Why I Started JT Custom Trailers

It’s About More Than Just Trailers

Hey there! John O’Neill Sr. here, and I’m excited to kick off our new blog with something that’s really close to my heart – the story of why JT Custom Trailers exists in the first place.

It Starts with a Handshake

You know what? In today’s world, it feels like everything’s become a transaction. Click here, swipe there, automated this, impersonal that. But I grew up believing that a person’s word and their handshake still mean everything. My father taught me that your word is just about the only thing someone else can’t mess up for you, only you can by not keeping it. That’s not just nostalgia talking – it’s the foundation of how I want to do business.

I started JT Custom Trailers because I saw too many people getting treated like just another sale. Someone walks into a dealer, knows what they need, and instead of the salesperson listening to them, they get pushed toward whatever’s sitting on the lot. That never sat right with me.

Building Relationships, Not Just Trailers

Here’s the thing – when someone comes to us looking for a trailer, they’re not just buying metal and wheels. They’re investing in their business, their hobby, their livelihood, their dream. Maybe it’s a contractor who needs to haul equipment to feed their family. Maybe it’s someone finally starting that food truck dream they’ve had for years. Every trailer tells a story, and I wanted to build a business where we actually take the time to hear those stories. Hopefully we become a part of them.

That’s why our process is different. We start by listening. Really listening. What’s your vision that his trailer’s a part of? What goal do you need this trailer to achieve? What challenges are you facing? What’s your budget? What’s your timeline? How do you envision your perfect setup? Only after we understand your world do we start talking solutions.

The Old-Fashioned Way Works

Look, I know “old-fashioned” might sound outdated, but there’s a reason certain values stand the test of time. Loyalty, honesty, honor, integrity – these aren’t just words we slap on our website. They’re how we operate every single day.

When we work together to design your trailer, I want you to walk away excited about what we’re building. Not just satisfied – excited! That happens when we collaborate, when we discuss the pros and cons of different options, when we make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting and why it’s the right choice for your needs.

More Than a Business – It’s a Partnership

I like to think we’re not building a customer list here at JT Custom Trailers. We’re building partnerships. Some of the best moments are when someone comes back to a business years later – not because something broke, but because they’re expanding and they know exactly who to call. Or when they send their buddy our way because they trust us to treat them right.

That’s what it’s all about for me. Whether you’re looking for a custom build, upfitting an existing trailer, renting for a weekend project, or just need some parts and advice – I want you to feel like you’re working with someone who genuinely cares about getting you the right solution every time you call or stop by our shop.

Here in Ashtabula, Serving Northeast Ohio and Beyond

We’re proud to be right here in Ashtabula, Ohio, serving Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania as an authorized Wells Cargo dealer. But beyond any specific brand or product, what we’re really offering is a different kind of experience. One where your time matters, your needs matter, and your trust matters.

Whether you’ve worked with us before or you’re just discovering JT Custom Trailers, I want you to know – you’re not just another transaction. You’re someone I’m looking forward to building a relationship with, one conversation at a time.

Let’s Talk

Got a project in mind? Questions about what we do? Or just want to talk trailers? I’d love to hear from you. Give me a call at (440) 209-2866 or shoot me an email to joneillsr@jtcustomtrailers.com.

Let’s build something great together.

John O’Neill Sr. 

Founder, JT Custom Trailers