Capps Trailers celebrates 25 years of service to the community

If owner Jim Capps wouldn’t have lost his job 25 years ago, Capps Trailers would not be celebrating a quarter century in business. He set up shop at a desk inside his father’s business, and found his way into the trailer business. Today he offers a wide range of boat, utility, and equipment trailers.

Jim Capps. Photo: Kristy Bock/Neuse News

Capps attributes his success to “Hard work, dedication, and having the right mix of inventory.” 

For the last 18 years, he also attributes his longevity to finding the right location to best serve his customers. Community involvement has always been important to Capps, who is a member of the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

“There are lots of ways you can give back, one is writing a check to different organizations, two is volunteering, and three is being a sponsor to that event,” said Capps, who sponsored a cook team for the BBQ Fest on the Neuse, in addition to sponsoring Sudan Shrine Ride events. He also sponsored cook teams for True Smoke BBQ. Other sponsored events included A Jeep Affair and Steak Cook off.

In 2008, the instability of the market gave Capps his hardest year to date. He kept the business going through, “blood, sweat and tears.” His parents helped as much as they could, but he then had to take a leap of faith and borrow money on credit cards to keep the business afloat. 

“I got through it and paid it all off,” said Capps. “It pays to have really good credit and bankers that believe in you.”

Capps Trailers fared better during the pandemic due to the different agencies they sell to including agriculture, emergency management, and municipalities. 

“We were fortunate and blessed to be open,” said Capps.

For 25 years Capps Trailers has served the community. He is located at 5557 US-70 in Dover and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

“I think it's been a great ride,” said Capps. “A lot of faith.”