BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Oct. 31, 2012) - Terry Dotson, president, chairman and CEO of Worldwide Equipment Enterprises in Prestonburg, Ky., visited Indiana University's Kelley School of Business as a guest lecturer last week.

As the winner of the 2012 Truck Dealer of the Year, sponsored by the American Truck Dealers and Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, Dotson was invited to speak to business students about entrepreneurship. For the past 20 years, IU professors have helped select the top dealer for the annual award.

Dotson spoke to two undergraduate New Venture Growth classes. He was introduced by Joe Denekamp, a senior lecturer at the university. Dotson stressed that business owners need to "be willing to take a chance" and "people are your best asset." He also told the students that he only hires individuals who are promotable.

"For me, employee satisfaction comes before customer satisfaction," he added.

Dotson left time for students to ask questions about his career path and success in the commercial truck industry.

"For students to talk one-on-one with business leaders, like Terry Dotson, who have grown their companies to the very top of their industry provides an extraordinary opportunity to learn firsthand what they will be facing after graduation and what to consider when they think about starting their own companies," Denekamp said.

Under Dotson's leadership, Worldwide Equipment Enterprises has grown from a small supplier to the coal industry to a major supplier to the region's trucking industry. Total sales have grown from more than $69 million to nearly $272 million.

About ATD

The American Truck Dealers represents about 2,000 medium- and heavy-duty truck dealers. ATD members share in NADA's programs, services and benefits. ATD hosts an annual convention and expo for dealers and dealership managers. For more information, visit www.nada.org/atd.