The key to success is to get bigger and better.

In other words, grow.

But one without the other is counter-productive to achieving goals in business.

That's what Midwest Diesel Sales and Service realizes.

It's getting bigger, but it is also getting better in order to sustain its growth.

That growth is both visible and measurable.

Consider how far the locally-owned Cummins dealer, which services all makes of trucks, has come since the fall of 1969.

Vern Letendre started the business with help from two mechanics. He died four years ago. His wife, Alvina, and her son, Gary, share partnership in the business as equal owners.

More importantly -- to the truckers, at least --

there are five top-notch mechanics, plus two office staff, a maintenance worker and truck washer employed at Midwest Diesel Sales and Service.

Last year, the firm completed its third expansion and it's the biggest yet.

A giant 48-by-96 foot drive-through wash bay and service bay at 2409 Fourth St. NW is a hint at the growth of the Austin business.

"Our business offers a full line of diesel repair services such as engines, transmissions, brakes, springs, air conditioning, electronics on Cummins and Detroit engines, servicing, clutch adjustments and truck washing," said owner Gary Letendre. "Also, we have a service truck that is equipped for emergency roadside services."

The service truck is an effort to go where the business is. The truck has ventured more than 100 miles from Austin to help a trucker get back on the road again.

Time is money in the trucking industry and Midwest Diesel Sales and Service can help truckers reduce their down-time due to equipment failures.

Also, the firm is planning a second shift, ensuring truckers get their rigs repaired and moving again in a shorter turn-around time.

Family matters

It's possible, if one stares real hard at the name on the side of the building, they could see Letendre Diesel Sales and Service instead of "Midwest."

That's because so many family members have worked so long to nurture the business.

Again, Vern and Alvina Letendre came first in 1969.

Then, son, Gary, joined the family-owned business in 1970.

Gary's daughter, Amy Letendre-Legried, has worked for the firm for 10 years and his wife, Debbie, four years.

Another son of Alvina's, Tom Letendre, joined the firm three years ago.

The mechanics show a mix of both long-time service with the company and new service technicians.

The list is headed by Gene Krull, who has been with the firm for 27 years.

Doug Salz has worked for Midwest Diesel for 14 years, Jeff Culbert, nine years, and Stephen Blum eight years.

Brad Sistek has been with the firm for four years and Joe Cook is the newest employee in charge of washing trucks in the new wash bay.

How everyone does their jobs at Midwest Diesel Sales and Service is grounded in the founder's philosophy, according to younger generations of family members.

The granddaughter of the founder, Amy Letendre, said, "Vern could never express often enough to his mechanics that the key to advertising is to do top quality work and to treat customers the way you would want to be treated."

It's one of the oldest axioms anywhere, including the Bible. Simply translated, it's the business world's version of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

The founder's son, Gary Letendre, often praises his father for teaching him the work ethic and understanding, "The satisfaction of a job well done is true success in any job."

"You have to have pride in your work," he said.

The pride is showing at Midwest Diesel Sales and Service. Inside and outside the building. It comes from the people under the hood and elsewhere.

The brand-spanking new 4,608-foot addition measures growth, success and the family-owned business' pride.

For more information about Midwest Diesel Sales and Service, call 437-6394.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com