OUR STORY

Discover America with Turtleback Trailers

Crafted for the adventurous at heart, Turtleback Trailers is dedicated to ensuring The Herd can explore every corner of the U.S. in style. Manufactured in Gallatin, TN, our trailers are assembled to suit individual travel needs, and at the core of each build is our unparalleled team of fabricators, assemblers, and engineers – all ready to see you hit the trails in your luxury Turtleback Trailer.

OUR TEAM

Core Values

Turtleback’s Community Partners

At Turtleback Trailers, supporting organizations making a positive impact is important to our team.

Embrace the Adventure

Our team is a mix of passionate visionaries and creators, excited to design and manufacture trailers that embody the essence of the great outdoors. We invite you to visit our facility, meet our team, and take in the soul of Turtleback Trailers. Stepping into our world is an opportunity to embrace the wilderness and venture out of your comfort zone toward a life of exploration.

© 2024 Turtleback Trailers, All Rights Reserved.
Designed & Developed by Waypoint Creative

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CODY

Quality Lead

Cody brings more than 15 years of manufacturing experience to the Turtleback Team, specializing in commercial vehicle upfitting, electrical systems, and mechanical and hydraulic systems. His background includes roles in manufacturing and logistics, with expertise in welding and fabrication gained during nearly ten years at a Fortune 500 company.

Cody is integral to the assembly line, ensuring each trailer meets rigorous standards of craftsmanship and durability. With a meticulous eye for detail and hands-on leadership style, Cody leads his team with precision and dedication. His mechanical assembly expertise and lifelong passion for adventure perfectly align with Turtleback’s commitment to quality and rugged design.

Apart from his work, Cody enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing. He actively participates in organizing hockey tournaments to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation and spends quality time with his four kids. Originally from Wisconsin, Cody has called Tennessee home for the past six years, embracing the heat and humidity but holding on to his love for cold weather, snow, and the mountains. He also enjoys vacationing at the beach and building things with his hands.

What’s the most valuable career advice you’ve received?
“Chase what you want, work hard at it, and never give up!”

What ignited your interest in overlanding (interchangeable with manufacturing)?
“I love the outdoors and have always gone camping. Anything to further be involved in that interest is a plus for me.”

How did growing up in your hometown shape who you are today?
“I grew up in New Berlin, WI. Everything I do, professionally and personally, started in, or is related to, something I did there.”

What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
“Be smart with what you do, but still have fun doing it!”

What’s one technology or tool you can’t live without in your job?
“My tape measure and power tools are essential to me.”

What’s the best part about working with your team at Turtleback Trailers?
“Fun to work with, everyone is always willing to help everyone. I really love being able to teach and learn from our guys every day.”

SAM

Sales Leader

At Turtleback Trailers, Sam spearheads direct sales efforts, connecting adventurers with the ideal trailer for their journeys. His knack for building relationships and deep understanding of customer needs ensures a personalized and satisfying sales experience. With a strong sales background and a passion for the outdoors, Sam is a valuable asset to the Turtleback Team.

With five years of leadership and military experience, Sam brings a proven track record to our organization. He served four years on active duty as an infantry officer in the United States Army. Sam is a proud graduate of both the US Army Ranger and Airborne Schools. Earlier in his career, he was deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

Sam completed the ROTC program at the University of Vermont where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and he has his Master of Arts from the University of Louisville.

When not in his office, he enjoys sailing, free diving, and staying fit through workouts and reading. Having lived in seven states and sailed around the Caribbean twice, Sam brings a wealth of experiences to his role.

What was your dream job as a child?
“I always wanted to be in the military, which I did. When I left, I carried with me a passion for being outdoors. Turtleback has been a vehicle through which I can continue to pursue that passion.”

What’s the most valuable career advice you’ve received?
“I always go to my Dad for advice, a relationship I’m incredibly grateful for. He’s very humble. He once told me “If mistakes are the foundation of education, I am a well educated man.””

What valuable lesson did you learn at Turtleback?
“Every build is different because no two customers are the same. Listening is a hard-won skill.”

What hobby or interest are you passionate about outside of work?
“Free Dive. I’m still in the beginning of that particular journey but it’s something I can already tell is going to be a lifelong passion.”

What’s one technology or tool you can’t live without in your job?
“My cell phone. Between speaking to customers, intra-team communication, and research.”

What’s the best part about working with your team at Turtleback Trailers?
“I’ve been on a lot of really great teams. I can honestly say this one is my favorite. I learn something new every day and I’m really lucky to be here.”

KATELYN

Director of Brand Strategy and Marketing

Katelyn is the Director of Brand Strategy and Marketing for Turtleback Trailers. She has responsibility for all marketing initiatives while crafting strategies that elevate the brand’s awareness and engagement. Known for her trend-savvy approach and compelling storytelling skills, she ensures that the adventurous ethos and quality of Turtleback Trailers captivate audiences worldwide. With a background in marketing and a deep love for the outdoors, Katelyn plays a pivotal role in promoting Turtleback Trailers as a leader in the industry.

Prior to joining Turtleback Trailers, Katelyn worked for the District Attorney’s Office as a Legal Assistant where she spearheaded multiple retention programs through grant writing and took great pride in her leadership efforts in preparing for criminal trials and various hearings. Drawing from her background in criminal law, Katelyn values personal connections and finds fulfillment in creative endeavors.

