Fall 2026

Fall 2026 Nuts and Bolts Newsletter
Fall Nuts and Bolts 2026

Carrying the Mission Home

 

The journey may have reached its destination, but the impact keeps growing. After traveling across the country as part of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America tour, the custom Gull Wing Truck completed its mission of delivering a powerful symbol of remembrance to communities nationwide.

 

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Where Family Works Together

At Ledwell, the word “family” means something special. It is one of our core values, and for many employees, it is also a reality. Walk through our shops and offices, and you will find brothers working alongside brothers, parents and children sharing the same pride in their work, and family traditions being passed from one generation to the next.

 

See Our Family Tree

Buddy Award Winners

 

The Buddy Award is an employee recognition program honoring individuals who embody Buddy Ledwell’s spirit. Recipients are celebrated for their unwavering commitment to our core values: Quality, Grit, Legacy, and Family.

These outstanding team members excel in their roles and inspire others. The Buddy Award is a testament to their hard work, integrity, and positive impact at Ledwell.

Casey Hanes

Ledwell Machinery

Will Murrah

Transportation

Alberto Gaona

Fabrication Shop

Randy Dodd

Trailer Shop

Where Family Works Together

At Ledwell, the word “family” means something special. It is one of our core values, and for many employees, it is also a reality. Walk through our shops and offices, and you will find brothers working alongside brothers, parents and children sharing the same pride in their work, and family traditions being passed from one generation to the next.

One example of that legacy is the Wooten family. David Wooten, now retired, helped plant the roots of the family’s Ledwell story years ago. Today, that legacy continues through four family members who still work here. Seeing multiple generations of one family contribute to Ledwell’s success reminds us that the values of hard work, craftsmanship, and commitment don’t stay at home; they carry over into the workplace as well.

The same family spirit runs through the company. For Dulce Bustamante, coming to work often feels like a family gathering. She shares the Ledwell experience with brothers, in-laws, cousins, and extended family members. Those relationships create trust and camaraderie that reflect what so many employees say makes Ledwell different. You are surrounded by people who have your back.

Stories like these are not unusual here. In fact, dozens of family groups work across Ledwell. Some families have been here for generations, while others are just beginning their Ledwell journey. Together, they help create the culture that has defined our company for decades.

We are proud of the equipment we build, but we are just as proud of the people who build it. The Ledwell Family Tree continues to grow, branch by branch, generation by generation, proving that at Ledwell, family is more than a value.

It is part of who we are.

The roots run deep, and that’s what makes the Ledwell family strong.

SIBLINGS

Seth & Sol Bridges
Mark & Kyle Phelps
Martin & Juan Manuel Lopez
Matthew Gerber & Michael Tucker
Jorge, Jacobo & Jose Sanchez
Anthony & Jooana Guerrero
Abraham & Francisco Olvera
Tim & Jerry Snider
Ulisedt, Tomas, Julio & Ignacio Garcia Sanchez
Alfredo Ramirez, Cristobal Vidal & Victor Vidal Ramirez

COUSINS

Buck Jackson & Randall Guffey
Cory Clements & Lane McMillan
Chris Wade & Brandon O’Neal

UNCLES & NEPHEWS

Trevor Kroll & Timothy Hallett Jr.
Kyle, Haden Sanders & John Ceynowa

FATHERS & DAUGHTERS

Steve & Lesley Ledwell
Kenney Cecil & Lisa McEuen

FATHERS & SONS

Jamie Morgan & Kobe Ewing
Kenny Polite & Devonta Britt
Abraham & Marco Borboa
Frankie & Cole Rankin
Samuel & Samuel Cutshall
Gerardo & Brian Olvera

FATHER & SON IN LAWS

Kyle Hillis & Charlie Chance
Bill Robinson & Trent Thomas

MULTI-GENERATION FAMILIES

Phillip Anderson – Father
Cody Anderson – Son
James Beard – Nephew

Tyler Howe – Daughter
Jill Launius – Mother
Mark Launius – Father

Claudio Sierra – Father/Grandfather
Gaby Sierra – Son
Roberto Sierra – Son
Ariel Olvera – Grandson
Jonathan Sierra – Grandson

Roman Ramos – Brother/Father
Roman Ramos Jr – Son
Roberto Ramos – Brother/Father
Francisco Ramos – Son

Shannon Bradford – Brother in law/Uncle
Fred Gomez – Brother in law/Father
Paige Gomez – Daughter/Niece
Jewell Gomez – Daughter/Niece

and many more!

