Why Your Seat Matters

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome back to the Ask Deliver Podcast, uh, where we talk to people who keep the industry moving, the ones behind the wheel, behind the scenes, and everything in between. I'm your boy Truck and Ray, and today's episode is one that every driver out there is going to feel. Literally. We're talking about something that you spend hours in every single day, your seat. And it's not just comfort. We're talking about your health, safety, longevity, and making sure that the truck actually works for you. We've got Candy Ripley Reed from Seat Specialist joining us today. And we're going to get into what they do and how it they fit drivers to the seat and why that matters most, well, more than people think. Um, we also have some exciting things that they're going got going on. So let's uh let's get into it. Candy, how are you doing today? Welcome to the show.

SPEAKER_01 0:49

Thank you, Ray. Appreciate it.

SPEAKER_00 0:51

Yeah, we're glad to have you on. Um there's a lot of things that we can talk about when it comes to your health and the safety and the longevity of what we do professionally. Um, maybe people aren't familiar with that. They're thinking that hey, maybe this is all I got with the seat that came with the truck. Um, but you're with seat specialists. Um, can you tell people about what you guys actually do?

What Seat Specialists Actually Do

SPEAKER_01 1:12

I would love to. So with seat specialists, we are local to Battle Creek, Michigan. And so we're right off I-94. It's easy for people to stop in. We've got showrooms for you to try seats out, that sort of thing. But what we do is we carry a full lineup of seats for all trucks, basically. Um, and we we fit them to not just the truck, but to the driver as well. We also carry seat parts because sometimes, you know, maybe your seat's not that old, maybe you just need a new shock or maybe even a cover or a cushion. We sell parts for all the seats that we carry. And we also offer a pretty good line of V-truck covers, seat covers. And we've got some new things coming out. We just took on the Vulcan headdrest, which is a safe um made for the truck seat headrest. And Gray Meg's got some new things out. I was lucky enough to see them at Matt's 2026 this year. We they have um the steady ride, of course, but I got to experience that for myself. That was a great seat. And of course, I seen um other companies there. I saw a needler there. Needler had a full lineup of of some of their seats that they carry, not everything, because very they customize a lot of product, but their seats were sure sharp and they're very comfortable. I'm actually sitting in one right now. I'm sitting in an air teeth, so there's there's a lot of things that we do that people don't realize. It's not just I need a truck seat. From my experience, I'm not new to the trucking industry, but I am new to the seating world. Been here about a year and a half, and there's so much more to learn than what I've already been through. But what I've found is people are real hesitant to replace their seats because they figure, well, it's just a seat. But my experience, what I found is once they do replace the seat, they are so excited about it. It's the longevity of them driving, their comfort level. Um, if you think about it, I've had truckers recently call and say, hey, my doctor said I've got a bad back, I can't drive unless I get a supportive seat. What am I gonna do? And so that's when we come in and we we ask a bunch of questions about what it is you need, and it's not just the size of the driver we take into consideration because you might need a heavy suspension, you might need a wider seat. Um, there's a lot of different things to consider, and people don't realize that we can help with all of that.

SPEAKER_00 3:45

Wow, that's exciting. Um, how long has the company been around? Um, people that may not be familiar, what what's all the work that's been going in for all these years? How long have they been doing it?

How They Stock And Ship Fast

SPEAKER_01 3:56

I think they were established in 2009 here in in Battle Creek. They've been here in the same location. We're on Hearst Drive. Um, it's kind of a location where it's out of the way, but if you know it, you know it. You know, they've been here, it's a great little office, but not just that, we've got a nice warehouse here too. We keep a lot of things in stock. We have a lot of seats and product here in stock that people don't realize. So we carry all a lot of parts here as well, so that when you call today and need a shock, we can mail it out either today or tomorrow. We're pretty quick on getting things delivered that are in stock.

SPEAKER_00 4:38

Yeah, that's what's up because uh you order something and it's like weeks out, you know, you're like, ooh, man, this is gonna take forever. Um, so I mean, what do they typically do? Um, fleet individual drivers or both?

