Business Spotlight: Peach State Truck Centers – Driving Culture, Innovation and Growth in Gateway85
Peach State Truck Centers has been a powerhouse in the heavy-duty truck industry for more than 50 years — and its roots run deep in the Gateway85 Community Improvement District.
Founded in 1974, Peach State’s original location on Crescent Drive in Norcross still serves as its corporate headquarters today. Over the decades, the company has expanded to 13 locations across Georgia and Alabama, selling and servicing industry-leading Freightliner and Ford trucks. Whether they’re helping a national carrier like UPS or an independent long-haul team get back on the road, Peach State’s commitment to reliability and service is evident in everything they do.
A Culture-First Approach
What sets Peach State apart in a crowded commercial vehicle market? According to Richard Fletcher, vice president of training, it’s the company’s culture.
“Most dealerships focus solely on sales and profits,” said Fletcher. “But our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of others — our customers and our employees. That mindset is what drives everything.”
In recent years, Peach State has undergone a transformational shift, moving from a family-run business model to one rooted in operational excellence. The company introduced a new service model based on four ranked priorities — Safety, Courtesy, Performance and Efficiency — with clearly defined behaviors to guide interactions and decision-making across every department.
The results speak for themselves: employee retention is high, customers report a VIP-level experience and the company consistently receives strong reviews and Net Promoter Scores. “Focusing on culture may not be flashy,” Fletcher noted, “but in our industry, it’s an innovation.”
Gateway85 Roots
Peach State has called the Gateway85 district home since day one. Their original building, now expanded into a full corporate campus, has remained a key driver of the company’s growth strategy.
“Being in Gateway85 gives us excellent access to I-85 and close proximity to major customers like UPS, who operate nearby,” Fletcher said. “It’s convenient for everyone, whether it’s an owner-operator coming in for parts or a fleet manager looking for service.”
The strategic location has also supported Peach State’s ability to scale. Just two miles away, the company operates a major parts distribution center on Best Friend Road, making it easy to fulfill high-volume orders quickly and efficiently.
“Gateway85 has created a business environment that makes it easier to thrive. If we hadn’t found success here, we wouldn’t be able to grow elsewhere,” Fletcher added.
Innovating for the Future
Peach State’s recent milestones reflect a company not just staying current but leading the way. Over the past five years, they’ve invested heavily in talent development, implemented advanced dealer management systems and embraced new technologies in both operations and training. A new, state-of-the-art facility is also underway outside the district, thanks in part to the success of their Gateway85 headquarters.
Still, the company remains grounded in its values. “We’re constantly improving our people, our processes and our places — but we never lose sight of the ‘why,’” Fletcher said.
As Peach State Truck Centers looks to the future, one thing is clear: their foundation in Gateway85 has played a critical role in where they’ve been — and where they’re headed.