2019 Truck Dealer of the Year Trey Mytty was invited by Indiana University to share his professional journey and leadership experiences with students enrolled in entrepreneurship classes at the school’s Kelley School of Business on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

“It was a pleasure and honor to speak to this group of young students who will soon begin their own professional journeys and endeavors,” said Mytty, president and CEO of Truck Center Companies in Omaha, Neb. “Entrepreneurship is an incredibly rewarding experience and I’m pleased to share the successes and challenges I’ve encountered in my own career.”

During his guest lecture to three classes of students, Mytty shared the personal triumphs and moments in his life that spurred his entrepreneurial spirit, as well as the people that helped him along the way including his late father, a high school teacher and five-time state champion wrestling coach who passed away when Mytty was 19 years old.

“My father taught me many important lessons, including the value of continuous improvement and fostering relationships with team members and colleagues to produce results,” added Mytty, who also serves as dealer council chairman for Freightliner and oversees ten dealerships and parts and service facilities in Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa.

Mytty began his career in the truck industry at the age of 22 when he started selling heavy-duty trucks; by the age of 26, he was appointed as general manager of a truck dealership leading a team of employees—many with more experience than his own. Mytty used the opportunity to learn from his team and absorb knowledge from their years of experience in the industry to foster success for the all.

“In my career, I’ve learned that success occurs when opportunity meets preparation. Luck doesn’t hurt, but luck is made,” Mytty shared with students during his guest lecture.

The guest lecture is part of the annual Truck Dealer of the Year award program, which offers the winner the opportunity to speak to business students with an interest in entrepreneurship. Professors from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business have judged the program for more than 20 years.

The national award – sponsored by the American Truck Dealers (ATD), Heavy Duty Trucking magazine and Procede Software – recognizes commercial-truck dealers for business performance, industry leadership and community service.

The 2020 award will be presented during the ATD Show in Las Vegas, Nev. in Feb. 2020.