Custom Looks Materials And Embroidery

SPEAKER_01 4:51

All of it. So we we kind of specialize with the individual drivers um customizing their seats. I don't know if you know or not, but we can we can customize a seat visually as well as comfort. So there are a couple of companies we work with that you can tell us what material you want them made out of. Do you want genuine leather, do you want synthetic leather, um, cloth? I mean, just depending on what you're really wanting. But then we work with this company called Needler who does customization embroidery. So, an example that would be like what's on this headrest right here. So it just says air chief, but you can have your name put on it. I'm actually working on one for a customer right now that's actually doing a visual logo on their seat. Um, and it's a matter of me getting measurements and and getting all the details together to send a needler. I'm working on that now. And it's pretty intense, but it's great. He even wants his own custom leather, and they do that. So it's not just leather that they provide. If you have a specific leather to match your truck, or we do RVs as well, so to match your interior, um, it's as simple as you tell them what you want on there, if they have it fine, and if not, you can purchase it and send it to them and they'll do it.

How Driver Seat Fitting Works

SPEAKER_00 6:11

Wow, really custom. I like that. I mean, that seems like a lot of science behind seating. And it's not just a grab and go. Um, you know, you're you're not just looking about looks, but you're doing so much more. Um, how about fitting a driver to a seat? Let's talk about that because most drivers adjust the seat and they they get in there uh and they got to deal with what the seat can do. Um, what does it actually mean to fit someone to a seat?

SPEAKER_01 6:37

We take a little a few measurements. Um, there's some hip measurements and things. We want to know what your center point, your gravity point is, and we have that all on our website of how to fit. And you can you can go on there and read. Our website is actually pretty spectacular, I think. Um the keep it up to date. There's a lot of information on there, but fitting the seat, you basically want some measurements of where you're gonna sit comfortably and that sort of thing. So, first of all, we got to find out what seat is gonna fit in your truck, right? And then we work from there. We want to know your body type. Do you need a heavy duty suspension? Are you okay with a normal suspension? Um, everybody's got their preferences, right? What's right for me is not gonna be right for you, and it's mostly a personal opinion, my preference versus yours. And you measure the seats out, you measure the people, you want to know if if it needs to be a heavy duty suspension versus a normal suspension, that sort of thing.

SPEAKER_00 7:34

So that's awesome. So, what's some of the biggest mistakes drivers make um when it comes to getting their seat?

Common Buying Mistakes And Red Flags

SPEAKER_01 7:43

I think that they want to buy cheap. Cheap doesn't equal good, expensive doesn't equal good either. It depends on your body type and and what it's going into. But I hear a lot of drivers they just want a cheap seat. Well, if you're gonna be in it 14 hours a day, I think cost, of course, is a factor, but it shouldn't be the only thing you're basing it on, and that's probably the biggest mistake people make.

SPEAKER_00 8:10

Man, so I mean, I know you're when you hit those bumps. Um, some people like to sit low, some people got it all the way up high. Um, but that can really play a factor on your spine, your neck. Um, there's a lot of health reasons as to why they want to get that that seat just right for them. So on what signs um tell a driver that the seat isn't right for them? What would you say?

SPEAKER_01 8:34

Signs that the seat's not right.

unknown 8:36

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 8:36

So we just said I'm sorry I didn't hear you.

SPEAKER_00 8:38

Oh, yeah. What signs can a driver look for that tell them that the seat's not right?

SPEAKER_01 8:43

Well, first of all, is it comfortable? Is it hitting you in the right spots? I mean, you a lot of these seats have lumbar support. Um, does it adjust properly? Some of them have fixed, some have you know manual, some are power. It's more about finding a proper seat. Some a six foot four person probably wants a tall back seat where someone more average height is probably more mid-back. It just really depends on their comfort level and what they're looking for. And we try to get them into those seats.

Health Features For Long Hauls

SPEAKER_00 9:15

Nice. I mean, that's uh one of those things where if you don't notice it until a problem happens, and then it becomes a big problem. I mean, that's uh that's something that a lot of people need to really pay attention to because you don't want to wait until something bad happens. So let's talk a little deeper when it comes to health and safety because we're talking long hours. I know some people talk about taking flights on the plane long hours, and they're like, they bet it because those seats in there are terrible. Um you think about doing it professionally every day. Um, does your seat resemble an airplane seat? You know, you don't want to you don't want that.

