Kodiak Emergency Vehicles on Being a Braun Ambulance Dealer

Braun Industries is a family-owned and operated ambulance manufacturer focused on building quality products, and long-lasting relationships. Our dealer network is an integral part of our success and we do our best to support them. They are an extension of the Braun family, and it is important to us to help them achieve their business goals and serve their customers to the best of our ability.

Representing Braun since July 2013, Kodiak Emergency Vehicles is one of our newer ambulance dealers. Located in Lansing, Michigan – just 2 hours away – their close proximity to our plant has made them an ideal partner. We have an open door policy, and this is something that Kodiak and their customers take advantage of often, getting a behind-the-scenes look at our products and internal processes. “I try to get every potential customer to the Braun facility to see the product, as well as how the company itself functions,” says Kodiak’s Vice President of Sales and Operations, Ahren Taszreak. “When a customer has this experience, it always closes the deal.”  This has also allowed Ahren to gain market-share in his territory and a competitive advantage. Knowing that the ambulances are manufactured here in the US, in a mid-west state, has also proved important to Kodiak’s customers.

Like Braun Industries, Kodiak Emergency Vehicles is family-owned and operated. Our commitment to our heritage and dedication from our 3^rd generation of leadership was another key reason Ahren decided to carry Braun ambulance models. “When other manufacturers are becoming more and more ‘corporate’ and treating the customer like a number, Braun brings the customer into the family,” says Ahren. “This is very important to us, not only because we are family-owned and like dealing with a company that has very high standards and a history, but also because the Fire & EMS industry is very family ‘centric.’ A trip to Van Wert highlights how committed Braun is to their legacy, with no signs to sell in the future, and allows one to see the tenure of the employees manufacturing the units.”

When asked how a partnership with Braun Industries has impacted his business, Ahren answered with the following. “At Braun, they are not just focused on numbers. They look at long-term growth and the profitability of our company. They help to develop plans to grow our business, as well as the market-share for both Braun and our dealership. They understand that we are an extension of them, and do all they can to help develop dealerships to represent them.”  Ahren has had the opportunity to spend time in the field demonstrating our products with all levels of management, and conduct one-on-one meetings with the VP of Sales & Marketing.

The ability to completely customize a Braun ambulance is another important factor for Kodiak. We have worked with the dealership to deliver completely customized design prints to their customers. In addition, beneath our features and innovations is the best built module in the industry. “It is wonderful to have an ambulance manufacturer that understands that Fire and EMS departments have the need to customize their ambulance to fit specific equipment, and to also have a layout that is close to their other vehicles.  With Braun understanding the need for customization, building the safest module in the industry, their location in Ohio, and Braun being a third generation family-owned company, it is a perfect match for Kodiak Emergency Vehicles,” says Ahren.

Just as pleased as Kodiak Emergency Vehicles is to be working with Braun, we are honored to have them as a partner as well! “Our partnership with Kodiak Emergency Vehicles has been tremendous thus far. Ahren and his team have gone out and uncovered business in the Michigan territory, providing a positive representation of our brand that we could not be more proud of. The entire Kodiak family has a passion for this business that is second to none. We have enjoyed working with them and look forward to continue to work with them to grow our mutual market share in the Michigan territory,” says Chad Brown, Braun Industries VP of Sales & Marketing.