Carrying the Mission Home

The journey may have reached its destination, but the impact keeps growing. After traveling across the country as part of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America tour, the custom Gull Wing Truck completed its mission of delivering a powerful symbol of remembrance to communities nationwide.

Along the way, the tour united families, veterans, first responders, and supporters honoring the lives lost on September 11 and the courage of those who answered the call. One of the tour’s most significant moments included a stop at the White House, where the mission’s message of service, sacrifice, and resilience reached a national stage.

As the tour progressed, a second specially equipped truck joined the effort. A custom rollback was built to transport a smaller steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center, allowing its story to reach even more people. During one moving tribute, Frank Siller and Steve Siller Jr. walked behind the rollback through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, retracing the path taken by Steve Siller Sr. on September 11, 2001, as he ran toward the Twin Towers to help others.

Moments like these remind us that remembrance is not confined to a single day. It lives on through the stories we share, the people we honor, and the commitment to preserve their legacy for future generations. It has been a privilege to help support a mission that continues to inspire unity, gratitude, and service across America.

To learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its ongoing mission, visit t2t.org.

Juan Lopez

Employee Spotlight - Juan Lopez

Since joining Ledwell in 2012, Juan Lopez has been an important part of the Paint Department, bringing consistency and dedication to every job. As a painter, Juan takes pride in making sure every piece of equipment that leaves the paint booth meets the high standards customers expect from Ledwell.

Juan’s day starts early. He often arrives before most, preparing the paint booths for production and wrapping up any touch-up work or unfinished items from the previous shift before starting the day’s painting projects. From there, he focuses on sanding, prepping, and painting equipment, ensuring every surface is evenly coated and ready for the next stage of production.

While many people see the finished product, Juan knows how much work goes into achieving a quality finish. He says most people would be surprised by the level of detail required, from properly preparing equipment to making sure every part receives even coverage. The work demands patience, precision, and attention to detail.

For Juan, working at Ledwell has provided more than a career. The stability and benefits give him confidence that his family is taken care of today and that he can look forward to retirement.

When asked what “Ledwell Made” means to him, Juan’s answer is simple: quality. That commitment shows in the way he approaches his work every day and in the example he sets for those around him. His advice to new employees is straightforward: “Pay attention. What you do today, you will do tomorrow.”

Outside of work, family is Juan’s greatest motivation. He and his wife, Martha, have been married for nine years and are raising a son and daughter together. When he is not at work, Juan enjoys working out and weightlifting.

Juan’s dedication extends beyond his own responsibilities. His foreman shared, “Juan double and triple checks his work and the work of others to make sure it is free of defects and ready for final inspection. If there are imperfections, Juan will point them out and explain how to avoid them in the future. Always willing to help.”

Whether he arrives early to help the team get ahead, mentors newer employees, or ensures every job meets Ledwell standards, Juan’s commitment to excellence helps move Ledwell forward every day.

Ledwell Employee Spotlight - Juan Lopez
Employee Spotlight - Juan Lopez

How Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation Can Help Maximize Equipment Tax Deductions

Updated for 2026

Investing in new equipment is a big decision. Whether you’re expanding your fleet, replacing aging equipment, or preparing for a busy year ahead, current tax incentives may help reduce the cost of that investment.

For 2026, Section 179 and bonus depreciation may allow businesses to deduct all or a substantial portion of qualifying equipment costs in the year the equipment is placed in service. For many companies, that can mean improved cash flow while putting the equipment they need to work right away.

