About Us
About Us
Allstate Utility Trailers: A Story of Family, Resilience, and Excellence
For over 45 years, Allstate Utility Trailers has been synonymous with quality, service, and a commitment to family values. Established in 1979 by Don Epperly and Dave Gennoe, Allstate began with just three storage trailers and a vision. Over the decades, it has grown into Tennessee’s largest trailer dealer and one of the Southeast's most trusted names, offering utility trailers, custom builds, and specialized government models.
In 1995, Mickey Shelton joined the company as Sales Manager, bringing with him a passion for customer service and an unparalleled knowledge of the trailer industry. Known affectionately by family and friends as "Big Mick," he has earned the nickname “The Trailer Man” and “The Most Dangerous Hillbilly in East Tennessee,” because he is a Yankee-educated hillbilly. This title reflects his unique blend of Yankee education—having studied Economics at the University of Louisville—and his deep East Tennessee roots. Mickey’s charisma and leadership have made him a standout figure in the industry and the community.
The Legacy of The Trailer Shop: From Knox Spring & Alignment to Today
The Trailer Shop traces its roots back to the Warner family, the founders of Knox Spring & Alignment. This family-owned operation became an integral part of the Knoxville business community, specializing in suspension and alignment work. Knox Spring & Alignment started in 1948 and ran until it closed in the early 2000s. In time, the Warner brothers—Tom, Jim, and William—branched out, each carving their own path in the trailer and parts industry.
Tom started The Trailer Shop, and Jim started American Trailer Parts, which he ran until he sold it around 2019. The Trailer Shop quickly gained a reputation for exceptional repair services, a wide inventory of trailer parts, and reliable roadside assistance. In April 2018, Mickey Shelton acquired The Trailer Shop, bringing it into the Allstate family and expanding its offerings.
Today, The Trailer Shop continues to uphold the values of its founders while thriving under Mickey’s leadership, providing 24/7 mobile repair services, comprehensive parts inventories, and expert trailer care.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
The journey has not been without loss. The passing of Adam Epperly, son of Allstate’s co-founder Don Epperly, marked the loss of a key figure whose humor and expertise left an indelible mark on the business. Mickey also faced the loss of his mother, Margaret Shelton, and his brother-in-law, Jay Miller, whose contributions to the family and business are dearly missed.
Despite these challenges, Mickey and his family remain focused on honoring these legacies. They are committed to expanding the reach of Allstate and The Trailer Shop while maintaining the principles that have made them industry leaders for nearly five decades.
A Mission of Service and Excellence
From providing top-quality trailers to offering expert repair services and 24/7 roadside assistance, Allstate and The Trailer Shop are here for every customer, every step of the way. Mickey’s leadership, grounded in his unique blend of education and Southern sensibilities, ensures a customer-first approach with a personal touch.
Whether you’re embarking on a new adventure, managing a fleet, or seeking emergency support, Allstate and The Trailer Shop are your trusted partners. With a steadfast commitment to family, community, and service, the company continues to build on its legacy while looking to the future.
From our family to yours, we are proud to serve you with the quality, care, and dedication you deserve.
Award Winning
Mickey Shelton receives 2007 Growth and Volume awards from Haulmark. Awards signify over $1 million in sales and over 100% in growth.
Since then, they have been rewarded numerous times for being outstanding in their fields.