Rural Lifestyle Dealer's 2015 Business Trends & Outlook survey is now wrapped up and thank you to the dealers who responded. The official results will be released in our winter issue, but here's one nugget I can share: Your decision to pursue the rural lifestyle market is a good one.
Anne Salemo, president of Charter Software, shares strategies for how dealers can stay current with technology. The company helps equipment dealers increase profitability through the use of proven, intuitive, integrated, cost-effective business solutions. it is celebrating 30 years in business.
Consolidations and acquisitions have strengthened dealerships in many ways, but also made it much more complicated to plan for the next generation of owners. And, even those smaller family dealerships may discover the next generation thinks their future is outside the dealership.
The Western Equipment Dealers Assn. (WEDA), an international trade association representing equipment dealers since 1889, has announced the selection of Andrew P. Phillips as its new vice president, SouthWestern Region. Phillips will fill the vacancy created by Jeff Flora's retirement. The selection was made after a national search and selection process conducted by Tryon & Heideman LLC.
Jeff Griggs is president of the National Tractor Parts Dealer Assn. and chief operations officer of All States Ag Parts, De Soto, Iowa. We talked recently about the parts business from his point of view, including working with equipment dealers.
Dealers are often so busy being dealers they miss out on what they can gain by thinking like customers. This goes beyond viewing your dealership through your customers' eyes, but looking at equipment as if it's your first time buying things like a zero-turn mower or a chain saw. Adding that viewpoint can help you make more sales and help you decide whether it's time to add or change manufacturers.
The past 2 years have meant new product introductions, awards and a new retail marketing strategy for Excel Industries. Rural Lifestyle Dealer was on hand when Excel introduced its Raptor lineup in September 2012 and again when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback recently recognized the company as exporter of the year.
Lessiter Media editors visited RhinoAG in Gibson City, IL to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the production processes and attention to detail that have contributed to their longevity as they celebrate their 90th anniversary in 2024.
Yanmar America is the North American headquarters of Yanmar Holdings. Ranked #1 in Product
Quality for five years in a row by the Equipment Dealers Association, Yanmar provides innovative
solutions for Rural Lifestyle and Industrial Equipment customers.
Yanmar was the world’s first manufacturer to develop a practical small diesel engine in 1933 and
has continued to push the boundaries of innovation and technology ever since. As a manufacturer of
diesel engines, compact tractors and utility task vehicles, construction machinery, and industrial
equipment, Yanmar's products are sold in over 130 countries.
At Yanmar America, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products
and services, backed by a strong team of professionals who share our dedication to excellence. We
look forward to the opportunity to work with you in achieving your goals.
Virginia Beach-based STIHL Inc., produces a full line of high-quality, handheld outdoor power equipment including blowers, trimmers, brushcutters, and multi-task tools, as well as the number one selling brand of chainsaws worldwide. STIHL Inc. manufactures over 260 model variations of handheld outdoor power equipment for sale in the U.S. and around the world.