The History of JX Truck Center:
55 Years of Service
Since 1970, JX Truck Center has been a pillar of the Midwest transportation industry. What started as a single Peterbilt dealership in Waukesha, Wisconsin, has evolved into a premier third-generation, family-owned network of more than 28 locations. Our journey is defined by a "can-do" philosophy and a commitment to keeping our customers on the road.
From Peterbilt of Wisconsin to JX Enterprises
Founded by Chuck Jorgensen, the company began its journey as Peterbilt of Wisconsin. Over the decades, we expanded our footprint and services to meet the growing needs of fleet managers and owner-operators. In 1984, JX Enterprises was incorporated, bringing together truck sales, financing (JX Financial), and leasing (JX PacLease) under one roof to provide a total transportation solution.
Milestones in Our Journey
The Founding Era
Starting with a "can-do" philosophy, JX began as a small operation with a large vision for the Midwest trucking industry.
- 1970: Chuck Jorgensen and partners found Peterbilt of Wisconsin, opening the first dealership in Waukesha, WI.
- 1974: Expansion begins with the Peterbilt Wisconsin-Madison location to better serve central Wisconsin.
- 1977: The network grows into the Fox Valley area with the Peterbilt Wisconsin-Green Bay dealership.
Diversifying Solutions
Recognizing the need for a "total transportation solution," JX expanded beyond sales into leasing and specialized finance.
- 1980: Alltrux Leasing is established, offering comprehensive full-service truck lease and rental solutions to keep fleets moving.
- 1983: Second-generation leader Eric Jorgensen begins his career with the family business, gaining hands-on experience across all departments.
- 1984: JX Financial is established for financing and insurance solutions. JX Enterprises, Inc. is incorporated as the parent company to unify the growing divisions.
Multi-Brand and Multi-State Expansion
The 90s marked the first major expansion beyond the Wisconsin border and the addition of the Volvo brand.
- 1996: Peterbilt Wisconsin-Wausau opens, marking a milestone as the company introduces the Volvo franchise to its portfolio.
- 1997: Expansion into Illinois begins with Peterbilt Illinois-Bloomington and Peterbilt Illinois-Wadsworth.
Leadership and Strategic Growth
Under new leadership, JX intensified its expansion into central Illinois and eastern Wisconsin while adding creative service divisions like JX Graphics.
- 2000: Peterbilt Illinois-Champaign opens. Eric Jorgensen assumes the role of President and CEO, guiding the company through a period of modernization.
- 2002: JX Graphics is launched, providing custom vehicle branding, wraps, and decal services for commercial fleets.
- 2003: The expansion continues in Illinois with the opening of Peterbilt Illinois-Rockford.
- 2007: A milestone year of growth with new locations in Appleton, WI, Milwaukee, WI, and Joliet, IL.
The Evolution to JX Truck Center
Transitioning to a unified name to reflect its status as a full-service, multi-brand dealer across four states in the Midwest.
- 2010: Rebrand to JX Peterbilt. New locations open in Bensenville, IL and Grand Rapids, MI.
- 2011: Major regional expansion into Indiana with Indianapolis and Fort Wayne locations.
- 2012: Services expand further into Michigan with JX Peterbilt-Lansing.
- 2013: JX Hino-Chicago opens. Alltrux Capital, LLC is established as a second finance company.
- 2015: New locations open in Lafayette, IN, Kalamazoo, MI, and Mineral Point, WI.
- 2016: TRP-Chicago opens as the first parts-only store.
- 2017: Official rebrand to JX Truck Center. The JX Gives Back Family Foundation is founded.
- 2018: Locations open in Mount Pleasant, MI and parts-only stores in Niles and Gaylord, MI.
- 2019: The network grows with JX Truck Center-Morton in Illinois.
55 years of Innovation
Celebrating a half-century of service while leading the transition toward electric mobility and specialized vocational trucks.
- 2020: JX celebrates its 50th anniversary. New locations in Hickory Hills, IL and Marquette, MI open. Marquette Mountain Resort is acquired.
- 2021: Hannah Freeman and Austin Freeman join the business as the third generation. JX Truck Center-Effingham opens.
- 2022: JX acquires Total Appearance and Amcan Truck Parts in Pewaukee, WI.
- 2023: JX becomes an authorized Battle Motors dealer, adding vocational electric trucks to the inventory.
- 2024: Gurnee, IL property is acquired to expand training and business services.
- 2025: JX celebrates 55 years of excellence and continuing the commitment to "moving the Midwest."
Our Core Values & The JX Legacy
We don’t just sell trucks; we build relationships. Our history is rooted in five core pillars: Honoring Commitments, Creating Positive Experiences, Fostering Lifelong Learning, Exhibiting a Pioneering Spirit, and Demonstrating Good Stewardship. This foundation allows us to leave every situation better than we found it.
The JX Gives Back Family Foundation
Our history isn't just told in truck sales; it's told in the communities we support. Founded in 2017, the JX Gives Back Family Foundation has contributed to local non-profits, disaster relief, and education across the Midwest.
Join the Next 55 Years
A family-owned business for over five decades, we are always looking for the next generation of technicians, sales professionals, and support staff to join our award-winning team.