Stellar Industries, a 100 percent employee-owned manufacturer of service and mechanic trucks, cranes, tire service trucks, hooklifts, trailers, and truck accessories, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Legacy Award.
The recognition was presented during the North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Gala held on October 3, 2024, in Mason City, Iowa.
The Legacy Award is annually bestowed upon a business that demonstrates outstanding contributions to North Iowa through vision, leadership, job creation, and economic development.
Additionally, recipients are recognized for their commitment to community stewardship. Past awardees include renowned companies such as Winnebago Industries and Sukup.
“Stellar Industries and the Zrostlik family exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship in North Iowa,” said Dr. Candi Karsjens, NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Director. “Through continuous innovation and expansion, they not only strengthen their presence locally, but they also make an impact beyond the region. Their enduring contributions perfectly capture the essence of the Legacy Award.”
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Stellar’s President David Zrostlik remarked, “It’s an honor to receive the Legacy Award. Stellar was founded on putting people, the community, and a quality product first, and I’m proud to say that more than 30 years later that focus is still true. Thank you to the NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and the selection committee for this recognition.”
Founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa, by local entrepreneurs Francis Zrostlik, Jim Vlaanderen, and Gary Bomstad, Stellar pioneered the design and manufacture of the first US-made hydraulic hooklift hoist. Over the past three decades, the company has expanded its operations to multiple facilities across Garner, Mason City, and Kanawha, Iowa.
“Stellar’s impact on the North Iowa area is tremendous,” said Ivan Dodd, former Mayor of Garner and a Stellar employee. “They are very giving people, and it’s just amazing what they give back to the community.”
Currently employing over 800 people, Stellar remains dedicated to its roots while operating as a 100 percent employee-owned company.
“Headquartered in a town of about 3,000, Stellar has over 800 employee-owners,” said Tim Davison, Stellar’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “So instead of just one owner of a company living in Garner, we have 850 owners that are spread across North Iowa, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania, and the better we do for ourselves, the better we do for our communities.”