In the summer of 1992, after 10 years of working as a diesel mechanic for Larry Clement at Clement Auto and Truck Inc., Paul Rees decided he wanted to break out on his own. He and Cindy started their business — with him working in the shop and she, then a recent graduate of Iowa Central Community College’s accounting specialist program, in the office.

Because of his work with Clement, Paul Rees was already known in the area as a good diesel mechanic, which helped bring in customers in those early days.

Rees Truck & Trailer provides mechanic services and parts for semi trucks and trailers, as well as sales of new Mack trucks and used trucks of various makes. The business has since grown over the last three decades.

In December 2000, they bought Clement’s Mack Truck dealership.

“Mack is one of the elite trucks on the road and when the opportunity arose we jumped on it,” Paul Rees told The Messenger in January 2001. “We have good customers. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have been able to purchase the dealership.”

In 2002, the business expanded to a second location east of Sioux City in Lawton.

Rees Truck and Trailer does work for several local businesses and farmers, Paul Rees said.

“We do a lot with the ag industry,” he said.

What’s the key to 30 years of success?

“Our employees,” Paul Rees said. “We’ve had a lot of good employees over the years. Still do.”

Rees Truck and Trailer has truly been a family business over the years. The couple’s oldest son Paul Jr. is the service manager, and their younger son, Greg, worked in the shop for many years. Their daughter, Tiffany, helps out in the office.