Family-owned and operated for over 90 years!
Since 1928, we’ve worked with trusted manufacturers to give you the best of the best for your projects and services.
We’re dedicated to providing our customers with a premium experience in customer service with the right people and the right products. At Hoekstra, customer satisfaction is our driving force.
Proud of our past. Dedicated to the present. Excited for the future.
During the early 1900’s John F Hoekstra worked on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company as a technician. He later decided to move to Grand Rapids and perform mechanic work on the side. As the demand for John F’s work increased, and local farmers started requesting equipment made to their specifications, the side work became more than just a side job. In 1928 John F decided to make his hobby a full time job, opening Hoekstra Truck Equipment, including parts, service and sales operations for work-ready trucks.
Hoekstra History Timeline
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- 1928
John F Hoekstra opens Hoekstra Truck Equipment.
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- 1940
Expands product offerings, becoming a Superior Bus Dealer and entering the school bus industry.
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- 1964
Alfred Hoekstra, John F Hoekstra’s brother, acquires the business.
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- 1973
Moves from 18 Coldbrook NW to 260 36th St location.
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- 1978
Expands product offerings further, becoming a StarTrans Dealer, entering the shuttle bus industry.
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- 1979
John Hoekstra, Alfred’s son (named after his great uncle the founder John F. Hoekstra) acquires the business.
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- 1980
Superior Bus is liquidated, presenting the opportunity to become a Thomas Built Buses dealer, representing the West Side of Michigan.
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- 1988
Purchases Thomas Bus Sales of Michigan, gaining the East side of Michigan & becoming Thomas Built Buses sole dealer for the state of Michigan.
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- 1991
Opening of second Hoekstra operation at 555 Oliver St. in Troy, Michigan.
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- 1994
Hoekstra Leasing division established to meet the growing demands for full service lease and maintenance programs in the school bus transportation industry.
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- 1997
In order to meet the needs and specifications of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the customers MDOT serves, Hoekstra becomes an Eldorado Dealer.
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- 1999
Hoekstra Transportation is formed, a subsidiary of Hoekstra Truck Equipment. Hoekstra Transportation includes school bus and shuttle bus sales, service and parts.
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- 2000
Opening of third Hoekstra operation at 3741 Roger B Chaffee Mem Blvd in Grand Rapids, MI to house the West Side of Michigan school bus and shuttle bus operations. Hoekstra Transportation is awarded Thomas Built Buses Dealer of the Year.
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- 2001
In order to meet the growing demand for Commercial Vans, Hoekstra becomes a Freightliner Sprinter Dealer.
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- 2012
Mark & Tom Hoekstra, John Hoekstra’s sons, acquire business.
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- 2013
Allied Specialty Vehicle (ASV), now REV Group, purchases Eldorado, allowing Hoekstra’s shuttle bus division to expand their product offerings to include the Federal Coach, Goshen Coach, Champion Bus, Collins Bus, and World Trans shuttle bus brands.
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- 2016
Opening of Rentals Division to satisfy growing requests to rent 8 – 28 passenger commercial vans & shuttle buses.
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- 2018
Acquires Mobility Transportation Services, expanding the shuttle bus product offerings further and becoming a MobilityTRANS, BraunAbility and Revability by VMI dealer.
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- 2020
Acquires B&B Truck Equipment in Byron Center
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- 2023
Opening of Mercedes-Benz Van Center – Grand Rapids.
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- 2024
Hoekstra merges with The Bus Center Family of Companies (Mid-South Bus Center, Murfreesboro, TN; Transportation South, Pelham, AL; and The Bus Center – Atlanta, Acworth, GA).
HOEKSTRA FAMILY OF COMPANIES
