The arrival of spring means storms, and storms mean generator and power equipment sales. But you can't make those sales and be a go-to resource for your rural lifestyle customers if that same storm knocks you out of business.

One characteristic that sets apart many rural lifestyle dealerships is the company culture and work ethic of the employees. Chris Frodel and Bryan Hanson, owners of Mid-State Equipment in Janesville, Wis., talk about the company culture at Mid-State. Customer service comes in as the top priority for the company.

Rural lifestylers who grow crops and produce for farmers markets may be a growing market opportunity for dealers.

Bill Grundy, with Avant Tecno, caught up with us earlier this year to talk about dealer opportunities with Avant Tecno and their line of compact loaders which are new to the US.

Rural Lifestyle Dealer caught up with Jerry Johnson, president of Woods Equipment Products Division, at the recent Ag Connect Expo in Kansas City to learn more about the company’s new partnership with Yanmar America.

According to the 2011 National Assn. of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 88% of home buyers use the Internet to find a home. If that many people are looking at major purchases online, chances are they're researching outdoor equipment as well.

Dealers have spoken and the rural lifestyle market outlook is good - not outstanding - but good. This is according to results from our sixth annual Dealer Business Trends & Outlook survey. A majority of dealers say 2013 results should be as good as or better than last year, but no significant increases in revenue.

KIOTI Tractor Supports Breast Cancer Awareness with NFMS Auction

It's probably all the talk about the "fiscal cliff" or a general uncertainty in the overall economy that seems to have businesses feeling they're operating in business limbo these days. But dealers selling equipment to hobby farmers, large property owners and professional lawn and landscape services are hanging on to a generally positive view about their business prospects for 2013.

Building upon nearly 50 years of airflow research that has made its PowerVac the most productive vacuum collection system for homeowners and turf care professionals, The Grasshopper Company has introduced the new Model 8HT PowerVac collector.