Dealers shared where they see the biggest opportunities for growth in 2019 in Rural Lifestyle Dealer’s 2019 Dealer Business Trends & Outlook survey.

Dealer Q&A: ‘What are your biggest opportunities for growth?'

“New location, new products and more experienced salespeople.” ... “Technology is the largest opportunity for growth and well as offering rental units. Our 40 horsepower and down tractors are an area that will keep us afloat in the next few years.” ... “Online marketing and sales. Increased online scheduling for service.” ... “Brand loyalty.” ...

“We feel we have a great opportunity for strong growth in the coming years due to good margins, a good economy and a motivated sales department.” ... “Update our website. Update the service shop.” ... “Changes in the service department with triage and efficiency in all departments.” ... “Increase labor rates. Continue to improve shop efficiency. Increase zero-turn mower sales. We are going to continue to grow our robotic mower sales and installs.” ... “Pursuing more government bids.” ...

“Acquiring a third location in high income area. Most growth will occur in the under 40 horsepower market and zero-turn mowers. The largest opportunity is selling our ability to service and satisfy customers. Beginning in January, we are spearheading a ‘buy local’ campaign in our local county to help educate businesses and consumers on the financial and economic impact of buying local.” ...

“Moving to a larger facility with more service department and retail space. Expanding to new lines and recently acquired new lines.” ... “Light construction equipment and hay equipment.” ... “We are in a transition mode from the older generation (third generation) to the fourth and fifth generation owners.” ...

“New business system, increased margins, changes in service.” ...

“Hay equipment.” ... “Continuing to improve margins with top-of-line service.” ... “We are in the planning stages for expansion. With the new construction in the area, they (other dealers) will see 50% more customers. This is not just from one, but many that I have spoken to. We will need more staff, but, at this moment, I am moving with guarded intentions.” ... “Larger tracts of land being cut up into smaller, more affordable plots with new houses being built on the land.” ... “There is a fair amount of new construction and I see a potential to take advantage of this trend and earn more homeowner retail sales.”...

“We’re focusing on some more rental equipment that our rural lifestyle customers can utilize, but don’t want to spend the capital on. Currently, we’re trying to stay with just specialized pieces that aren’t available through the larger rental houses – no-till drills, disc harrows, manure spreaders, etc. We’re also getting back to putting more focus on government/municipality sales opportunities.”