Lahti & Dave
How SAMPS started
SAMPS has been in business now for over 16 years. Back in 2005 the Samples (Dave & Lahti Samples), both worked at Delphi. The Delphi company at the time was going through bankruptcy, which included closing the plant that the Samples' worked at. They had a lot to lose so they didn't want to just sit around and watch their livelihood become a total loss. So shortly after Delphi announced bankruptcy, they decided to take a chance and start their own business. They started their business as "Samp's Compact Motorsports" and have since become simply "SAMPS." Between working at Delphi and SAMPS at the same time, they would work about 100 hours each week. Even though they had a house in Tipp City they would stay at their shop in a camper to eliminate travel time. Working at Delphi from 10 PM to 7 AM, and returning to the camper for a few hours of sleep, they would then run the shop from 9 AM till 7 PM most days taking turns in the store to try to get sleep through the day. They lived this way for over a year until the plant closed. When SAMPS first opened they sold and installed car customizing parts and accessories, did automotive maintenance, had a U-haul® dealership, and would do snow removal services during the winter. They eventually added automotive detailing that included everything from boats to RVs. Now in 2021, they no longer provide snow removal, or focus on automotive customizing parts, but have stocked the store with many moving products and install hitches, added rust protection services and become a dealer for Fastmaster products and installation. Their success can only be attributed to the great community around the Troy, Ohio area that has put their trust in SAMPS.
*Photo above published in the Dayton Daily News, January 27, 2007.
Our Team
Dave
Lahti
Lahti
If anyone has called in to SAMPS in the past, they most likely have gotten Dave on the phone. He is the most knowledgeable about all things automotive and is the "go-to" man for answers. Dave mainly stays in the store, answering calls, making sales and doing U-Haul rentals.
Lahti
Lahti
Lahti
The owner of SAMPS. She is always behind the scenes, keeping the gears rolling. She is the one that does the accounting and bookkeeping.
Jacob
Branden
Branden
Jake has been with SAMPS for over 10 years working in every capacity with the business. He is the garage manager, our mechanic and an on-site Notary Public. He is fullly experienced behind the counter and with U-Haul rentals. Jake can handle just about whatever you may need.
Branden
Branden
Branden
Branden is new to SAMPS, He's mainly in the office. You may catch him answering the phone most of the time. He also helps people with getting U-haul® trucks and trailers rented. He helps run the website, Facebook page, and things that are computer related. You may also see Branden in the garage helping out the detailers depending on the flow of work.
Ross
Meaghan
Dustin
Detailing here at SAMPS for over 7 years, Ross is our most experienced detailer. He is willing to help anyone if needed and works great alone or in a team. Ross is most definitely a valued employee.
Dustin
Meaghan
Dustin
Now with us for about 2 years, Dustin is another one of our detailers. He has some education in body work and a good eye for detailing. He and Ross make a great detailing team!
Meaghan
Meaghan
Meaghan
This young lady is one of our detailers, but also does U-haul® rentals and taking care of the phones. You may see her in the garage, shuttling cars, or in the store at the computer.
