AUSTINTOWN – Cerni Motors changed its name to Trivista in 2021 as part of a rebranding effort.
Growth has been second nature to the Cerni family since 1961, when founders and brothers John and Charlie Cerni started Cerni Motors GMC dealership in Warren.
The company became an International truck dealership in 1972 and opened Girard Equipment – which sells and services trailers – in 1982. It later opened a store in Painesville.
The Cerni family continues to serve the transportation industry today by selling, leasing and renting a full line of International trucks and also carrying the Dennis Eagle ProView Cabover truck. It also offers parts and service for all makes.
The company understands the importance of having a well-respected brand identity. As it expands, it is emphasizing the reputation and the legacy of its founders, according to Anita Massey, director of marketing.
“The Cerni Motors name may be changing but the family values, quality workmanship and services we provide will not,” Massey says.
In 2017, three International dealerships – Cerni, O’Halloran International and Uhl Truck Sales – merged to form Trivista Companies. The company then became part of an acquisition of two southwestern Kansas International dealerships last summer.
Trivista now operates 12 locations in Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.