Rural Lifestyle Dealer RuralLifestyleDealer.com is your source for news, stories and videos for dealers selling to everyone from hobby farmers to estate owners to landscape contractors and municipalities. The rural lifestyle market is evolving fast. We keep you informed! https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/rss/articles Improving Inventory Accuracy – Physical Inventory vs Cycle Counting During his corporate journey, Dean Devore noticed the lack of OEM focus on the professional development of Parts Employees at their authorized dealers. In 2015, he left corporate America and founded Parts Academy to train and certify Parts Professionals working for equipment dealers. During his corporate journey, Dean Devore noticed the lack of OEM focus on the professional development of Parts Employees at their authorized dealers. In 2015, he left corporate America and founded Parts Academy to train and certify Parts Professionals working for equipment dealers.

]]> Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12282-improving-inventory-accuracy-physical-inventory-vs-cycle-counting http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12282 VitalEdge Technologies Awarded 2026 Stevie Award The company’s submission, “VitalityAI: Purpose-Built Innovation for Agricultural Technology,” was recognized as a Silver Award Winner. Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12327-vitaledge-technologies-awarded-2026-stevie-award http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12327 Scag Power Equipment, Octane, and Huntington Bank Team Up to Streamline OPE Purchases Dealers and customers benefit from full-spectrum financial options and advanced digital tools. Dealers and customers benefit from full-spectrum financial options and advanced digital tools. 

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:59:27 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12323-scag-power-equipment-octane-and-huntington-bank-team-up-to-streamline-ope-purchases http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12323 Toro Company announces Edric C. Funk as New CEO The Toro Company’s board of directors elected president and chief operating officer Edric C. Funk to the position of president and chief executive officer, effective November 1, 2026. Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12326-toro-company-announces-edric-c-funk-as-new-ceo http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12326 Percy: The Parts Selling Partsoid A 24-7, 52 weeks of the year, no vacation or sick days, robotic parts manager. Doesn't that sound great? Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/blogs/2-equipment-dealer-tips-tales-takeaways/post/12324-percy-the-parts-selling-partsoid http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/blogs/2/post/12324 Journey From 1 to 3 Stores What I Learned Jeremy Gantt, president of Louisiana Kubota dealership Bayou Kubota, will walk attendees through his journey from being a single-store dealer in 2019 (then called Ruston Tractor) to now operating 3 stores as Bayou Kubota. Jeremy Gantt, president of Louisiana Kubota dealership Bayou Kubota, will walk attendees through his journey from being a single-store dealer in 2019 (then called Ruston Tractor) to now operating 3 stores as Bayou Kubota.

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12281-journey-from-1-to-3-stores-what-i-learned http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12281 SATISFYD Launches Signal, Bringing Experience Intelligence to Equipment Dealers New AI insights capability analyzes existing customer feedback in under 60 seconds — surfacing the risks, patterns, and revenue opportunities dealers need to act on. New AI insights capability analyzes existing customer feedback in under 60 seconds — surfacing the risks, patterns, and revenue opportunities dealers need to act on.


]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:52:42 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12321-satisfyd-launches-signal-bringing-experience-intelligence-to-equipment-dealers http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12321 Rural Lifestyle Dealer's Best of the Web: July 21, 2026 This Week's Lineup: The Rise and Fall of Wheel Horse, The Garden Tractor With A Religious Following How Do You Build a Successful Multi-Location Dealership? ‘We Dislike John Deere but Probably Not for the Reason You Think’ Biggest STIHL Fan Chaseburg Veteran Receives New Tractor Through National Program Best of the Web This Week is brought to you by LS Tractor. This Week's Lineup:

  • The Rise and Fall of Wheel Horse, The Garden Tractor With A Religious Following
  • How Do You Build a Successful Multi-Location Dealership?
  • ‘We Dislike John Deere but Probably Not for the Reason You Think’
  • Biggest STIHL Fan
  • Chaseburg Veteran Receives New Tractor Through National Program

Best of the Web This Week is brought to you by LS Tractor.

]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12320-rural-lifestyle-dealers-best-of-the-web-july-21-2026 http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12320 Parts 101 Sara Hey, VP of Sales Development at Bob Clements International details what she states is "Parts 101". Sara Hey, VP of Sales Development at Bob Clements International details what she states is "Parts 101". 

