Time for another Brand Spotlight and today we’re shining it on Stampede! RealTruck carries Automotive Lights, Bug Shields, Deflectors and Visors, Fender Flares, Mud Flaps and other Truck Bed Accessories. I had the pleasure of interviewing Deb Holdampf, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Stampede. I wanted to know how they’ve stood the test of time in such a competitive market. I also made sure I asked her what secret projects they were working on and what she thought the industry would look like in the future.
How many years has Stampede been operating?
Stampede is an American owned family business that was started in Bloomington Minnesota in 1989 by Loyal and Karen Tullius. Starting out primarily as a private label hood protector manufacturer, Stampede supplied hood protectors to companies such as, LEER Truck, Ziebart International, Penda Corporation and J-Mark Inc. It was during this time the name STAMPEDE was formed and customers began purchasing the STAMPEDE branded hood protectors.
In 1996 Stampede relocated to Camanche, Iowa, after purchasing 70 thousand square foot of manufacturing space on ten acres, and it was this move that gave Stampede the room to increase our product offering to meet customer requests.
What challenges has Stampede faced over its lifetime?
Stampede has experienced many challenges throughout its 22 years in business. Over the first several years we faced as many as 16 direct competitors, all selling smoke hood protectors, today Stampede is one of three plastic manufacturers still producing these types of products. Other challenges were the typical challenges business face, such as price increases on raw materials, freight and finding new sources as we grew into other types of products, mostly operational challenges of a growing business.
In 2008, Stampede, like most businesses, faced their largest business challenge. Every business, in every industry had to change, get creative just to survive these turbulent times. Today, although business has rebounded, we know that there will always be new challenges but are confident we will be ready to respond regardless of that challenge.
Deb Holdampf, VP of Sales and Marketing at Stampede Truck Accessories
What new products or developments does Stampede have coming out in 2011?
Stampede is currently working on a new style of Hood Protector, “HOOD ARMOR”. It is a 3 piece application, available for most late model truck applications in chrome/smoke color, shipping box size will be 36x10x5, eliminating oversize shipping charges. Look for this release late summer 2011.
How has Stampede changed the aftermarket accessory industry?
In 2001, Stampede became product leaders in the automotive aftermarket by introducing new unique products such as our full line of licensed Mossy Oak® and Realtree® Camouflage Accessories, Hood Protectors, Sidewind Deflectors, Taillight Covers, Fender Flares, Bedcaps, and Rocker panels. Rocker Panels have since been replaced with Stampede’s CAMO HIDE Program, partial or full wrap offerings made with 3M Controltac film.
In that same year, Stampede was the first to offer Chrome Plated accessories Hood Protectors, Sidewind Deflectors and we released our Specialty Series Hood Protectors. These specialty Hood Protectors featured the American Flag with and without an Eagle, a Checkered Flag, plus many more designs, all have gained us additional national, as well as global exposure. Interestingly, shipments to Kuwait included many different models of the American Flag style Hood Protectors.
What do you think the future holds for your products?
Stampede has continued to add other products to our product mix, at the request of customers. In 2008-2009 we began offering Fender Flares and Bedcaps in Black ABS. It has helped round out our product offering as a company. Stampede’s business has increased in all categories of the products we offer and we believe this will stay strong for years to come.
What do you think the aftermarket industry will look like in five years?
The aftermarket is constantly changing and evolving. As manufactures, we must first listen to the needs of our customers, recognize the coming changes, and finally react to the changes, so we can continue to grow with the industry.
The Stampede Camo Bug Shield
What has been your most popular product recently? Has it change compared to years past?
Stampede has enjoyed 10 years of record growth, so it is difficult to pick our most popular product. Although the Camoflauge and Chrome Truck Accessories were added over 10 years ago, they still remain two of our most popular lines with customers. Smoke Hood Protectors, Sidewind Deflectors and Black Fender Flares, Bedcaps are all strong, growing lines with our company. We do expect good results with the release of the Hood Armor line of accessories coming late summer 2011.
We believe that Stampede Products longevity in the market place can be attributed to many factors. Some of these factors include:
- Customer Service is Key. We believe that customer service extends from the office to the manufacturing facility, and customers report back to us that they appreciate the personal touch we add in this area of business.
- Quality Products. We work very hard to design and sell only the best quality products. Automotive products that are adhered to the outside of the vehicle take tons of abuse from the weather and road conditions. We use only the toughest, UV Stable products available to ensure the products function well as well as look good for years!
- Creative New Products. New product development helps Stampede remain on top in their category.
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We here at RealTruck can’t help but agree! It’s why we enjoy carrying the Stamped line. The only thing Deb forgot to mention was the lifetime limited warranty they offer on most of their products. You can’t beat that.
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