Ben Winter
2025-2026 NTEA Board Chair
Vice Chairman/Business Development Transfer Flow (Chico, California)
We all know that technology and innovation are essential pieces of our businesses. They’re not only crucial to growth, but they’re also the driving force behind many of the decisions we make. For me, it’s one of the top reasons I walk the trade show floor each year to see firsthand the latest and greatest products our industry has to offer. I have found that over the three decades we have been going to the show, it is crucial to make and maintain relationships and look at what the industry has innovated.
As a business leader, I know that strong, genuine relationships are the backbone of sustained success and resilience. While technology may drive us, it’s human relationships that foster trust, collaboration, and long-term growth. In a sector defined by constant change, the power of meaningful connections becomes even more apparent.
Relationships build trust — a cornerstone for collaboration. Whether working with clients, partners or colleagues, trust ensures smoother projects, open communication, and shared goals. When stakeholders believe in each other’s integrity and competence, innovative ideas flourish, and obstacles become opportunities rather than setbacks.
Relationships fuel innovation. Diverse teams and collaborative networks bring together unique perspectives, sparking creativity. By nurturing these connections, organizations tap into a broader pool of ideas and expertise. This interconnectedness accelerates problem-solving and enables more agile responses to industry shifts.
Strong relationships create a resilient ecosystem. In a high-frequency industry where disruptions are commonplace — from technology shifts to regulatory changes — it’s the bonds we build that help us adapt and thrive. Trusted partnerships provide support during challenging times, creating a sense of community that encourages shared learning and collective growth.
Relationships also open doors to new opportunities. Networking, mentorship and strategic alliances often lead to collaborations that push the boundaries of what’s possible. These connections can accelerate product development, open new markets or inspire transformative business models.
While technology may be what drives our industry into the future, relationships are the fuel that keeps us moving forward. Building authentic, lasting connections not only benefits individual organizations, but also elevates the entire industry, ensuring we remain creative, resilient and ahead of the curve for generations to come.
As I close, I want to highlight some upcoming opportunities.
- NTEA Board of Directors nominations: Each year, NTEA members nominate candidates for the Association’s Board of Directors. Volunteering on the NTEA Board has allowed me to give back to the industry that means so much to me and build relationships with the best our industry has to offer — fellow Board members, member companies and all the people in those companies who make a difference in the communities we serve. Watch for an email from the Association this month with details on how to nominate a candidate for the 2026–2027 NTEA Board
of Directors. - Executive Leadership Summit is a full-day program Sept. 23, 2025, with a welcome reception Sept. 22. This year’s event will be held at Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti, Michigan — conveniently located 15 miles from the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
- Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Summit brings together leading chassis manufacturers to share the latest chassis and technical updates on Oct. 14–15, 2025, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio.
I hope you’re having a great summer, and I look forward to seeing you this fall at upcoming NTEA events.