In October of 1935, E.M. "Gene" Tharp started out with what was to become his lifetime interest and occupation with a used 1926 truck. By "horse trading" and long hours of hard work, his dream of a commercial hauling business of his own was realized. Gene enjoyed the commercial hauling business and conducted it for over twenty six years. He saw it grow from one used truck into a fleet of over twenty tractors and more than a hundred pieces of equipment. In 1961, Gene decided to do full time what he had done part time throughout his life - sell and trade. in 1962, Gene's son, Morris Tharp started with the dealership when he was 19 years old. in 1964, Gene acquired the International Franchise. Gene continued to serve as president of E.M. Tharp, Inc. until 1986. At this time, Morris Tharp acquired and is the current president and his son, Casey Tharp is the current vice president of E.M. Tharp, Inc.