Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Sanabria.
Hi Jorge, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Shortly after moving to Knoxville, I began working in a company’s warehouse that distributed aftermarket parts for Caterpillar heavy equipment. During these days, I would spend time before and after my shift chatting with the sales guys selling the parts and dealing with customers. Through my asking questions and eagerness to learn, small talk led to training sessions and hands-on experience looking up parts with microfiche readers, negotiating with vendors and customers, and ultimately landing a sales position upfront. I’ll never forget those days, changing out of dirty warehouse clothes into clean clothes so that I could look presentable in the office. I did it on my own time for the first few months, completely unpaid. Little did I know the experience I gained was worth far more than any amount of money. After some time in sales, I pitched the idea to the company’s owner to allow me to start an export division. At this time, the heavy equipment aftermarket parts industry was new and limited to the American market. The company agreed to give me a shot, and I set off to my home country of Colombia to look for new customers. After two weeks of wheeling and dealing through the country, I returned to the U.S. with over 30,000 dollars’ worth of purchase orders and dozens of new accounts. I knew there was a vast untapped market and wanted to go after it. I spoke with the company’s owner, and with his blessing, I started my operations; Expoquip was born. I continued working closely with the company I had previously been employed at and even became one of their largest customers.
However, as Expoquip grew and saw demand for replacement parts outside the CAT brand, I had to explore new sources that could offer them. We began selling replacement parts for John Deere, Volvo, Komatsu, Hitachi, and more. After over two decades, we have grown from replacement parts for only CAT machines to parts & components for over a hundred brands, industrial supply, and heavy equipment rental. We now serve as a contractor to multiple local, state, and federal agencies. As a business owner, it has always been a goal of mine to be active in the Knoxville community by serving on several boards and leadership programs. I implement a giving culture within my business by supporting local non-profits and providing employees with opportunities to serve others. In addition to being passionate about serving in the Knoxville community, I enjoy playing tennis, traveling internationally, and spending time with my wife, Deana, and my three children, Valentina, Santiago, and Sophia. My whole family has been involved in the business since the beginning; my wife has supported me since day one. She is the head of our government sales division; without her, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I have been blessed to take my children with me on many of the business trips and conventions we attend, and most of our industry partners know them all personally. My son Santiago has always been passionate about this business, and he and his wife, Summer, are committed to taking our company to the next level. Seeing the next generation within our company is exciting and shows a promising future for Expoquip.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Moving to the United States as a teenager posed many challenges for me. I came here with very limited English, and I was immersed in a new culture at the same time. In addition to this, I was on my own as my family still resided in Colombia. I was forced to be independent at a young age while learning to adapt to my new environment. Many challenges I overcame throughout my youth have helped me as a business owner. I learned how to connect with others, build strong relationships, and persevere when times get tough. Having the drive and diligence to press forward is a large part of why my business has grown the way that it has over the last 20 years. During times of uncertainty or difficulty at the start of Expoquip, I was able to find the strength to keep going. In addition to my perseverance, the relationships I have built over the years have contributed to Expoquip’s success. I have been fortunate to work with some amazing partners who have aided me in times of trial. Having a network of people that support you is something I do not take for granted.
We’ve been impressed with EXPOQUIP, INC., but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Expoquip is a Knoxville-based company founded in 1998 that serves customers worldwide in the construction, earthmoving, and mining industries with replacement parts for heavy equipment. Expoquip serves domestic and international customers in over 38 countries and local, state, and federal government agencies across the country. Through the years, Expoquip has expanded its capabilities to include industrial, construction, and safety supplies. Expoquip, Inc. has become a recognized small business government contractor, receiving many prestigious awards and nominations.
To name a few awards and accolades in recent years:
- 2013 – Knoxville Chamber Pinnacle Business Award for Excellence
- 2016 – Small Business Administration Exporter of the Year
- 2016 – Governor’s Award for Trade Excellence
- 2016 – City of Knoxville Small Business of the Year
- 2017 – City of Knoxville Minority Owned Business of the Year
- 2017 – Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) Small Business of the Year
- 2017 – Bechtel’s Small Business Supplier Award
- 2018 – UCOR’s Small Disadvantaged Business of the Year Award
- 2023 – Small Business Administration Minority Owned Business of the Year
What were you like growing up?
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and I have resided in the United States since 1985, when I came to study English through a student exchange program. I studied International Business and Marketing at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington before moving to Knoxville in 1993, where I opened Expoquip, Inc. five years later.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.expoquip.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expoquip/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expoquipinc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpoquipInc
