When a business changes hands, customers wonder what comes next. Will quality stay the same? Will service change? Will familiar relationships disappear?
At American Truss Components, a truss manufacturer serving Texas builders, the transition began when the longtime owner retired. Rather than focusing on a new name or rebrand, the company's new leadership saw an opportunity to strengthen its culture.
What changed under new ownership?
The ownership transition began when the long-time owner retired.
For new owners Mitchell Bagwell and Josh Dermer, taking over American Truss Components wasn't about reinventing the business. Instead, it was about building on its strong foundation while creating a culture centered on honesty, accessibility and service.
"This isn't a rebrand; it's a shift in the culture," Principal Mitchell Bagwell said.
That culture focuses on delivering quality products, keeping promises and building long-term relationships.
How they customize trusses per project?
For Bagwell and Dermer, quality means more than manufacturing trusses—it means designing around each project’s needs to simplify construction from the start.
No two custom homes are alike, so American Truss Components works directly with builders to customize truss systems instead of relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
For example, second-story showers often need recessed floor areas to prevent water issues. Instead of requiring field adjustments, those details can be built into the truss design.
The same applies to other custom requests, including alternatives that may reduce the need for steel or wooden beams.
“This is where flexibility really matters because it can impact projects,” Bagwell said. “If there’s a better way to build it, we want to help figure that out.”
This flexibility supports:
- Plumbing layouts
- Electrical routing
- Material efficiency
- Waste reduction
- Project budgets
- Construction timelines
Delivering on promises
Beyond design and customization, Bagwell and Dermer say consistency defines quality.
In construction, missed details or delayed materials can affect the entire jobsite. Therefore, they emphasize the importance of following through on promised timelines, specifications and delivery expectations.
Reliability starts early, with clear communication between the design team and builders. Aligning on expectations upfront aims to reduce surprises later. When adjustments are needed, the focus is on transparency and problem solving rather than delays or uncertainty.
For builders, consistency matters as much as the product. A truss system that arrives on time helps keep other build parts—framing, plumbing, electrical and inspections—on schedule.
“We tell people what they’re going to get, and then we make sure that’s exactly what happens,” Principal Josh Dermer said.
Focusing on relationships
For Bagwell and Dermer, relationships are central to the company’s operations.
Long-term success comes from delivering trusses and staying accessible and responsive to the people behind each project.
It starts with communication. Calls are answered quickly, and the team prioritizes direct responses to builders and partners without unnecessary delays or layers.
It shows in their approach to day-to-day problem solving. Whether a builder is working within a tight budget or navigating a custom design, the focus is on collaboration rather than transactions.
"We want to know our customers, not just serve them," Dermer said. "If someone calls, we're happy to help—and we make sure they get to the right person fast."
They say that accessibility builds trust, improves coordination and creates smoother projects.
What are builders saying?
Under new ownership, American Truss Components is quickly building a reputation for consistency, communication and trust.
Customers cite quality work and reliable service across various projects.
“I’ve been designing and building high-end custom homes for over 30 years,” customer Rony Claude LeBrun said. “American Truss Co. is one of the best companies with super quality and service.”
He highlighted the company’s speed and reliability, describing its work as reflecting “graciousness, intelligence, quality and wisdom.”
For Bagwell and Dermer, the feedback reflects their focus on long-term relationships and dependable service as the company grows.
To explore its services or discuss a project, visit www.americantrusscomponents.com.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with the Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.