Staff writer
Kevin Jost of Hillsboro has built and installed pickup beds, bale beds, and flat beds for over 20 years. However, a recent move from his farm shop west of town to a higher profile location along U.S. Highway 56 in Hillsboro city limits put his business into the public eye. It also gave him a chance to work closely with family members and community businesses in a way that benefits them all.
“It’s kind of a neat deal that we can get this kind of exposure for a lot of products that are made right here in our hometown,” Jost said. “We work closely with local truck dealerships, Circle D, Hillsboro Industries, Donovan Funk, and a couple of other outside trailer manufacturers to sell trailers, flat beds, and customized boxes. We are busy because we offer customized service for buyers all over the United States and Canada.”
For some time, Jost said he and his wife, Angy, had been tossing around the idea of expanding their business.
“We were thinking about adding on or building another building,” he said. “When Midway Motors approached us about moving to this facility, it just kind of all fell together.”
Working together with family is an important aspect of his work, and the new facility has made that even better for Jost.
“We just have a real positive group of people working here right now,” he said. “My son, Tracy, helps manage the shop and works with sales. He is very knowledgeable about the whole business.”
Another son, Austin Jost, owns and operates a relatively new auto detailing business, 56 Customs, in the former Car Quest building on Ash Street in Hillsboro.
“We get to work closely with Austin as well,” Jost said. “If we have a truck come in that needs lettering or decals, he can do the job.”
If needed, 56 Customs also provides painting, detailing, graphics, and upholstery services for Jost Fabricating, as well as for any other customers.
Other Jost Fabricating shop and sales employees include Eric Bartel, Jay Hughes, and Eldon Pankratz. Lonnie Hamm is a sales associate representing the Alumna line trailers sold from the Jost Fabricating lot. Keeping the books straight and the office running are Angy Jost and Danielle Bartel.
Jost said he does not sell trucks at his location because of a prior non-competitive agreement made with Midway Motors, but he does offer a full line of welding services and supplies, sheet metal, and steel, in addition to truck and trailer sales and services.
“We do welding repairs and try to be progressive in doing whatever our customers’ request.”
In addition to working on regular trucks and trailers, Jost Fabricating has put together fire truck boxes for several townships.