Tom Keefer

Tom Keefer left Hertz Truck Leasing in 1978 with an idea. That idea was that superior customer service was the key to surviving in the truck leasing industry. From that, Kris-Way Truck Leasing was born when Circus Time Potato Chips signed on in 1978 to be Kris-Way’s first customer.

Tom began with Hertz Truck Leasing in 1973 in operations and sales. He eventually became a regional manager for Hertz, in charge of the northeast. In 1978 he left Hertz and formed Kris-Way Truck Leasing, Inc. Over the years Kris-Way has grown from 3 initial units to the 2500 we have today.

When Kris-Way began, Tom brought on many of his former colleagues from Hertz Truck Leasing. And he credits them with the success of Kris-Way. Tom also credits the quality of Kris-Way’s customers. Many of Kris-Way’s initial customers (many of whom are still with us today) made the switch to Kris-Way out of loyalty to Tom Keefer. A good example is Hannaford Brothers, a customer since 1979, and Kris-Way’s first major contract.

During Tom’s tenure as President of Kris-Way he has been the Chairman of the Maine Motor Transport Association, President of Amtralease (acquired by NationaLease), and has served on the Board of Directors for NationaLease. He is involved in several local charities and organizations and is a graduate of Stonehill College.