SPEAKER_01 9:50

Um technically they're they're way more comfortable. I've flown a lot. These seats can be pretty fantastic as far as the different supports that you can get. And of course, every brand, and we carry a lot of different brands. We carry Gray Mag, Needler, uh Prime, and um, gosh, Bostrom National, Sears, Sears Inc. We carry a lot of different seats, and there's not really one that's I would say is better than another. It's more about listening to the driver and what his or her needs are that's gonna fit to know what to recommend. They all have they all have something really special about them, and it's just finding the right fit. So that's the nice part about us is we're not just one manufacturer, we deal with several manufacturers, and we can get the right fit for you and your truck.

SPEAKER_00 10:46

That's nice. I mean, think about the health concerns that they're avoiding. Uh, do you guys have uh information about you know back pain, circulation, posture? Uh, what are you seeing most out there?

SPEAKER_01 10:59

Um, what I hear most from drivers is a lot of drivers will want something with so-called massage or back circulator or something along that line just to keep the blood flowing a little bit. When you say massage in a chair, it's not made to give you the deep tissue, the, you know, it's it's made to get that circulation going when you've sat for so long. It gets the the blood flowing, which is the whole purpose in it. And that's the same with the air bolsters, too. I mean, a lot of these seats have different air bolstering systems, and you can adjust them. It's as easy as pushing a button as you're going down the road and get a different feel to support your spine, and there's different suspensions as well. I mean, as I was telling you, I got to try out the gray mag study ride at the show, and that was pretty impressive. We have a video on our website of how I did it and that sort of thing. I would encourage you all to take a look at that. Um, there's just it depends on what the driver really needs. We try to go with that.

SPEAKER_00 11:59

All right. I love the video. Visual aids are very helpful. I'll put the link in the notes. Um, so when it comes to the big stuff out there, maybe um drivers aren't paying attention to the long-term issues. Uh, is there any way that the seat helps with that?

Long-Term Spine Wear And Other Vehicles

SPEAKER_01 12:14

The long-term issues, of course. Um, you know, as you're bouncing down the road, I mean, to put the suspension, whether it be loose or tight or what have you, when you're bouncing down the road, that's wear and tear on your spine. And you want to make sure you've got good support in that angle. I've heard people talk about they didn't realize how bad their seat was until they replaced it. And we do custom seats as well for farm equipment. We just did one for a seed, a fertilizer spreader. And I went out to the farm and seen this seat, this machine it went into, it was pretty spectacular. But one of our companies, it was actually Needler Manufacturing, made a seat upper. And he said that worked so well, he bought another one and for one of his other spreaders. And I'm like, You ready for another one? He's like, Maybe. So it's just the customizing. And if you if you call and say, Hey, I need this specific thing, we might be able to help you if it's anything other than a truck seat, but definitely in a truck seat, we can fix it. We do buses, trucks, RVs. Um, we've done some marine seats as well. So it's a little bit of variety. You call and say, Hey, what you what do you really need? And let us help you figure that out.

Parts Adapters And Turnkey Orders

SPEAKER_00 13:33

Look at that great service. That's that's why we're seat specialist. Yeah, I love that. I mean, we need more of that in the world. Uh that personality when it comes to making the purchase, uh something that we don't really, you know, expect, but you know, we do like it when it happens, and it makes the makes the whole experience so much better. So great job with doing that and taking care of it, not just hey, here's what we have and try to make it work. Uh, when it comes to products, you got covers, you got custom seats. Let's talk about uh what you actually offer because it's not just full seats. Um, you got the parts, you got the customization. Let's walk through that. Um, seat parts availability. Sounds like you got a good stock.

