more questions and working to create an interactive vibe that was more dynamic.”

He appreciates the role of a captive in touching all aspects of a business, such as credit, remarketing and customer service, which offers a broad view of the industry and business as a whole.

“My favorite thing about the job is that you aren’t isolated in one department. You really build your business acumen because you go beyond just being a banker and offering funding to really understanding your customers’ goals and how you can help them meet them,” Chris says. “And even once a deal closes, you remain their point of contact to help facilitate communication with other departments.”

He has found that the key to success is to become invested with the client. “Our service is very personalized as a partner who wants the best for the customer,” he says. “When TICF becomes involved in the deal early, we can cater programs and structure deals to ensure they fit the customer’s needs.”

In his off hours Chris stays busy with his vibrant family – his wife and two sons. Together they enjoy outdoor activities like canoeing and kayaking, and he relishes the time he has spent involved with his sons’ athletics. On that note, he is a proud University of Georgia Bulldog, cheering them on as a football season ticket holder, which of course was particularly exciting this year as they captured the 2021 National Football Championship. He also makes sure to stay current on business trends, participating in the TICF book club and reading a new business book each quarter.

Did you pay attention?

Take this one question quiz for your chance to earn 1,000 Elite Dealer Reward points, if you are a participating dealer.

What is not one of the action items TICF took based on the 2021 Dealer Satisfaction Survey results? *

Sorry, this quiz is no longer available.

Did you pay attention?

Take this one question quiz for your chance to earn 5,000 Elite Dealer Reward points, if you are a participating dealer.

What is not one of the action items TICF took based on the 2021 Dealer Satisfaction Survey results? *

Sorry, this quiz is no longer available.

Looking Ahead!

We are already planning the June edition which will share the early results of our annual dealer survey, more about our expanding sales team, and more digital evolutions. Have a story idea or a suggestion to help us improve? Please let us know by submitting it via the form below.

Looking Ahead!

We are already planning the June edition which will share the early results of our annual dealer survey, more about our expanding sales team, and more digital evolutions. Have a story idea or a suggestion to help us improve? Please let us know by submitting it via the form below.