Katelyn earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Kentucky University with an emphasis in Business Administration. She in active in her community, enjoys volunteering, and has served on the North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) Women’s Leadership Committee.

Outside of the office, Katelyn spends her time with her two daughters, who keep her active and engaged, or surrounded by her large circle of friends and family.

What was your dream job as a child?
“I always wanted to be an orthodontist. I always loved going as a kid and just knew that was where I would end up but now the thought of working on people’s teeth sounds appalling to me.”

Do you have any hidden skills or talents that might surprise people?
“I’ve been told several times that I’m a mnemonist. I can remember numbers (phone numbers, data, etc.) from two weeks ago or two years ago. If I lost my cell phone I could still call everyone I know based off memory!”

What ignited your interest in overlanding (interchangeable with manufacturing)?
“I really think being able to be creative in an industry where there is no concrete standard is freeing – you get to pave the way as you go! I also truly do think that the community of overlanders and enthusiasts make this industry as exciting as it is.”

What valuable lessons have you learned at Turtleback Trailers?
“Teamwork makes the dream work! Everyone on our team assembling, selling and innovating together is the ultimate key to success.”

What’s one technology or tool you can’t live without in your job?
“My iPad and Adobe Creative. I am always playing around with different graphics and marketing materials to spin up.”

JOHN

Chief Financial Officer

John is the Chief Financial Officer at Turtleback Trailers where he is responsible for all the company’s financial functions, including corporate finance, audit, accounting, and treasury. He also oversees and brings his leadership experience to all human capital elements of the organization. His career spans more than 25 years of varied experience in implementing strategic initiatives to drive business growth and operational efficiency.

Prior to joining Turtleback Trailers, John’s career focused on M&A advisory, strategic consulting, and entrepreneurial ventures. From 2007 – 2016, John worked as an investment banker on Wall Street, and gained extensive expertise in finance, corporate board leadership, lower middle market business management, and operations.

Earlier in his career, John served as an Air Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. He completed deployments to both Kuwait and Iraq during his time on active duty.

John earned his MBA from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Outside of the office, John enjoys spending time with his family. You might find him out on Tims Ford Lake or coaching his son’s football team. Originally from Southern California, John has made Tennessee his home and loves living in the Volunteer State.

What was your dream job as a child?
“In Elementary School – a police office, in Junior High School – a professional baseball player, in High School – for a class I created a business plan to open an after-market off-road vehicle parts store. It’s very rewarding to be involved with a company that is serving a market I’ve had an interest in for so long.”

What ignited your interest in overlanding (interchangeable with manufacturing)?
“The overlanding space is relatively new to North America and is an industry that is still being defined. It’s exciting to work in a product market that has so much undefined “white space”, especially with a product line that is a clear market leader.”

What valuable lesson did you learn at Turtleback?
“As the CFO, my focus is on the financial health and performance of the company. At Turtleback, our strong financial performance is the direct result of our team’s hard work and focus. Everyday, I’m reminded on the value that comes from teamwork.”

If you could switch jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
“For one day, I would love the opportunity to work in the kitchen of a Michelan Star restaurant. I enjoy cooking and am fascinated at the inner workings of a professional kitchen (as seen on several reality TV cooking shows). The experience would surely be educational, while also exhausting and very stressful.”

What’s the best part about working with your team at Turtleback Trailers?
The best part of working with the team at Turtleback is the opportunity to be surrounded by likeminded people who are passionate about our products, customers and the industry we serve. We work hard and have fun while doing it.

JOSHUA

Owner

Joshua is the President and Owner of Turtleback Trailers. He is the driving force behind Turtleback, blending his passion for adventure with a strong commitment to quality. With over 20 years of experience in growing industrial businesses, he has a solid background in operations, supply chain, design, engineering, and sales. Joshua’s dedication to creating top-notch trailers for outdoor adventures is what makes Turtleback Trailers so successful.

In addition to his responsibilities at Turtleback, Joshua also owns and operates Wil-Ro, Inc., a leading manufacturer in the commercial truck body industry for 51 years and growing. He enjoys the excitement of acquisitions, has a love for manufacturing, and is passionate about building and growing great brands.

Prior to acquiring Turtleback Trailers in 2023, and Wil-Ro, Inc. in 2017, Joshua’s career focused on a manufacturing track. From 2005 – 2017, he held various leadership roles at three Fortune 500 industrials, including Caterpillar and Joy Global.

At 17, Joshua enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for eight years. He completed three deployments to Okinawa, one to South Korea, and another to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Joshua earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and has a Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University.

When he’s not at the factory, Joshua loves being outdoors—running, biking, camping, or hiking. He finds comfort in woodworking and building projects. He enjoys spending time with his three daughters and discovering new places with his family.

What was your dream job as a child?
“As a young child, a paperboy. By middle school, a Marine.”

How did growing up in your hometown shape who you are today?
“Where you grew up, the street on which you lived, your surroundings as a child, key role models early on, your kindergarten teacher, your first bicycle, your neighborhood church at the time, the butcher on the corner – they all define you; should you choose.”

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
“Deployed to Iraq. Ran the Los Angeles Marathon. Purchased two companies.”

What’s the best part about working with your team at Turtleback Trailers?
“I am thankful for the entire Turtleback network – our team, owners of our amazing product, and partners within the industry. I’m blessed to be surrounded by a team whose work ethic and passion for our brand is on display – daily.”

If you could master one new skill instantly, what would it be?
“To read music – and play on a concert grand.”

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