]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12280-parts-101 http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12280 Rural Lifestyle Dealer Dealer Business Trends & Outlook Review Rural Lifestyle Dealer reviews outlooks & trends for 2002 along with future expectations for 2023. Rural Lifestyle Dealer reviews outlooks & trends for 2002 along with future expectations for 2023. 

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12279-rural-lifestyle-dealer-dealer-business-trends-and-outlook-review http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12279 Lessiter Media Welcomes Veteran Media Sales Leader Dale Jackman Jackman will work with customers to develop integrated marketing programs across the company's industry-leading brands, digital platforms and live events. Jackman will work with customers to develop integrated marketing programs across the company's industry-leading brands, digital platforms and live events.

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:29:51 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12319-lessiter-media-welcomes-veteran-media-sales-leader-dale-jackman http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12319 U.S. OPE Dealer Revenue Rises with South Seeing Greatest Increase June revenue for outdoor power equipment (OPE) increased compared to May 2026. Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12318-us-ope-dealer-revenue-rises-with-south-seeing-greatest-increase http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12318 Selling & Servicing Electric Equipment Chris Mundy, managing partner at single-store Solectrac dealer Columbiana Tractor, shares his journey to becoming a Solectrac dealer. Chris Mundy, managing partner at single-store Solectrac dealer Columbiana Tractor, shares his journey to becoming a Solectrac dealer. 

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12278-selling-and-servicing-electric-equipment http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12278 MAC Welcomes Industry Veteran, George Keen as Advisor MAC is pleased to announce that George Keen has joined the organization as an Advisor. MAC is pleased to announce that George Keen has joined the organization as an Advisor.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:40:30 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12317-mac-welcomes-industry-veteran-george-keen-as-advisor http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12317 Rural Lifestyle Dealer's Best of the Web: July 14, 2026 This Week's Lineup: The Fascinating Story of Wright Mfg, The Man Who Won The Stand-On War Oliver Landpower's Toro Autonomous GeoLink Demonstration Day Landscape, Equipment & ... Concerts? Oh My! DIY Wizard Turns ‘Miniature’ Tractors Into Equipment Fleet Case Study: New Holland’s Hybrid Telehandler Prototype Best of the Web This Week is brought to you by LS Tractor. This Week's Lineup:

  • The Fascinating Story of Wright Mfg, The Man Who Won The Stand-On War
  • Oliver Landpower's Toro Autonomous GeoLink Demonstration Day
  • Landscape, Equipment & ... Concerts? Oh My!
  • DIY Wizard Turns ‘Miniature’ Tractors Into Equipment Fleet
  • Case Study: New Holland’s Hybrid Telehandler Prototype

Best of the Web This Week is brought to you by LS Tractor.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12314-rural-lifestyle-dealers-best-of-the-web-july-14-2026 http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12314 UAPs & UFOs: Tales from the Bayou Just in case you missed it, the government just had a huge document dump about UAPs: Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:52:46 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/blogs/2-equipment-dealer-tips-tales-takeaways/post/12316-uaps-and-ufos-tales-from-the-bayou http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/blogs/2/post/12316 FEMA Welcomes NorthBuilt as New Preferred Technology Partner The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) is pleased to announce NorthBuilt as its preferred technology partner, effective July 1, 2026. The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) is pleased to announce NorthBuilt as its preferred technology partner, effective July 1, 2026. 

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12315-fema-welcomes-northbuilt-as-new-preferred-technology-partner http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12315 The Secrets to Service Productivity & Efficiency How to Unlock Your Dealership's True Potential Discover the secrets to year-round dealership profitability! In this presentation, you’ll learn how to set the perfect technician labor rates, manage your inventory like a pro, and the best automation processes to implement in your service department. Discover the secrets to year-round dealership profitability! In this presentation, you’ll learn how to set the perfect technician labor rates, manage your inventory like a pro, and the best automation processes to implement in your service department.

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12277-the-secrets-to-service-productivity-and-efficiency-how-to-unlock-your-dealerships-true-potential http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12277 Electric & Battery Powered Panel How has the electric and battery powerd equipment market grown in recent years? Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12276-electric-and-battery-powered-panel http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12276 Kubota Tractor Corporation Announces Charlie Kowalski as Vice President of Information Technology for U.S. Operations Kubota Tractor Corporation today announced the appointment of Charlie Kowalski as Vice President of Information Technology for its U.S. operations. Kubota Tractor Corporation today announced the appointment of Charlie Kowalski as Vice President of Information Technology for its U.S. operations.

