Custom Diesel Service
Owners: Anita and Dennis Skelton
Location: Allentown, PA
Business: Truck Repair Shop
Purpose of Loan: Business Purchase
Impact: Economic Security
For years, Anita and Dennis Skelton imagined being business owners instead of employees, so when the owner of Custom Diesel Service retired and put the Allentown-based business up for sale, the Skeltons jumped at the chance to buy it.
Although Dennis had more than 30 years of experience in truck repair and road service, the couple, along with Anita’s son, Todd Lerch, ran into what seemed like dream-ending roadblocks as they searched for financing. After being turned down time and again by local banks, the Lehigh University Small Business Development Center referred them to Finanta. In 2015, after several months of working with the family, we structured the financing package to purchase the business.
Custom Diesel Service’s new owners not only saved 10 existing jobs, they’ve since added three more. Since acquiring the 30-year-old company, the Skeltons have built a reputation for great customer service and fast, reliable truck and trailer repair. Dennis, Anita and Todd hope to grow their business in the coming years. And their dreams keep on truckin’.