You've likely spotted one of our distinctive trucks cruising down the road. Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of our lubricant and oil deliveries look like?
Meet Jim, who has been with Centra Sota since 2014. Before joining us, Jim helmed JD Oil for nearly 11 years until Centra Sota bought out his business, which spanned a 5 acre area in Cokato on Highway 12. With an impressive 33 years under his belt in this profession, Jim is Centra Sota’s lubricant expert. I'm Halli, the Marketing and Communications Intern at Centra Sota, and I had the privilege of accompanying Jim for a morning to witness firsthand the hustle and bustle of his daily routine.
To kickstart his day, Jim loads his truck with the necessary supplies for his deliveries. The truck boasts five compartments, always stocked with 15W-40 and hydraulic oil, our top-selling products. Jim allocates the remaining compartments for the day's varied orders. Additionally, the truck has two smaller compartments on the side, housing windshield washer fluid and antifreeze. Speaking of antifreeze, Centra Sota offers a diverse range of seven types! In total, we offer approximately 24 different oil and lubricant products. If Jim needs to switch products between compartments, he ensures a thorough drainage process to prevent any cross-contamination, a critical concern when dealing with incompatible products.
Among our unique offerings is Form Release Oil, a boon for concrete companies, facilitating easier concrete work by preventing adherence and simplifying cleanup. And let's not forget our provision of racing fuel to local go-kart businesses!
Our first stop of the day took us to Terning Seeds in Cokato, MN, loyal patrons of Jim's for three decades. Following that, we made our way to Ram in Winsted, just one of the numerous businesses in the Winsted community that Centra Sota proudly serves. Our third stop brought us to Holt Motors in Cokato, where we delivered a shipment of 15W-40. While some clients are on scheduled deliveries, others reach out as needed.
On the morning of my ride-along with Jim, we distributed approximately 600 gallons of products. On a typical day, Jim covers a range of 800-1,200 gallons! His schedule consists of anywhere from 4-10 stops, with his farthest delivery reaching the Foley or St. Cloud area. Jim's relationship with his customers is exceptional; many not only call him for orders but also for guidance on selecting the right products for their equipment. With his wealth of experience, Jim is always eager to assist!
Special thank you to Jim for giving us an insight into a day in your role at Centra Sota. Your dedication to the oil and lubricant division of Centra Sota is truly commendable. Centra Sota takes immense pride in being your chosen supplier for oil and lubricant needs!