Clearwater has numerous businesses that have served the public for years. One of those businesses is D&E Transport, which just this past summer celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The secret to the company’s success? Its founders, Dan and Cindy Grundman.

Attracted to the area by affordable land and easy access to the freeway, the Grundmans created a company with an atmosphere of family and working together. At least 25 of their employees have worked for them for at least 10 years, and many of them longer. In fact, their first driver, Marlin Schrock, still works for the company today.

“There’s a lot of longevity here,” said Toni Paumen, a 17-year administrative employee.

The company has an on-site diesel shop and administrative office along with a subsidy, Hasty Collision Center, a body shop that also does outside work.

General Manager Dennis Schaefer has worked for D&E Transport for 23 years. After the company was sold to Bridgeway Company five years ago and the Grundmans retired, he was put in charge of keeping the family feel amid a now large corporation.

“We’re today owned by a big corporation, but we’re still a local company,” he said. “The transition went well because of the many long-term employees. We now have the safety of having a large umbrella covering us but we’re still able to keep our family values in place.”

An example of the company’s family ideals is exemplified by Tony Haselkamp, one of their early starters, who worked for the company until he passed away. His two sons became diesel mechanics and still work in the company’s shop.

Today D&E Transport has 34 company-owned trucks and over 120 owner-operators. 

“Drivers come and go for family reasons,” said Schaefer. “We’re always encouraging employees to come back. We pride ourselves on being a place to help drivers succeed within the independent driver model.”

D&E Transport ships to all 48 contiguous states and Canada. They offer a variety of trucks to handle just about any type of shipping need, from traditional flatbeds to Conestoga (soft-sided) trailers. They haul agricultural products, mechanical equipment, and lumber, from glass to air conditioners. 

“We have some contracts,” said Schaefer. “But the lion’s share in Minnesota is small businesses just like us.”

“We always want to keep growing,” said Paumen. “Our real goal is to be able to pass the company onto the younger generation.”

The employees of D&E Transport celebrated their 30th anniversary in August. Vendors customers, drivers, and families were all invited to celebrate with them.