MEET HFS: FAMILY BUSINESSES SHARE A LOT IN COMMON

Family businesses hold a special place for us—the pride, the traditions, the unique challenges. So, an opportunity to have a chat with Colin Humphrey, owner of one of Atlas Polar’s many family-owned authorized service dealers, is a treat.

Humphrey Fleet Services (HFS), our local Moffett service dealer in Stratford, Ontario, is one of those. Jim Humphrey started the business in 1981 in a shop built on the property where the family lived, owned by a local construction company that had employed him. Son Colin was babysat at the shop, and the natural legacy began.

In 2011, Colin and his wife, Sherry, a CPA, took over the business, which by then was a 15,000-square-foot shop, providing genuine parts and skilled service to fleet and individual customers for trucks, trailers, buses, and heavy truck-mounted equipment, including HIAB cranes, Multilift hooklifts, and is an authorized Moffett forklift service dealer. HFS is a subcontractor for International Trucks and an authorized dealer for most Cummins engine models.

HFS is a go-to destination for local operators for over-the-counter parts and professional, reliable service for their equipment. The couple has made substantial investments over the last few years to ensure the highest level of service for their customers, including the latest tools, equipment, technologies, and diagnostic equipment. HFS has plans for a complete systems overhaul and a major push to achieve even greater uptime for its customers. To that end, HFS invested in a new Moffett M8 55.3 truck-mounted forklift as a loaner for customers while their equipment is in the shop.

Running a family business requires wearing many hats and staying focused, and landmark anniversaries often pass with little recognition or fanfare. When asked whether they plan to celebrate 45 years next year, Colin laughed and replied, “Maybe 50.”

Like many family businesses, Humphrey’s relationships extend beyond their day-to-day business, reaching far into the community. Their continued support of local charities, youth sports teams, events and the local hospital network was recognized by the Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce with an Award of Excellence for the 2023 Business of the Year and Service Category.

What’s next for HFS? Continuity, consistently upping their skills, knowledge and equipment, marketing efforts, and watching Cole, their 19-year-old son, apprentice and grow to one day carry on the Humphrey legacy.