]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12312-kubota-tractor-corporation-announces-charlie-kowalski-as-vice-president-of-information-technology-for-us-operations http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12312 Equip Exposition Announces New Programs, Experiences in 2026 Equip Exposition, the award-winning international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition trade show, unveils several new events this year. Equip Exposition, the award-winning international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition trade show, unveils several new events this year.

]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12311-equip-exposition-announces-new-programs-experiences-in-2026 http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12311 New Holland Rochester Finds Solution to Void Left by Agri-Sync How dealers can use the customer service software program Gorgias to connect communication channels. How dealers can use the customer service software program Gorgias to connect communication channels.

]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12275-new-holland-rochester-finds-solution-to-void-left-by-agri-sync http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12275 Rural Lifestyle Dealer's Best of the Web: July 7, 2026 This Week's Lineup: Founders Edition ZT3500 for America's 250th Anniversary How Important is Your Time? How Big is Your Tractor? Ryobi ZR3 80V Hp Brushless Zero-turn Mower Review: Worth It? AGCO Launches Legacies of the Land Campaign to Honor Farming Families Across the United States The Future of the Fuel Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) Market: Market Size, Forecast, Investment Trends & Competitive Intelligence Best of the Web This Week is brought to you by LS Tractor. This Week's Lineup:

  • Founders Edition ZT3500 for America's 250th Anniversary
  • How Important is Your Time? How Big is Your Tractor?
  • Ryobi ZR3 80V Hp Brushless Zero-turn Mower Review: Worth It?
  • AGCO Launches Legacies of the Land Campaign to Honor Farming Families Across the United States
  • The Future of the Fuel Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) Market: Market Size, Forecast, Investment Trends & Competitive Intelligence

Best of the Web This Week is brought to you by LS Tractor.

]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12308-rural-lifestyle-dealers-best-of-the-web-july-7-2026 http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12308 John Deere: The Industry Leader? Tim Brannon tried to figure out the rationality of Deere's recent actions when it struck him: "this ain't your dad's old Deere." Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/blogs/2-equipment-dealer-tips-tales-takeaways/post/12310-john-deere-the-industry-leader http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/blogs/2/post/12310 2022 Dealer Business Trends & Outlook Review Dealer Business Trends & Outlook report, including how dealers fared in 2021. Dealer Business Trends & Outlook report, including how dealers fared in 2021.

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12274-2022-dealer-business-trends-and-outlook-review http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12274 Diversity & Inclusion: 3 Benefits and Takeaways for Your Dealership Research shows diverse and inclusive businesses versus their counterparts are: Delivering higher sales & revenue growth, Experiencing more business innovation and capturing new markets, and Outperforming their rivals in customer service Research shows diverse and inclusive businesses versus their counterparts are: Delivering higher sales & revenue growth, Experiencing more business innovation and capturing new markets, and Outperforming their rivals in customer service

]]> Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12272-diversity-and-inclusion-3-benefits-and-takeaways-for-your-dealership http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12272 Diamond Mowers Pulls Back The Curtain on Its American-Built Manufacturing Process Diamond Mowers is opening its factory doors to show how American-built equipment goes from raw steel to jobsite-ready performance that goes beyond the “Made in the USA” label. Diamond Mowers is opening its factory doors to show how American-built equipment goes from raw steel to jobsite-ready performance that goes beyond the “Made in the USA” label.

]]> Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12304-diamond-mowers-pulls-back-the-curtain-on-its-american-built-manufacturing-process http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12304 Top 10 Rural Lifestyle Industry Stories in June 2026 In case you missed them, here are the most popular items on our website from the past month, June 2026. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12307-top-10-rural-lifestyle-industry-stories-in-june-2026 http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12307 Bobcat President Mike Ballweber to Retire, CEO Scott Park Named Interim Leader Bobcat Company announced the upcoming retirement of Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc., effective July 31, following a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years with the company. Bobcat Company announced the upcoming retirement of Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc., effective July 31, following a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years with the company. 

]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:03:25 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12306-bobcat-president-mike-ballweber-to-retire-ceo-scott-park-named-interim-leader http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12306 Decluttering the Customer Experience with Texting Proven strategies to wow your customers and clear out logjams using the fastest growing business communication channel: text messaging. Proven strategies to wow your customers and clear out logjams using the fastest growing business communication channel: text messaging.

]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12271-decluttering-the-customer-experience-with-texting http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/12271