SPEAKER_01 14:17

Um, as far as our parts go, we have a very good inventory of parts, depending on what you need. Um, and if we have to order parts, it's generally no longer than a four-week wait. Usually it's less than that. But the parts that we sell on a regular basis, we have them in stock here. And same with adapters. People don't realize we carry a full lineup of adapters. So maybe you have a you know, a seat that you need to replace or whatever. We carry the adapters as well. So it's not just seats we sell, we sell the whole product. It's going to be easy. Usually it's a turnkey. We we mail it to you, it comes on the 53-foot box truck. Generally, the seats do, and the adapters are either with them or attached to them, depending on the company that you product that you order. As far as parts, those will ship out if we have them here in stock. They ship out the same day or next day, either mail or UPS, um, just depending on what it is and the size of it, that sort of thing. So we we service all of Canada and US. People think that we're Michigan company, but Michigan, we have very few Michigan customers. We have enough, but you know, we're we're growing. And that's the other thing we've started doing with the customization. People, not everybody needs a custom seat. We have plenty of national and bostrums in the back warehouse here. If you pull up and tell me, okay, I need a a Bostrom wide ride, I'll be like, Let's go. What color do you want? We've got them. It's that simple. And we have all the adapters for the different seats. We'll just load you up. And so many people have come in and oh, they come in and say, Hey, I need this, and I need it now. Well, I might not have the black one, but I might have the gray one, or you know, different colors and different things. But people are pretty, pretty on it when they need it, they need it now. So we try to get it right out to them.

SPEAKER_00 16:24

Wow, great investment. That's awesome. That's gonna um keep you guys around a long time. I mean, fast turnaround stock warehouse, you got seat covers, and you got you know, colors and fabrics and styles, embroidery, uh functionality, a lot of things that people need to stay comfortable and healthy out there on the road or wherever, like you said on the water too. So um, yeah, that's amazing. Um you also what's yeah.

Cab Upgrades Like Mattresses

SPEAKER_01 16:53

I was gonna say it's not just that. We also sell mattresses, we also sell steering wheel covers, floor mats, um, you know, a large variety, anything that goes in your truck, and we're getting ready for some other products to come on board. I can't really say because they're not locked down yet, but we're definitely growing and expanding, and anything you're gonna need in the cab of that truck is what we want to supply.

SPEAKER_00 17:20

That's awesome. I didn't know about the mattresses. So let's say you're um a team driver, there's quite a few out there, and while the driver's moving the rig, you're trying to get some rest. Is there a special mattress for that?

SPEAKER_01 17:57

I don't know about a special mattress if you're a team driver, but I do know of a company that um that has a flip mattress, one size firm, one side soft, you know. Uh, if you're on the road with somebody and your partner wants a firmer mattress, you flip it and and do your thing. I mean, there are so many different things available that the average person doesn't know about, but a simple phone call or or even on our chat line, we have a nice chat line on our on our website. And if you ask a question, we'll get right back to you. And there's no silly question, we'll we'll figure it out.

Working There And Affiliate Program Start

SPEAKER_00 18:35

There you go. Oh man, I like that. No silly question. Uh, because that's the bucket I usually fall in.

SPEAKER_01 18:42

Silly questions.

SPEAKER_00 18:43

Yeah. But hey, you you're prepared, you're ready to go. You guys are doing it. Great team there. Um, so what is it like working there? Um, I know you got a lot of good fans. You say your your your kids are big fans of you guys as well. So for sure.

SPEAKER_01 19:01

It's been a great experience. I've been with the company about a year and a half, and um I didn't know what I wanted to do. I've been in I was a dispatcher for a while. I also drove truck, oh, 30 years ago. I hauled grain and anhydras for a large farm industry company. Um and then I dispatched for a local company for a while, but that was several years ago. And I decided after some, you know, some career changes, I I was fortunate enough to get hired in here, and they've been nothing but good to me. I feel so blessed. And the company itself is growing, and I'm watching being a part of that is so exciting. And we started what's called an affiliate program. Um, so here with seat specialists again, it's outlined on our website. Or if you want more details, please give us a call. The number is right up above here. And it that is, I'm very excited about that. I have met some of the most amazing people like yourself through the affiliate program. Of course, I just met you today, but this is gonna be a big adventure for us, and I'm ready for it. Bring it on, let's do it.

Discount Codes And Affiliate Payouts

SPEAKER_00 20:11

Yeah. Oh, wow. So it's almost like you know, I get to be a part of the team as well. Um, so it's part of being able to let other people know how great it is. I mean, they're taking great care of you right there. You got your own custom seat just about sitting in one right there. So that's amazing. Um, uh the affiliate program is amazing. I think more people should offer that as a company because then it makes people more invested into what the product can do. They're actually able to see it for themselves and then share it with others. And most people trust someone close to them. So um, yeah, that's uh that's a great program. That is exciting. Um, so how does someone get involved? You say you just reach out to the number, um, and what's the benefit of someone joining them?

