History

Homer J. Hunter founded Hunter Truck Sales & Service in Eau Claire, Pennsylvania in 1938. Homer, who grew up on a dairy farm in Eau Claire, started the enterprise by opening a Quaker State gas station and garage on Eau Claire’s Main Street. During World War II, he became a subdealer for Mack Trucks and began selling Federal and other used trucks. In 1950, International Truck asked Homer to start his own truck dealership. Since then, the company’s success has been phenomenal.

As the company grew, so did the number of family members in the business. Eldest son Harry joined Homer in 1960; son Bob followed in 1963. Together, the father-son team worked to forge trusting customer relationships while still living up to the customer-centric values and business ethics they had come to value. In 1982, the company opened a body shop and leasing facility in Butler, Pennsylvania. Just two years later, the company opened a full dealership, also in Butler. That same year, the company also added a Peterbilt franchise.

Hunter growth continued in the 1990s. In 1995, the company acquired an International and Peterbilt dealership in Uniontown. Two years later, the company acquired Peterbilt dealerships in Lancaster and Allentown. The company closed out the 1990s with three major deals. In 1999, Hunter acquired Peterbilt dealerships in Clearfield and Erie, and a parts and services location in Pittsburgh.

Today, the company is in the hands of the third generation of Hunters — a testament to Homer’s lasting legacy of teamwork, trust and accountability among family members and employees. Homer’s grandchildren David Hunter, Jeffrey Hunter, William Hunter and Nancy Hunter Mycka lead a company that now spans 13 locations and employs more than 500 employees. The company’s headquarters remain in Butler. The family operates full service dealerships in Allentown, Butler, Clearfield, Eau Claire, Erie, Lancaster, Pittsburgh and Uniontown, Pa. There are two additional full service dealerships just across the Pennsylvania state line in Clarksburg and Pennsville, New Jersey. In addition to the full service dealerships, there is a body shop in Butler. Butler and Pittsburgh are also home to two Idealease leasing and rental locations.

“Our dad built a reputation for us to live up to and that’s taking care of the Customer, whatever is necessary,” says Robert Hunter. Harry Hunter, adds, “Dad, who retired in 2000, has seen many changes since the inception of Hunter. However, one thing will never change — Hunter giving our Customers what we promise.”