Hello. I've seen your article inPMmagazine and I am sending you some pictures of the truck I drive.
My name is Joseph Carcaramo. I am a master plumber and owner of Mid-Hudson Heating & Plumbing LLC, located in Woodstock, N.Y. I have operated this business since 1994, and have been in the plumbing business for more than 23 years. The company specializes in full plumbing services, radiant design, high-efficient heating systems, steam heat and advanced cooling systems.
I serve the Hudson Valley Area and mostly work in Ulster County, New York. My company handles a lot of New York City customers that have homes in the upstate area. The winters are cold here, so we do a large amount of heating installs and need a large truck for hauling equipment and supplies.
This truck is a 2005 Chevy C2500 commercial cab with a Hackney SUV Utility Box. The Utility body works great for me because I don't have to climb in just to get some tools. The truck's inside is all aluminum, and has diamond-plated floors. I have them covered up now so I don't scratch them, and the rug also helps so equipment doesn't shift around.
I have enough room for my pipe threading machines, drain and sewer snakes, and cutting saws, which I keep on the truck at all times. I rarely need to leave a jobsite to get equipment or supplies. This saves time and money.
The truck has many useful bins and compartments for storing tools and parts. I have it set up so that mostly all of my tools are in the utility boxes. I also have a fold-out workbench and vise set up inside the truck. Plus, I have a power inverter hook-up for 120-volt power, so I can run saws and other electrical power tools. This comes in very handy when you are on new construction sites without electrical power. I can pretty much work at any location and start plumbing right away.
The rear of the truck has an all-aluminum step and a ladder for climbing up to the roof. It has ladder racks and a lighted rear compartment. The truck also comes with a heated rear box that is optional.
When I decided to purchase this vehicle it was well-thought-out. I was tired of climbing in and out of cargo vans that had limited space, and I didn't want my tools mixed with the supplies. With this truck I have the best of everything.
Also, people see this truck and I get calls just by driving by; they see the lettering and a nice clean service truck and it makes a great difference.
By the way, this truck has rear back-up signals, so this also gets you noticed every time you're backing up. I believe a lot of my success is due to a clean appearance. I have been told by some customers the reason they called was because they had seen my truck around. Presentation goes a long way.
I am very happy with my decision to buy this type of truck for my company. It is a reflection of quality, and that is what my business is all about.
We couldn't have said it any better ourselves, Joe. Thanks for sharing your service vehicle with our readers.
