On Tuesday, January 20, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the privilege of visiting CornPro, where they were warmly welcomed by Kevin Frette, Brian Frette, and Matt Inman. Founded by Jeff Cornelius, CornPro has earned a strong reputation for producing top-tier trailers. Since acquiring the company in 2005, the Frette family has remained committed to excellence, ensuring CornPro continues to be recognized as a premium, top-of-the-line trailer manufacturer.
Originally focused on agricultural equipment, CornPro has grown into a full-scale trailer manufacturing company—an evolution that reflects its adaptability and dedication to meeting the changing needs of the industry. During the visit, Kevin and Brian provided an in-depth look at daily operations, guiding the cohort through the bustling factory floor where the company motto, “Strength Comes Standard,” is clearly reflected in every trailer produced. This philosophy highlights CornPro’s unwavering commitment to durability and reliability.
With a workforce of approximately 50–55 employees, Kevin emphasized the importance of strong personnel in sustaining growth. He shared, “You can outgrow buildings and equipment, but you can’t outgrow your employees,” underscoring the value CornPro places on investing in its people. Employee retention plays a critical role in the company’s success, and cross-training allows team members to support multiple roles throughout the operation.
Another key factor in CornPro’s success is its dealer-driven sales model, inspired by the automotive industry. By selling exclusively through dealerships, the company has maintained high quality standards while streamlining distribution—contributing to significant growth over the past three years.
We extend our sincere thanks to Kevin and Brian Frette for their hospitality, the tour of their impressive facility, and for sharing their valuable insights with our cohort.