Here’s what business owners should know.

What is Section 179?

Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the cost of qualifying equipment and certain business property in the year it is placed in service rather than depreciating it over multiple years.

For 2026:

  • The maximum Section 179 deduction is $2,560,000.
  • The deduction begins to phase out when total qualifying equipment purchases exceed $4,090,000.
  • Equipment must be used more than 50% for business purposes to qualify.

Section 179 can apply to both new and used equipment, making it a valuable tool for businesses investing in trucks, trailers, and other heavy equipment.

What is Bonus Depreciation?

Bonus depreciation offers another opportunity to accelerate equipment deductions.

For eligible property placed in service during 2026, businesses may be able to deduct 100% of qualifying equipment costs through bonus depreciation.

Unlike Section 179:

  • There is no overall spending cap.
  • There is no annual deduction limit.
  • Bonus depreciation can create or increase a net operating loss in certain situations.
  • It generally applies to an entire class of qualifying property rather than specific assets selected by the taxpayer.

Many businesses use bonus depreciation alongside Section 179 to maximize first-year deductions.

How Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation Work Together

These tax incentives are often used together.

In general, businesses apply Section 179 deductions first and then apply bonus depreciation to any remaining eligible equipment costs.

This approach can help maximize first-year deductions while giving businesses flexibility in managing taxable income.

Example:

Let’s say a customer buys $2.7 million worth of Ledwell equipment.

The first $2.5 million is deducted under Section 179.

The remaining $200,000 is eligible for 100 percent bonus depreciation.

The result equals $2.7 million entirely written off in the first year.

This is real money saved, and a real reason to act before the end of the year.

Used Equipment Rules

Good news for customers considering pre-owned equipment: both Section 179 and bonus depreciation may apply to qualifying used equipment purchases.

To qualify, equipment generally must:

  • Be purchased rather than gifted or inherited.
  • Be new to the buyer, even if previously owned by someone else.
  • Be used primarily for business purposes.
  • Be placed into service during the tax year.
  • Be acquired in an eligible transaction and not purchased from a related party when bonus depreciation rules prohibit it.

Because individual circumstances vary, customers should consult their tax advisor to determine eligibility.

Why Many Businesses Act Before Year End

To receive potential tax benefits, qualifying equipment generally must be purchased and placed in service during the applicable tax year.

For businesses planning fleet upgrades, equipment expansion, or replacement purchases, waiting until the last minute can create delivery and scheduling challenges.

Planning ahead can help ensure equipment is ready to work when you need it and positioned to qualify for available tax incentives. Whether it’s Crash Trucks, Dump Trucks, or HydraTail Trailers, Ledwell is here to help you make the most of your purchase.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. Tax laws, depreciation rules, deduction limits, and eligibility requirements may change and can vary based on individual circumstances. Customers should consult their CPA, tax advisor, or attorney regarding their specific situation before making purchasing or tax decisions. Eligibility for Section 179 deductions, bonus depreciation, and other tax incentives is determined by applicable law and individual taxpayer circumstances.

Randy Dodd

Employee Spotlight from Trailer Shop - Randy Dodd

For the past three years, Randy Dodd has played an important role in building dependable trailers that carry the Ledwell name. Working in trailer manufacturing, Randy spends most of his time assembling new trailers from the ground up, while also helping with repairs when equipment comes in for service.

Randy takes pride in making the most of every workday. His goal is simple: get as much done as possible while building each trailer the right way. Through his dedication and steady pace, he can piece together a trailer in just a few days before it moves on to the next stage of production.

When asked what he enjoys most about working at Ledwell, Randy points to the people and the atmosphere.

That sense of teamwork and family is something Randy values and one of the reasons he looks forward to coming to work each day. According to Trailer Shop Foreman Cliff Harvin, Randy leads by example every day, is always willing to help, teaches new team members, and is not afraid to own his mistakes and learn from them.