SPEAKER_01 20:57

So there's a couple of different ways you can do it. You can either call the phone number there or you can go out our website and there's a form you can fill out, and then we'll contact you. The benefit is all your friends, all your listeners will get 10% off the product, and you'll get a code assigned to you. Once you've signed up, you'll get a code assigned to you, and yours might be something like TR104U, meaning trucking ray, you know, initials and then 10 for you. And so that 10 would go to anybody that you that says, Hey, I heard it from trucking ray, and so they get 10% off, which is a great feature, but they also at that point not only that, but you will receive um, I believe it's either 8% in product or 4% in cash of the purchase. So it just it works out for everybody.

SPEAKER_00 21:58

I love it.

SPEAKER_01 21:59

Everybody customer benefit, the people that you're you know you're referring, of course, they get their 10% off, and that could be hundreds of dollars on some of these items. I mean, it's not like ten dollars, it's it's a lot of money.

SPEAKER_00 22:12

That's amazing. Yeah, so everybody gets to share with the success of the company. That's a great thing. You know, you get also the benefit when people need something, they feel like they can get some value. And um the product and also some savings. So a huge, huge opportunity for anyone out there, please uh reach out and be a part of this as well. Um, it's a great journey to go on when you um venture with a company like you like yours uh that's being successful already. So nothing like doing that, man. So yeah, I like that uh promo code, that's amazing.

SPEAKER_01 22:45

Um promo code, and we've we've just started this program, so it's kind of exciting for us because we'll get these shout outs from these guys or ladies that are like, oh, my friends at seat specialists, and just so you know, they truly are our friends. I mean, I've had dinner with them and we've kind of chit-chatted a little bit, and um, you know, we're texting each other throughout the week, hey, how's it going? Where are you? What's going on? It's not always about promoting seat specialists, but it is promoting seat specialists. I mean, we've made some good friendships and they continue to grow. It's like everybody's got cell numbers that were, you know, hey, so-and-so wants it. Can I give it to you? No, let's not do that. So let's just it's a friendship that's growing, and there's nothing more exciting for me than the to get on Facebook or any of the platforms and see, oh, I heard seat specialists, or I got this at seat specialist, or that's kind of what we're about. We just want to get that name out there and let people know we're here because I hear every single day that I've been in this building since I take took this job. I have heard, I didn't know you were there. You know, that takes a while. And if people don't know you're here, they don't know all the amazing things we can do for you.

SPEAKER_00 24:05

Yeah, I mean, people they I mean they really care about you and um they like the fact that you know you you're a great person. So yeah, that's great when you you bring that value to the company. So great.

SPEAKER_01 24:16

Well, this this company is great from the top down. I mean, you can only be as good as your supporters are, right? And our our team all the way straight across the board. We're we're fortunate, we're a good, a good mix.

Future Growth And One-Stop Shop Vision

SPEAKER_00 24:31

So that's amazing. I like how you said that. You're only good as the you know, people that are supporting you. I mean, you try your best, you're gonna hit a ceiling. So, I mean, you being a great person with a great company, uh, keep up that great work. That's amazing. I think a lot of people need to see that as an example. So big ups to the company and you guys and all those that are involved. Uh, what's next? I mean, you guys got got the ball rolling so far. I mean, what what else can you guys do? You got something coming up in the future?

SPEAKER_01 25:01

I well, hopefully. Um, we're working on a few deals right now. We're working on increasing products. Um, so it also this is a big shout out to all you people that think you have a good trucking product. Call me. Want to get it on our website. Let's let's talk about it. Um, I mean, there's there's so much more out there that truckers need and use every day. And that's kind of where we want to go with this. We want to expand um our website and within the trucking industry, but we want to make sure that it's all trucker-friendly, trucker approved. I mean, what better weight than referrals from truck drivers?

New Products Colors And Safety Headrest

SPEAKER_00 25:42

Absolutely. Wow, that's amazing. So expand that, and so you can be a one-stop shop where people can get more than just seats. Um, you know, there's so many things that trucks have uh rolling down the road. And yeah, you're right. Um why would you want to be surfing all over the internet when it's right there in one place? So great. New products expansion. Uh, any drivers you know out there, please keep an eye out for that. Um, anything drivers should keep an eye on uh that's also new, maybe um the website or uh maybe there's something else.

