JON'S MID AMERICA FIRE APPARATUS - Key Persons
Jeff Kahler joined the fire truck sales staff at Jon's Mid America in January of 2014 as the V.P. of New Apparatus Sales. In his words, "After living in California for more than a decade, we were blessed to have Jim give us the opportunity to move back to the United States."
Jeff began his career as an apparatus designer in 1978 and in the following decades expanded his abilities in fire apparatus design, engineering, manufacturing, fire truck sales and business management. Having worked exclusively in the emergency vehicle industry for over 30 years, Jeff has a level of knowledge that few people in the industry possess. Using his experience to influence the advancement of firefighter safety and apparatus function is always his foremost mission. Having held upper-level management positions makes budget consciousness come naturally.
In addition to his extensive background, Jeff is always pleased to offer an open mind to address the needs of each customer. He knows every customer has their own unique requirements and only by asking in-depth questions can a supplier truly be of service. With the value-driven KME product line, Jeff provides you with the ability to purchase high-quality, reliable new fire trucks at a cost that is fiscally responsible.
Born in Springfield, MO and growing up in the small town of Vandalia, MO, Jim never dreamed of owning a fire truck dealership. But after moving back to attend Missouri State University and then working in the forklift industry for 15+ years he purchased Jon's Mid America Fire Apparatus in 2003. He is thrilled to be a part of the fire service industry. Taking over a fire truck company that was started in 1974, he took on the challenge of growing and updating the company's business methods. This challenge involved hiring key people to handle the marketing functions and technical aspects that had not been developed yet. Building a new facility that was designed for servicing today's apparatus was another one of the challenges facing him. He would tell you he has been blessed with a great staff to help achieve these goals.
Jim's day-to-day duties include all the normal and challenging aspects of ownership along with continuing to make the company successful. The main priority is maintaining the company's philosophy, "Do what's best for the customer first and the rest will take care of itself." He believes this is essential to the growth and continued success of the organization. Maintaining this focus with employees and vendor partners while interacting with customers has to be at the center of every transaction.
Along with the responsibilities of this job, Jim enjoys farming, hunting, and many other activities with his family. He loves visiting with customers in the fire service about ideas to improve their departments, their apparatus needs, and even tell and listen to a few hunting stories along the way. When asked what he loves about this business, he won't hesitate to say "the customers." Most of them are great people, public servants, with their heart in doing what is right and fair.