Joe and Sharon Kapitany have bought and sold 7 different farms in 4 states over the last 9 years in pursuit of the perfect retirement property — and they have finally found it. In January 2016, they bought 150 acres near Simpson, Ill., and are now building a home and tackling numerous land management projects.

KanEquip has faced changes head on throughout its 50-year history, whether it be acquisitions, a weak farm economy or a recent $6 million renovation of its Wamego, Kan., headquarters.

“Subject matter experts are the new rainmakers.” That’s the No. 1 business trend for 2017, according to a Forbes.com columnist. That’s what I intended to write about because it speaks of so much potential for rural lifestyle dealerships, which are loaded with experts.

The vice chairman of Art’s Way Mfg. recently opened a dealership in Marietta, Ohio, carrying the Branson tractor line and Big Tex trailers.

Ray Sosler III of Sosler’s Garden & Farm Equipment shares how his dealership uses email and text message marketing to increase sales.

Making better use of your subject matter experts is a top business trend for 2017.