Where To Find Them Online

SPEAKER_01 26:14

We just got some new product on the website. We got a it's uh called a Vulcan headrest safe, which is made for um the trucking industry, of course, but it's it's a safe that fits in the headrest. Um, it's a special headrest, of course, and it comes in different colors. So people you don't really know what's there. Um, I haven't actually seen one in person yet, but I've watched a lot of videos on them, and I got the color swatches, and pretty excited about that. We've got gray mag came out with some new seat colors, they've got a new um mocha and gray color. Gray mag's been around forever, they're one of my favorite companies. Um, like I said, I got to say that try their steady ride, and that was amazing. It's like all the vibration was gone. It was great. But the new colors, and then of course, needlers doing the embroideries, and they're doing a diamond stitch pattern now, and um, they got multiple colors, and they also do like two-tone seats with uh contrasting stitching, they are really a sharp seat color-wise. Um, this one is the one I'm sitting in, is just a solid black with orange stitching, but that orange just pops. And every company that we deal with has a little bit of something going on. And you know, if you're looking for something special, just give us a call.

SPEAKER_00 27:39

That's perfect. Super, super excited about where you guys are doing over there. And I think a lot of people also will be. Um, and they're I think where can they find you? Where where would you like to direct people to check out a lot of the products or just to reach out to you guys?

SPEAKER_01 27:55

Well, a couple places. Our phone number that's attached here, and then seatspecialist.com. It's that's that easy. And it's specialist with an S. So we have a really uh well-organized website, we get compliments on it all the time. And if you take your time and go through it, we also have a list of um installers. You know, when you purchase a seat, these are installers that said, Hey, we know how to do this, we're licensed, we're you know, this type of thing. They they will do it for you. Of course, there's a fee for it, but they're there. Any of the big big rig shops, they generally will install as well.

SPEAKER_00 28:37

I'm looking at the website now, and it looks really good. Um, when in the menu, there's quite a few options there available. Uh, looks like there's also gift certificates.

SPEAKER_01 28:48

Yeah, we we would offer a gift certificate because sometimes you know Father's Day is coming up in June. What are you gonna get, Dad? Get him a gift certificate to go towards his new seat.

SPEAKER_00 28:57

Yeah, it's that simple. So a lot of different things, floor mats, that's attractive as well. Um, off-highway seats.

SPEAKER_01 29:11

Yep, that's what I was talking about with like the sprayer seat that we created. Um, we do have some basic seats on there, but if it's a custom order seat, if you need an air ride seat for anything or even just a topper, let us know. We'll see if we can figure it out together.

SPEAKER_00 29:28

Yeah, just like you mentioned before, I can get me a new seat for the podcast. That's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 29:33

Maybe you never know. We'll try it out.

Final Takeaways And Sign-Off

SPEAKER_00 29:37

Um, so yeah, that's a great website. I'm looking at that. So seat-specialist.com. Uh, you also have a LinkedIn presence. Um, where did it go for there? Is there a handle for LinkedIn?

SPEAKER_01 29:50

I believe it's just seat specialist as well.

SPEAKER_00 29:53

Awesome.

SPEAKER_01 29:54

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 29:56

You really did it. You uh showed us your best. I think a lot of things are gonna um really take off for you guys. A lot of great things are gonna come in the future. So I really appreciate you coming on here and breaking it down, talking about not just the company, but also your your experience and how it's changed for you and made things better for your life. So that's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 30:15

Well, thank you for having me. We appreciate it.

SPEAKER_00 30:18

Yeah. And uh too, this is one of those conversations that every driver needs to hear because it's not just about comfort, it's about your health, safety, and how long can you stay out there doing this and being comfortable because um you know it can only take just uh an injury or something that mishap that could happen that could really make things hard for you. So if you're listening out there, this is uh what you've been dealing with, maybe some back pain, some fatigue, um, maybe the vibration, um, a seat is going to help you with that. It doesn't just something that helps you look good, but also it's gonna help you feel good. So it might be time to look into it if you haven't already. And as always, I appreciate you turning tuning in and listening to That's Delivered Podcast. It's your boy Truck and Ray, and we'll catch you next time uh out here uh on the big road. Keep the uh keep the dirty side down and the shiny side up, and uh that's delivered.