One of the most valuable lessons Randy has learned throughout his career is the importance of staying aware and focused.

“Watch what you’re doing. To be aware is to be alive.”

That mindset carries over into the quality of his work. Randy relates most strongly to Ledwell’s commitment to Quality because, as he puts it, he likes things to be done right the first time. For him, “Ledwell Made” means creating a good product and making it right.

What motivates Randy each day is his genuine love for the job. “It’s challenging, and I enjoy it.” He finds satisfaction in seeing a trailer come together piece by piece and takes pride in spotting a finished unit on the road, knowing he helped build it.

Outside of work, Randy spends time with his Chihuahua, Little Man, who keeps life entertaining when the workday is done.

Randy’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, his positive attitude, and his pride in building products that last make him a valued member of the Ledwell team. 

Thank you, Randy, for your dedication to quality craftsmanship, your positive attitude, and the pride you take in building products that help keep Ledwell moving forward.

Employee Spotlight - Randy Dodd
Employee Spotlight from Trailer Shop - Randy Dodd

Alberto “Beto” Gaona

For nearly two decades, Alberto “Beto” Gaona has played a key role in building some of the toughest equipment that leaves the Ledwell yard. Since joining Ledwell in 2007, Beto has become an integral part of our Fabrication Shop, working on all aspects of our Vacuum Trucks and helping uphold the craftsmanship our customers depend on every day.

When Ledwell entered the Vacuum Truck market in 2010, Beto embraced a new challenge by earning his Code Welding Certification.

“I had to practice for several weeks. The test wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t easy either,” he recalls.

That dedication to mastering his craft has paid off. Today, Beto’s expertise helps ensure every vacuum truck meets the high standards of quality and reliability that customers have come to expect from Ledwell.

What Beto enjoys most about working at Ledwell is the work itself. He takes pride in the challenges and craftsmanship that come with his role each day. He also strongly relates to Ledwell’s value of Family, appreciating the close-knit culture and sense of belonging that make Ledwell feel like home. Combined with his passion for the work and the people he works alongside, that sense of purpose keeps him motivated every day.

“What motivates me to come to work every day is knowing that the equipment we build makes a difference in the world.”

His commitment has not gone unnoticed. Fabrication Foreman Brad Stringer describes Beto as a team player who takes pride in both his work and the people around him.

“Beto is more than willing to help someone learn something new or help them if they’re struggling. He is always willing to show someone an easier, better, or faster way to do something. He makes sure every job is done right, done efficiently, and done with quality.”

Beto’s dedication reflects the values that have guided Ledwell for generations. Thank you, Beto, for your hard work and commitment to building equipment that helps move our customers forward.

Convention of the Texas Lumbermen’s Association

Ledwell Partner LAT

Lumbermen’s Association of Texas Convention & Expo

September 23-25, 2026
Bastrop, TX

The Lumbermen’s Association of Texas began over 130 years ago when a group of Texas lumber dealers gathered together in Austin to talk over mutual problems and opportunities and the need for cooperation as they supplied the builders who were providing homes for a growing Texas. Each year we gather as they did in the beginning to support each other, the industry, and the continued growth in our region.

Stop by and see us at the annual LAT Convention.

Ledwell - Member of Lumbermans Association of Texas

International Production & Processing Expo – IPPE

International Production & Processing Expo

January 26-28, 2027
Atlanta, GA
Georgia World Congress Center

International Production & Processing Expo, also known as IPPE, is the world’s largest annual poultry, meat, and feed industry event of its kind. A wide range of international decision-makers attend this annual event to network and learn about the industry’s latest technological developments and issues.

IPPE focuses on:

Innovation – bringing together buyers and sellers of the latest technology of products and services to make your business successful.

Education – learning from the experts in free- and fee-based world-class programs on topics that cross-industry interests; Global Reach – attracting more than 8,000 International visitors from 130 countries.

Networking – meeting new and rekindling old relationships with leaders across the industries.

Join us in Atlanta in 2027!

Ledwell at IPPE