Jeffrey Hunter was recently appointed the third-generation president and chief executive officer of the Hunter family company, which is comprised of 15 truck sales, parts and service centers.

PENN TWP — The Hunter family, owners of 15 truck sales, parts and service offices in three states, ushered its third generation to the company's helm, or "steering wheel."

Jeffrey Hunter was appointed the company's new president and chief executive officer, while his brothers, David and William Hunter, and their cousin, Nancy Hunter Mycka, have all been named executive vice presidents.

The company was founded in 1938 in Eau Claire by Homer Hunter, who was a subdealer of mostly used Mac and International trucks. He also had a gas station and tire business.

Homer brought his sons, Harry and Robert, into the business, followed by the third generation, which just bought into the company.

Jeffrey Hunter said his uncle, Robert, now is the company's chairman.

Harry Hunter just celebrated his 50th year with the family company, and he still spends half-days in the company headquarters on Route 8 south of Butler.

Hunter's locations are in Buffalo, N.Y.; Clarksburg and Pennsville, both in N.J.; and 12 stores in Pennsylvania, Lancaster, Allentown, Erie, Clearfield, Pittsburgh, Etna, Uniontown, Butler, Eau Claire and Emlenton.

Hunter has 535 employees, 176 of whom live in Butler County.

The companies operate under the names of Hunter Truck Sales & Service, Hunter Keystone Peterbilt, Hunter Jersey Peterbilt, Hunter Buffalo Peterbilt, Hunter Truck Center, Hunter Leasing and Hunter Peterbilt Paclease.

Through the years, one generation has taught the other about business principals and practices such as how to survive in a bad economy.

"They made it through the recessions of 1981 and 2000, and nobody expected this downturn to last as long as it has, but we're coming out of it in a growth position," Jeffrey Hunter said.

Recently, Hunter added 24 new positions companywide, he said, and there are plans for growth across the region.

Customer service is one of the reasons for Hunter's reputation as well as the awards it wins, such as the recent announcement that Peterbilt Trucks named the Hunter company one of four recipients of the Peterbilt Best in Class for 2009 award.

Companies that sell Peterbilt trucks are weighed based on their sales of trucks and parts as well as their service and financial stability.

"We have a great legacy to build upon here," Jeffrey said.