Ciferri helps competitors get an edge with TCTA

By Sigrid Tornquist

Michael Ciferri Jr. balances his position as vice president of Donovan Enterprises with that of chairman of the Truck Cover and Tarp Association (TCTA), a division of IFAI that was recently re-named the Tarp Association. “I have a job to do on the board of directors for TCTA, and that is to promote the industry,” Ciferri says. “But sometimes that means teaching small shops how to compete with us.” Ciferri references the Tarp Association “tarp quote” portion of the website (www.truckcover-tarp.org) in which customers can receive multiple quotes for tarps from IFAI members. “Donovan doesn’t sell direct, so when we get a lead like that I have to call a distributor,” he says. “So there’s another level in there, and the guy who makes and sells direct is probably going to give the lower quote. Is it in my company’s best interest? Not for that moment, but it’s a good benefit to our membership and it’s good for the industry.”

Ciferri was also a part of creating the TCTA cutting and welding seminar for Expo 2006. Ciferri and the TCTA planning committee expected to attract 50 people for the event. They cut off enrollment at 125 and, due to its popularity, now offer the seminar each year.

Sigrid Tornquist is a freelance author and editor based in St. Paul, Minn. She is also the associate editor of InTents magazine.