From Regional Player to National Leader
For Valley Chrome, a leading name in chrome truck accessories, the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) has
been more than just an annual trade show, it has been the cornerstone of its expansion from a local California
business to a recognized national brand. Ray Lucas, President Of Valley Chrome, unequivocally states, “Our company is nationwide now, and I attribute that to MATS. I mean, we built our company out of this show.” This case
study explores how MATS provided the critical platform and opportunities that facilitated Valley Chrome’s significant company growth.
Ray Lucas / President - Valley Chrome
Results:
Achieved nation-wide distribution, secured key long-term customer relationships, and established Valley Chrome as a premier brand in the trucking industry.
The Leap from Regional to National
Decades ago, Valley Chrome was a “regional company… just in California.” Recognizing the need to expand, Ray Lucas and his sales manager made a pivotal decision nearly 48 years ago: to exhibit at their first MATS. Starting with a modest “10 by 10 booth,” they encountered a pivotal moment. “We saw people that we never imagined were out there,” Lucas recalls, “and it gave us access to a whole different clientele.” This initial exposure was the genesis of their national expansion.
MATS as a Catalyst for New Business
In the early years, Valley Chrome’s primary objective at MATS was clear: “We came out to get new business and MATS gave us that opportunity.” The show delivered tangible results, with Lucas noting, “We’d get 15 or 20 new customers every year out of MATS.” This consistent influx of new clients, year after year, was instrumental in building their national footprint.
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