Photography: Justin Calhoun
In nine years, Kelly Gray, co-owner of Trailers Unlimited and Showdown Conversions in Columbus, Texas, has taken her horse trailer sales and conversion company from the ground floor to a booming business.
A good location along Interstate 10, roughly between Houston and San Antonio, and increased demand for her products have spelled success for the Harlingen native, who originally considered a career as a court reporter.
At the urging of a good friend, Chad Thames, Gray and her business partner, Tommy Balusek, “started from scratch” in June 2002 with a horse trailer business initially based in El Campo, then relocated to Columbus.
“We felt we needed to be alongside a major highway or an interstate, and this location off I-10 has been very helpful,” she says. “We have lots of business, mostly from referrals and customers who have found us on the Internet.”
As a result, Gray says she doesn’t do much advertising. She doesn’t even have a billboard along the interstate.
“Last year was my best year ever,” she says. “I’ve been very fortunate.”
One successful business move was acquiring the sales rights to the Platinum brand of horse and stock trailers, which Gray calls “definitely one of the top brands in the horse trailer industry and one of the largest in the nation in total sales.”
Gray also is an authorized dealer for the Neckover brand of metal trailers.
Her inventory of trailers ranges from less than $6,000 to six figures. She says the most popular products are livestock trailers with living quarters up front. That configuration allows people to spend the night comfortably while they are transporting their animals.
Many customers are families whose children are involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) events. Customers also include professional rodeo participants who travel the rodeo circuits, youth rodeo participants and trail riders who travel to various events to take trail rides for pleasure.
Other customers are hunters who use the trailer for hauling gear such as four-wheelers, as well as hobbyists who spend time enjoying motor cross and motorcycle riding.
“There are so many events to attend on these circuits, whether you are competing or just going for pleasure,” Gray says.
According to Gray, parents especially appreciate the opportunity to camp comfortably while their children travel for various competitions.
Gray also sells to the growing number of ranchers who own deer and exotic animals and need trailers for transporting them.
Gray’s sales now extend far beyond the Texas borders to include customers nationwide.
Four employees work in the company’s service department, and a major portion of their work is handling trailer remodeling projects.
Gray says future plans are to “keep growing the business,” possibly adding utility and cargo trailers to her line.
Trailers Unlimited and Showdown Conversions will have a display at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, which runs Feb. 9 to 26 at the AT&T Center. Gray says that is the only major event at which she exhibits, but she is considering attending hunting shows.
Gray credits her success to hard work, good timing and blessings born of her faith.
“After 9/11, I think we saw a lot of people re-evaluating their lives,” she said. “Many people decided to pick something to do in their life that is important and matters a great deal to them. Some people decided to spend more time with their families. Going to events with their children is a good way to spend family time together.
“The horse industry has boomed. People can be very passionate about their horses and other animals, too. They may not travel as often as they used to, but when they do travel, they appreciate having their living quarters with them so they can save money on motels. With a trailer, it’s so easy to unhook and drive your vehicle away.”
Gray’s hobbies include hunting (especially bow hunting), fishing and traveling. She has journeyed to South Africa to go hunting, and visited Canada and Colorado to fly fish. She frequently participates in women’s fishing tournaments at South Padre Island.
Gray also has taken up running, and she enjoys 5K and 10K runs and half-marathons.
She has two dogs, Shedaizee (CQ) and Sable, but no other livestock. “I showed horses in 4-H while growing up in the (Rio Grande) Valley,” she said.
“I’ve been very blessed. I’ve poured a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this business, and have found it to be very rewarding.”
Visit Trailers Unlimited and Showdown Conversions at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo from Feb. 9 to 26 in the horse arena exhibition hall. For more information, call 979-732-8686, or go to www.texastrailersunlimited.com.
