Clark County at Work: Focus North America Inc.

o Each week, The Columbian offers a brief snapshot of an interesting Clark County business. Send ideas to Mary Ricks: via email; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.

Business name: Focus North America Inc.

Owners: Steve Palodichuk, Don Meacham and Mike Wiant.

Address: 1005 W. Eighth St., Vancouver. The company also has an office in Kent.

What the business does: Focus North America Transportation Inc. is an over-the-road trucking company that provides service in all 48 contiguous states, as well as several Canadian provinces. The company moves freight locally and globally. It works with a vast network of carrier partners that makes it possible to service customers in almost any market.

Steps to build the business: The company’s owners are slowly but methodically expanding their fleet of trucks and trailers as well as other assets so they can continue to meet the demands of their customers. Focus North America also works with a growing number of experienced owner-operators to further expand its services.

Greatest challenge: The company is challenged to find qualified drivers and those who meet governmental regulations. Another challenge, the owners say, is that ever-changing government requirements can make it difficult to stay on the cutting edge.

What is your favorite part of the job: The owners enjoy working strategically and systematically to bring the freight and trucks together.

What’s ahead: Focus plans to increase its fleet of trucks to the point where it will have more than 30 drivers/owners by 2013.Year established in Clark County: 1990.Employees: 19.

Telephone: 360-694-9566.

Fax: 360-694-9725.

Email: varitys@focusna.com.

Website: http://www.focusna.com.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.