Meet Our Staff

Henry H. Headden, president and owner of Carpenter Bus Sales, Inc., has devoted the last 38+ years to providing reliable and safe transportation to a variety of customers. In 1953, Henry’s father, Harmon Headden, started Carpenter Bus Sales.  After earning a degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Henry decided to join the family business in 1973. Since then, Carpenter Bus Sales has become recognized as America’s #1 Church Bus Dealer. “One of the things I love the most about our company is the family atmosphere among our employees. I care about my people and their families. I am honored to be able to work alongside some of the finest people in the transportation industry.”  Henry and his wife, Betsy, reside in Brentwood, Tennessee. They have 2 grown children. They also have 3 grandchildren.

Curt became the General Manager at Carpenter Bus Sales in August of 2010. He has an extensive background in retail and organizational management. He has over 25 years in ownership and management experience in the transportation industry. “I count the opportunity to work for Carpenter Bus Sales as a great blessing. We have a great history, we are one of the most successful commercial bus dealers in the country, and our recent expansion into Missouri and Texas bodes well for the future.”  Curt was born and raised in Nashville, TN.  Curt and his wife Laura have 2 college age girls. Curt and Laura currently reside in Franklin, TN. Curt is an American history buff and an avid reader of historical biographies.

Dawna Ross joined the team at Carpenter Bus sales in May 2011 bringing with her a strong background in accounting in the transportation industry.  Prior to being at Carpenter Bus Sales, Dawna spent 10 years as Accounting/Office Manager at Faulkner Pontiac-Buick-GMC Truck Co. “The group at Carpenter Bus Sales is wonderful to work with.  I have enjoyed the time I have worked here and look forward to growth in our Company and increased opportunities for our employees.” Dawna was born and raised in McEwen, TN, a small town in Middle Tennessee. She attended Tennessee Technological University where she majored in Accounting and received here B.S. in Business Administration. Dawna and her spouse, Glenn, now reside in McEwen, TN where they raised their two daughters.

Randy Sadler joined the team at Carpenter Bus Sales in January 2010 bringing with him a strong background in commercial truck service. Prior to being at Carpenter Bus Sales, Randy spent over twenty years in the heavy and light commercial truck service business. “I enjoy the family type atmosphere here at Carpenter Bus Sales” Randy was born and raised in Nashville, TN.  He attended a technical college in Nashville where he received a degree in Automotive Technology. Randy and his spouse Susan reside in Nashville, TN.

Todd joined the team at Carpenter Bus sales in May of 2009 bringing with him a strong background in the automotive parts and services industry. Prior to being at Carpenter Bus Sales, Todd spent 14 years working in the Harley-Davidson field. “I can’t express what an honor it is to work for Carpenter Bus Sales. The people I work with everyday are exceptional. It is a team environment and everyone supports one another, which only makes us all better at what we do. We are already big but continue to grow and I love being a part of it.” Todd was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Todd and his spouse Jamie now reside in Murfreesboro, TN with their 2 baby girls.

John came to Carpenter Bus sales in 2008 bringing with him an extensive background in the transportation industry. Prior to being at Carpenter Bus Sales, John spent 15 years in transportation sales and service. “In all my years of sales and service, this is the only job I’ve looked forward to coming into EVERY DAY. I look forward to a long career here at Carpenter Bus Sales”. John was born in Camden, TN but spent most of his youth in Summit County, CO.  He returned to Dickson, TN and graduated from Dickson High School. John attended Bethel College where he played football and majored in Psychology. John and his spouse Rachael now reside in White Bluff, TN with their four children. John is famous at Carpenter Bus Sales for his homemade salsa.

Jon joined Carpenter Bus Sales in September of 2011. He brings 25+ years of experience in banking and financing in the transportation industry.  “This company is full of great people with positive attitudes and the ability to know how to serve our customers. Because of these two things, I look forward to a very strong future for Carpenter Bus.” Jon was born in Mayfield, KY but was raised in Nashville, TN. He attended Draughons Junior College in Bowling Green, KY and received a degree in Accounting. Jon and his wife Cindy now reside in Hendersonville, TN and have 2 children as well as 1 grandchild.

