Great companies are built by great people. Tom Kapitan has been one of ours for 36 years. Today, we celebrate his retirement and reflect on the lasting impression he has made on our people, our customers, and our company’s culture.
Tom joined Palmer Trucks and grew into one of the most trusted leaders in our company’s history. As Chief Operating Officer, he led the day-to-day operations of a business spanning multiple states, hundreds of employees, and thousands of customer relationships. He handled it all with a calm, people-first approach that became his trademark.
If you spent any time around Tom, you probably heard one of his two favorite greetings: “Happy Monday!” or “Thankfully, the weekends go fast.” That was Tom. After 36 years with Palmer Trucks, he has earned a retirement that is anything but a Monday.
Tom never saw a problem where others might. In his eyes, every challenge was simply an opportunity waiting to be worked through. That mindset shaped how he led and how he showed up. He could be in Fremont one day and walking through the doors in Bowling Green the next morning. Tom was always present. He made it a point to be in the room, on the floor, and in the conversation with employees and customers alike.
What set Tom apart was his ability to connect. He had a genuine way of making people feel seen and valued, whether it was a new employee in their first week or a customer he had known for decades. Those relationships were not just good for business. They reflected who Tom is.
His leadership style was about showing up, working hard, and genuinely caring about the people around him. Over nearly four decades, Tom helped navigate changing markets, evolving technology, and the many challenges of growing a company. Through it all, his commitment to our people and our customers never wavered.
The example Tom set and the relationships he built will continue to shape Palmer Trucks long after his retirement. His influence runs deep, and we are better as a company because of the 36 years he gave us.
Please join us in congratulating Tom Kapitan on this well-earned next chapter. Thank you, Tom!
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