GOODS & SERVICES HENSLEY TRUCKING

Established in 1975, Hensley Trucking began with a handful of trucks and a dream. Headquartered in Osakis, Hensley provides versatile transportation services for the refrigeration sector as well as the specialized van sector. The company runs both locally and nationally across the lower 48 states.

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

ADarrin and Becky Hensley became owners in 2000.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AChub and Jan Hensley started it in 1975.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

AChub and Jan Hensley were the founding owners who sold it to their son, Darrin. Darrin and his wife, Becky, hope to ensure the integrity of the business before selling it to their daughters, Kiara and Jayden.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

ATwo very important reasons. 1. Our daughters wish to continue the family business – they wish to carry on the legacy that Chub started, and their parents continue to carry out and develop. 2. Our employees – they are our family.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

AThe business started with just Chub driving, running the business out of their home in rural Osakis. Growing and adapting the business to changing needs of our customers, we now have three locations in Osakis (main truck shop, pallet shop and office) and one new location in Long Prairie – 30 trucks and more than 100 trailers.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AI believe it provides a significant impact to our communities. It shows that we have deep roots in our community, that we are invested and reliable members for not only sustaining but growing our communities to be better places to work and raise our children.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/rewards of owning a generational business?

AWorking with family can be the biggest reward, but also the biggest challenge. Statistics tell us the longer that generational businesses continue, the greater chances of success decline. The challenge is to change these statistics.