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California Riding Magazine • May, 2010 Baxman Livestock & |
In the trailer service and sales business since 1997, Don Baxman has seen the industry go through many changes. He has thrived in the highs and weathered the lows by offering straight-shooter advice and excellent service best reflected in his insistence on a thorough wash for all trailers leaving his lot at Baxman Livestock and Trailer Sales in Northern California’s Petaluma. This goes for new trailers, “Most likely the trailer’s got my name on it,” he says. “So I want it to look good as it’s going down the road.” Baxman’s shop services all makes and models of horse and livestock trailers. Service comprises the bulk of Baxman’s business these days. In the current economy, most people are holding on to their trailers rather than upgrading to new models. Baxman and a full time mechanic do the work themselves and take pride in quality service and kept promises. “When we say the trailer will be ready at a certain time, it’s ready then.” A small shop that focuses on one trailer at a time, Baxman Livestock and Trailer is the go-to trailer spot in the horse-dense area surrounding Petaluma. A regular supporter of shows and equestrian events throughout the region, a team penner and a board member of the Petaluma Riders and Drivers, Baxman is well known and highly regarded in the horse community. At present, good used trailers are hard to come by, but buyers will find them at Baxman if they find them anywhere. Although inventory is lower than it is in a better economy, the shop regularly takes in consignment trailers. Only those that pass muster make it to the sales lot. “Anytime somebody brings in a trailer for consignment, it automatically goes through my shop’s servicing,” he explains. “I want the client who buys that trailer to know that I’ve been through it like I’d be hauling my own horses in it and that it will be safe going down the road.” Even when consigners say the trailer has been recently serviced, Baxman insists on checking everything out for himself. Customers considering a used trailer from an individual seller often call on Baxman for advice. He counsels them to look for service records and gives tips on evaluating the condition of the trailer. “Anybody can put a new paint job on, but sometimes an older trailer can have floorboards, doors or other areas that are rotted out.” Servicing of the brakes, lighting and bearings are among the keys to check for when buying from an outside source, he says. As the economy improves, Baxman looks forward to resuming his role as a dealer of top-notch horse and livestock trailers. A handful of manufacturers have recently folded, he relays, so it may be a while before a viable trailer maker seeks his services. “I definitely foresee getting back into the new trailer business, but I’m sitting back right now. I’ve put my time in and have lots of clients, so for the moment I’ll wait and see. “Also, I want people to know that I’ve done shows since 1997, but this year I’m going to stay home due to the economy,” he continues. “
For more information on Baxman Livestock and Trailer Sales’ inventory or service department, visit www.extendinc.com/baxmantrailers or call Don Baxman at 707-795-4392. |
