The Rural Lifestyle Dealer team extends our appreciation to the Dealership of the Year judging panel made up of Dr. W. David Downey, David L. Kahler, Charles R. Glass. Read their thoughts on the caliber of the dealers.
Back in the fall of 2007, Rural Lifestyle Dealer debuted with the aim of helping dealers identify and adapt to an evolving market where a new type of buyer was taking on a significant role.
Blue River Tractors of Durant, Okla., had its beginnings as a repair shop and the dealership continued its customer-first philosophy when it became a tractor dealership in 2010.
Back in the fall of 2007, Rural Lifestyle Dealer debuted with the aim of helping dealers identify and adapt to an evolving market where a new type of buyer was taking on a significant role. As then-managing editor Dave Kanicki put it in the inaugural issue, “The hobby farmer, the rural lifestyler, the large property owner — representing the most significant growth market for farm machinery during the past half-decade and for the foreseeable future — require a different kind of approach.”
Tim MacEntire, co-owner of Blue River Tractors, talks about the structure of their dealership, which includes the unique approach of eliminating department titles and cross training. Blue River Tractors is Rural Lifestyle Dealer’s 2016 Dealership of the Year.
Tim MacEntire, co-owner of Blue River Tractors, talks about how they are meeting the challenges of finding, training and retaining service technicians. Blue River Tractors is Rural Lifestyle Dealer’s 2016 Dealership of the Year.
Tim MacEntire, co-owner of Blue River Tractors, says that until recently, he handled all the deliveries to customers. He says that personal connection between a customer and an owner helped their dealership grow. Blue River Tractors is Rural Lifestyle Dealer’s 2016 Dealership of the Year.
Tim MacEntire, co-owner of Blue River Tractors, talks about the service focus for their dealership and how they plan to make the best use of their existing service facilities after they open their new location. Blue River Tractors is Rural Lifestyle Dealer’s 2016 Dealership 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.