Since 1969, Dick Lavanture’s LaVanture Products Company
has been providing customers with the highest quality
products to meet the challenging applications of today’s
competitive markets. When the company began servicing
OEMs 49 years ago, it knew immediately that service to its
customers always had to stay its number one priority.
Now owned by Dick’s son, Richard, LaVanture’s product line
continues to evolve with the trailer industry’s needs. Often, it
replaces items that are no longer viable with items
that are a better fit for dealerships.
“We like to say ‘yes’ to the customers,” says Richard
Lavanture. “If it makes sense, we’ll bring product in
that we wouldn’t normally have in our warehouse.”
In a nutshell, the company does what it says. It not
only stands behind its products, but it makes sure to
stay out in front of them as well.
“We have a very good way of purchasing products,
especially domestically, that appeals to our
customers. For example, our newest items in 2018
include triangle kits, flexible duct work and spray
adhesive.”
The distributor is a logical fit for dealers and it stocks most
of the parts that dealerships seek. Additionally, the company’s
strong buying power means it’s able to pass its’ savings onto
the customer.
appropriately stocked for their
specific needs. For LaVanture, that is
a problem of the past.
“We hate seeing customers struggle
with backorders,” Lavanture says. “So, we’ve shifted our
buying habits in a way that allows us to have more product on
the floor, which only helps our customers.”
Getting started with the company is as simple as signing a
credit application. From there, customers are
each matched with a specific account manager to
ensure only the best services based on product
knowledge, inventory and location. Products are
often not a one-size-fits-all and LaVanture views its
role as something of an advisor.
“Our job is to offer options and guide customers through
the process of selecting the correct product for their
application,” Lavanture explains. “When people know their
options, they’re able to select a better fit for their needs.”
For LaVanture, it all comes back around to the customer
experience. It continually strives to find new ways to show
its customers that it cares. Most of the distributor’s team
grew up with its customers. Some are, literally, family.
“There’s no shortage of distributors selling many of the
same items,” Lavanture states. “We want to show that we’re
appreciative of not only their business, but their friendship as
well. It is everything to us.”
Distribution isn’t completely without hurdles, however.
Customers often have difficulties in finding parts that are
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