We spend a lot of time talking about diesel engine parts – but today, we want to shift the focus to something just as important: the people behind it all.
If you’ve ever called in, asked a question, or needed help finding the right part, chances are you’ve already experienced what makes our team different. This is your chance to get to know one of those people a little better.
Meet Andy Thompson, Co-Owner of Highway and Heavy Parts.
And if you’d rather hear it straight from him, check out the video below where Andy shares his experience in the diesel industry and what drives him every day.
Need diesel engine parts? Talk to our ASE Certified Technicians and get the right parts the first time – no guesswork, no back-and-forth, just the support you need to keep the job moving.
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Andy’s Background in the Diesel Engine Industry
Andy, one of our Co-Owners, got his start early – working for a trucking company at just fourteen years old. He was fortunate to learn under an owner who had spent over 30 years building that business. It gave Andy a chance to see firsthand what it really takes to grow something from the ground up.
And like he says, those first couple of years weren’t glamorous – most of the time, he was fixing his shovel or his broom. But that’s where the foundation was built.
During that time, he saw how a small business grows, and more importantly, what keeps it growing – taking care of customers and taking care of your people.
After college, Andy spent about five years with Cummins Michigan, followed by ten years with a construction equipment supplier, working in both parts and service. Those experiences ultimately helped shape what Highway and Heavy Parts is today.
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The Early Days of HHP
When they started Highway and Heavy Parts, the Co-Owners spent countless weekends building the foundation – developing the business plan, defining their motto, and figuring out exactly what they wanted the company to be.
At the core of it all was a simple approach: work hard, take care of the customer, and do the right thing. Andy believes that if you get those basics right, everything else tends to fall into place.
One of the most rewarding parts for him has been watching customers succeed – and being able to play a role in that growth. Many of the challenges customers face are the same ones HHP has worked through, which creates a real connection.
He enjoys those conversations that go beyond just diesel engine parts – talking through problems, goals, and ways to grow a business. Sometimes we’re able to help our customers, and sometimes they return the favor.
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What Experience Like Andy’s Means for Your Repair
When you’re dealing with diesel engine issues, experience changes everything.
That means:
- Faster identification of root causes
- More accurate part recommendations
- Reduced risk of repeat failures
- Better understanding of how systems interact
Because of this, customers get solutions – not just parts.
What’s different about HHP?
What sets Highway and Heavy Parts apart, in Andy’s view, is the ability to understand the entire transaction – not just the part.
There are a lot of good companies out there. But we pride ourselves on being the best by going beyond product knowledge. It’s about knowing the right solution, understanding the customer’s situation, and being able to adapt when needed.
Customer service isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every job, every customer, and every situation is different. That means sometimes the right answer isn’t delivering the same solution the same way every time – it’s making adjustments that make sense for both the customer and the job.
We’re not locked into rigid processes or “the way it’s always been done.” Instead, we focus on doing what makes sense – based on experience, good judgment, and taking care of the customer. That’s what has helped grow the business to where it is today, and what will continue to move it forward.
If you’re not sure what your engine actually needs, our team – backed by real-world experience like Andy’s – is here to help. Call 844-304-7688 or request a quote online to get started.
