Central States Bus Sales began in 1975 as a school bus sales distributorship named Rustman Bus Sales representing the Blue Bird Body Corporation for Northeastern Missouri. In 1980, additional Blue Bird territory was acquired to include the majority of Missouri and Southern Illinois and another product line was added, becoming one of the original distributors for ElDorado National. The company grew extensively and in 1982 was awarded recognition from Inc. Magazine as the 50th fastest growing privately held company in the United States. By 1985, the company had distribution agreements with several other bus and wheelchair lift manufacturers, a sales and service facility was built in Fenton, MO and the name was changed to Central States Bus Sales. In 1992, Steve Rustman sold the company to Gary Deeken and in 1993 Jeff Reitz joined the organization.
In 1997, additional territory representing Blue Bird was added to include the remainder of Missouri and the state of Arkansas. Jeff Reitz moved to Arkansas and opened a second location in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1998, the Fenton facility was expanded to include two additional service bays, a parts warehouse, and more office space. In 2000, growth continued and a larger Arkansas facility was built in North Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2001, Jeff Reitz moved back to the headquarters in Fenton, Missouri, to assume the position of Director, Bus Sales.
In 2004, Central States acquired additional Blue Bird sales territory for the states of Tennessee and Kentucky and built a new sales and service facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. Jeff Reitz was promoted to Vice President to oversee the sales operations of all facilities. In May 2006, Central States acquired the assets and parts inventory of Heartland Bus Sales, Inc., making Central States the Blue Bird distributor for the entire State of Illinois and Blue Bird's largest distributor. In August 2006 the ChicagoLand office in Big Rock, Illinois made its debut.
Jeff Reitz, and a group of investors, purchased Central States Bus Sales in 2010 and Jeff continues the growth and stability as President and CEO.
On November 1, 2014 Central States opened its fifth facility in Lexington, Kentucky.
Today, Central States Bus Sales operates out of their headquarters facility in Fenton MO and branch locations in North Little Rock AR, Lebanon TN, Big Rock IL, and Lexington KY. Central States Bus Sales has partnered with many of the best manufacturers and vendors available in the transportation industry to provide dedicated transportation solutions through exceptional service.
Jeff Reitz, President / CEO