Forklift Training Systems began in 1998, founded by David Hoover after he spent many years working at a forklift dealership in Columbus, Ohio. At the time, most companies approached training from a generic standpoint. Many companies, including most forklift dealerships, were using video tapes as “their program.”
David and his initial team – many of whom are still part of the team – felt this wasn’t enough. A forklift training company must make 100% sure its students had all the skills to safely operate their equipment.
From those experiences FTS formed the principles that still guide its training programs today:
1) Great training starts with great instructors who are excited about what they are doing, knowledgeable about what they are teaching and have a commitment to keeping people safe. Some companies believe that an instructor is not necessary or that you can complete forklift training “online” and do it well. We respectfully disagree.
2) Great training means using materials which are current, realistic, interesting. This material can’t just educate, it must also help change behaviors.
3) Great training is not easy and can’t be “one size fits all.” Generic programs may work for some types of safety training, but not with forklifts. Time and effort is needed to determine the needs of each company, their application, their equipment and their unique strengths and weaknesses.
We are a small, privately owned company with a clearly defined market niche. To best describe our company it may be easiest to define what we are not. We don’t sell forklifts, parts, service or offer training as a “sideline.” Training is what we do.
What we believe:
1) We follow the golden rule – Treat our customers as we would like to be treated.
2) Provide excellent training and safety products at fair prices.
3) Our customers are the driving force of our business. We must help them improve their profitability, reduce the potential for on-site injuries, and drive down unnecessary damage.