If you're reading this, you probably own a truck. Or perhaps you just drive one for work. And perhaps you're considering whether or not you should order a standard headache rack or a custom one. So much has been said about the utility features and benefits of installing one of these mods on your pickup. I want to focus on the bigger picture though. I want to focus on what a headache rack says about you and your business. So here goes, the top seven statements are:

1. You are results oriented. Since a headache rack is designed for function, it says you care about making the most of your time and effort.

2. You work hard. This almost goes without saying! Put two pickup truck side by side. One looks like a hard working truck, the other just looks like a truck.

3. You take pride in your work. Another prominently touted feature of a headache rack is that they are designed to protect the back window of your cab. Placing on on your pickup helps to protect it. This indicates you take pride in your "tools" and most likely take pride in your work.

4. You're cool. Probably a little cliche, but it fits. Trucks with custom headache racks especially scream "cool." They turn heads and as an added bonus, the people turning their heads at your truck, the better recognition you build around your brand.

5. You're financially savvy. Yep, believe it or not, spending money on functional truck accessories indicates that you're financially savvy. It's a little different than adding something like diesel smoke stacks behind your cab! The rack says you invest money in accessories that both look nice, add a custom look, and are functional all at the same time.

6. You care about your customers. Generally speaking, professionals who invest in themselves are more likely to invest in others. Think about it this way; you've seen that local "budget" house painter with his 1989 Isuzu two wheel drive pickup cruisin' around town right? You think that guy cares as much about his customers and invests in them as much as the guy with the more functional looking truck?

7. You work until the job is done. This is especially true if you've added the rear facing cargo lamps to your custom headache rack! There is only one use for a cargo light and that is for working after dark. Professionals who need to work well into the evening hours do so because they're working until the job is finished.

The bottom line is that investing in your commercial pickup truck, whether you're the owner or the fleet manager is an important part of marketing and branding for your business and services. The key to getting this done right is to choose accessories that not only accent your rig, but also are functional and built as tough as you work. If you work hard, chances are you want to portray that image to your customers. Make sure your truck stays clean and presentable and has the right accessories to perform your job well.