Truck Bodies & Equipment International (TBEI) launched a company-wide summer internship program aimed at developing future talent in the truck body manufacturing industry.
While TBEI has hosted interns in the past, this year marked the launch of an official, company-wide internship program with 13 students across departments including Manufacturing and Design Engineering, Marketing, and Accounting. Interns were placed at multiple TBEI locations across the U.S., gaining on-the-job training and exposure to the inner workings of the company.
Establishing a formal structure was a strategic move to strengthen the future of both the company and the industry. Leadership recognized the value in giving students real-world experience while also gaining fresh perspectives and energy in return.
“We see internships as an opportunity to build lasting connections with future talent and give students meaningful, hands-on experience,” said Henry Bell, Vice President and General Manager, TBEI. “When they’re working on projects and contributing to the business, it creates value for both TBEI and the students. That’s the long-term benefit we’re focused on.”
TBEI’s decision to formalize its internship efforts was also inspired by internal success stories such as Cory Schueller and Kollin Joines.
Cory Schueller’s career started with two internships at Vactor Manufacturing, a Federal Signal company – first in Design Engineering, then in Manufacturing Engineering. “Seeing how new parts are created and the process that needs to happen throughout the entire facility really puts it into perspective how many people are needed to effectively run a manufacturing business,” he said. Schueller’s time on the shop floor taught him the value of working directly with production teams and improving processes through collaboration. After graduating, Schueller joined Vactor full-time and then later became Engineering Manager at Travis Body & Trailer. “An internship sets a person up to have a successful career right away and makes the learning curve much easier,” he said. “I’m proud to now be part of the internship program at TBEI.” As a full circle moment, he mentored two interns this summer at Travis.
Kollin Joines began his journey at TBEI as a Design Engineering intern, and over the course of seven years, steadily advanced to his current role as Corporate Engineering Lead. Joines’ experience reflects the value of taking initiative and embracing challenges early on. “There is no failing in an internship, only growth and learning,” said Joines. “Take the risks and bring ideas, because that shows initiative.” He credits much of his growth to being in an environment that supports development and rewards effort. “If feels good to accomplish something that was your idea – especially when you’re part of a company that invests in your growth.” His story is a strong example of the long-term impact early on-the-job training experience can have on a career.
This year’s interns participated in important projects, worked alongside seasoned professionals, and were encouraged to bring new ideas to the table. The program provided a balance of learning and contribution, ensuring students left with both knowledge and confidence.
Andrew Geistfeld, a Design Intern at Crysteel and J-Craft in Lake Crystal, supported the development of the next generation of dump bodies, focusing on improvements that streamline production and reduce lead times. With a background as an aircraft mechanic for the military, Geistfeld came in with a basic understanding of physics but said this internship added a new layer of hands-on product knowledge. “I really enjoyed seeing how a product came together – from the initial chassis all the way to pick up and delivery of the final product,” said Geistfeld. Working in SolidWorks and guided by his mentors, Geistfeld appreciated the freedom he was given to think critically and contribute to real improvements. “This experience definitely confirmed that I would be interested in this industry after I graduate.”
As TBEI’s Marketing Intern this summer, Reagan Downey was immersed into a wide range of creative projects such as designing graphics for social media and print, attending brand meetings, and contributing to major marketing initiatives. One of her proudest achievements was taking ownership of a brand’s Instagram channel, where she set a growth goal and implemented her own content strategy. “In the classroom, we create plans but rarely see the results,” she said. “Here, I got to execute my ideas and actually measure how they performed.” Reagan also took on the challenge of producing a product launch video, using new editing software and growing her technical skills along the way. Throughout the internship, she gained confidence using tools like SocialPilot, MailChimp, and WordPress, while sharpening her communication and time management skills. “What stood out the most,” she shared, “was how much I learned just from being in the office – how the team worked together, how priorities shift, and how much thought goes into every piece of marketing.” She credits the marketing team for making the experience both welcoming and rewarding.
Julia Khrustaleva, a Manufacturing Intern for the summer at Travis, dove deep into the details of trailer design and production. She gained practical exposure with programs like Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Syteline, and Excel, using CAD to create and measure parts, develop 3D drawings, and support various stages of the build process. “A trailer being built is incredibly detailed,” she said. “There’s so much that goes into every part, from the kingpin to the stiffener – things I never would’ve thought about before.” What drew her to the internship was the opportunity to work hands-on with aluminum specifically in a more in-depth, real-world setting after studying it in school. Julia especially valued watching the production process unfold from start to finish. “I loved seeing all the steps, and how every trailer is built by so many different people. It really gives you an appreciation for the teamwork behind it.”
Madison Hertzog completed her manufacturing internship at Crysteel and J-Craft in Lake Crystal, where she gained valuable hands-on experience seeing products evolve from SolidWorks designs to final production on the shop floor. She appreciated how the team provided strong support and clear communication throughout her internship, helping her develop important problem-solving skills. Madison encourages future interns to embrace the learning process fully. “Don’t be afraid to speak up or fail,” said Hertzog, “an internship is supposed to be a learning experience.” Her time at Lake Crystal gave her practical insight into manufacturing and the confidence to grow in a production-focused environment.
Tina Albright, Vice President, HR & Safety, TBEI, said launching the formal internship program was a strategic step toward long-term growth. “Launching our new and improved internship program this year was a strategic investment and true testament to building our future,” she said. “For TBEI, it was all about attracting great talent early and building a strong pipeline of future leaders who understand our culture and our industry.”
The TBEI internship program will return in summer 2026, with application opportunities opening at the start of the new year. Interested students can learn more and apply by visiting https://www.tbei.com/careers.