One of my favorite stories is about an iconic local ag teacher who had a big heart for kids but lacked a tad in the paperwork department of teaching. He was on constant probation for being late on reports. He also couldn't type 20 words per minute.

He let it slip he had to get his reports in and that the class would read a chapter in some boring book while he typed. He had to take a bathroom break and during his absence, one enterprising young lad came up and popped off the letters of his keyboard and rearranged about half of them. As he returned and started typing, the kids were in tears and contortions as the typist yelled, "What the ... oh s...." and on and on for a few minutes 'til he figured what had transpired.

I am sure we feel the same frustration as we rebuild from the ashes. Someone has moved all the keys and what I sometimes produce just isn't what I had in mind. I am a dinosaur. I am a generation behind in the way of modern construction and labor works. I am also about two decimal points off in what costs are today.  But — and I say this a lot — we press on.  

I gave my experienced staff free reign in setting up shop in a temporary location. They worked miracles. My sales engineer (who is an engineer and computer geek) had us up and running in 2 weeks in terms of communication, internet and all online capabilities. Our parts manager along with our suppliers had us stocked and at about 95% capacity in 4 weeks. My wife, kids and grandkids pitched in as well for some long nights. My bookkeeper became a formidable foe to the insurance communities, and we never missed a beat or deadline. The shop techs figured how to keep work flow in a shop 20% of the size we had before. I am braggin' here on these guys. They are making an old man who thought the world had ended find some new joys in the farm implement business.

Yes, it is tough, but we are blessed to work with rural customers and farmers. They all are encouragers and are understanding as they exhibit patience with us. Few businesses who lost all could be lucky enough to find a place to move into within a week that was a couple of miles from the burnt facility. We thank the good Lord and Deere's demand for new facilities for that (we are in a building occupied by a former Deere dealer). The main reason we were able to bounce back was a good insurance policy.  As we stated in the last blast, check and recheck your insurance policies regularly as well as business back up systems and securities.  

The main issue we struggle with is "and that's another thing" syndrome as someone reaches for some part, tool, office supply or system we realize we don't have or didn't order. We will again relive the story that gave rise to this saying next time.  

Thanks for giving me the liberty to brag on our staff as we chronicle the Phoenix story of our dealership. 'Til next time...  wishing you miles of smiles and profits.

Told from the perspective of an in-the-trenches owner/operator — Tim Brannon of B&G Equipment, Paris, Tenn. —  Equipment Dealer Tips, Tales & Takeaways shares knowledge, experiences and tips/lessons with fellow rural equipment dealerships throughout North America. Covering all aspects required of an equipment dealership general manager, Brannon will inform, entertain and provide a teachable moment for current — and future — leaders within equipment dealerships.

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