Gerrit Gustafson joined the team at Carpenter Bus sales in June 2004 bringing with him a strong background in Marketing. Prior to being at Carpenter Bus Sales, Gerrit spent 20 years in Christian Music (Integrity Music & WholeHearted Worship) and 15 years as a church-planting pastor. “One of the greatest joys of working with Henry and the Carpenter Bus team is that we work together as friends. We value one another’s lives and families.” Gerrit was born in Wisconsin but grew up in the South (MS, AL & GA). Gerrit attended Florida State University where he received a double major in International Affairs & Religion. Gerrit & his wife, Himmie, have five children and live in Brentwood, TN.

John joined the team at Carpenter Bus sales in 1997 bringing with him a strong background in sales and customer service. Prior to being at Carpenter Bus Sales, John spent 7 years in the hotel industry. “I know that God used my 20 years of work experience to prepare me for my Carpenter sales job. It fits me perfectly.” John was born in Nashville, TN and was raised all over the world as the son of missionary parents. He always comes back to middle Tennessee. He attended Liberty Christian College where he majored in pastoral ministry and graduated with a BA in Religion. John and his wife Dawn now reside in Murfreesboro, TN with son and their daughter. They also have another daughter who is married with 2 children.

Mike became a team member at Carpenter Bus sales in November 2010 after 35 years in ownership and management in transportation sales and repair.  “I enjoy working at Carpenter Bus Sales because of the Christian environment. It’s makes selling a joy knowing we have more buses in our inventory than any other bus dealer in the country. This allows us to offer better deals to our customers.” Mike was born in Louisville, Kentucky but has spent the majority of his life in Nashville. Mike attended Harding University in Searcy, AR where he majored in Bible and Social Work. Mike and his spouse Donna live in Nashville, TN where they attended school together at David Lipscomb High.

Dan Henderson became a member at Carpenter Bus sales in September 2006. Prior to being at Carpenter Bus Sales, Dan spent five years at Construction Concepts of Tennessee where he started as sales associate and eventually become General Manager. “Carpenter Bus has afforded me the opportunity to work for my family’s business and continue to build on the foundation laid by my grandfather starting in 1953. I love working in an environment enveloped in honesty and sincerity. I have had the opportunity to interact and build relationships with a unique clientele which I have found to be extremely fulfilling”. Dan was born and raised in Nashville, TN. Dan attended Middle Tennessee State University where he majored in Art with a Graphic Design emphasis. Dan and his wife Mary now reside in Spring Hill, TN with their 2 kids.

Jeff joined the team at Carpenter Bus sales in December 2010 and has a strong background in management, sales and customer relations.  Prior to being at Carpenter Bus Sales, Jeff spent 15 years as a sales manager at a large transportation dealership in St. Louis. Jeff manages our St. Louis facility located in O’Fallon, MO.  “I truly enjoy coming to work every day at Carpenter Bus Sales. It is fantastic working for a faith-based company and it is rewarding serving the Church community with our products. I am blessed to work with such a strong team at Carpenter Bus.” Jeff was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. He attended Southeast Missouri State University where he majored in Business. Jeff and his wife Tammy now reside in St. Louis, MO and have 2 daughters. Their youngest lives at home and their oldest attends Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

Jerimy is the newest addition to the Carpenter Bus family. He came on board at Carpenter Bus Sales in October of 2011. Jerimy manages our sales facility at our Waco, TX location. Jerimy’s professional background includes 14 years of sales in the automotive, marine and recreation vehicle industries. “I love coming to work at Carpenter Bus Sales every morning helping customers find a quality and affordable solution to their transportation needs.” Jerimy was born and raised in Crawford, TX where he played baseball at McClennan Community College. Jerimy and his wife Paula now live in Leroy, TX with their three children and with one on the way! And yes…Jerimy has visited the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX.

Bryan joined the Carpenter Bus family in June of 2011 as our Strategic Accounts Manager. He is our resident expert on buses geared towards those markets outside of our current customer base.  Before Carpenter Bus Sales, Bryan spent the last 15 years working with Jastev Casework and Tennessee Trading House developing dealer networks and corporate sales. “The Christian camaraderie along with the ‘let’s get it done’ attitude are a couple of reasons I look forward to being a part of the family here at Carpenter Bus Sales.” Bryan was born and raised all over Texas. He holds a degree in Organizational Behavior from Covenant College and Banking Finance from the University of Georgia. Bryan and his wife Dickie Marie reside in Columbia, TN and have 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild on the way. Bryan and his wife rode in horse drill teams for years.