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Articles by Mike Lessiter

Special Report: Transitioning to the Next Generation of Dealers

Identifying a Leadership Style

By Brant Bingham and Mike Lessiter posted on June 1, 2014 | Posted in Dealer Succession

Farm Equipment asked Brant Bingham, the 30-year-old general operations assistant, who recently rejoined Arizona-based Bingham Equipment after earning his MBA, about the type of leader he aspires to be in his career.

Special Report: Alternative Distribution

Alternative Distribution: Manufacturer-Owned Company Stores

By Dave Kanicki and Mike Lessiter posted on April 21, 2014 | Posted in Manufacturer & Dealer Issues

This model consists of major lines, plus specialty manufacturers like Krone, Claas, Kuhn, Equipment Technologies and Bobcat who all have some company stores in operation along with dealer models.

Special Report: Alternative Distribution

Alternative Distribution: Joint-Venture Dealerships Owned by Several Shortline Manufacturers

By Dave Kanicki and Mike Lessiter posted on April 21, 2014 | Posted in Manufacturer & Dealer Issues

This model has been little more than barroom chatter to date, but does get enough attention to warrant examination. It's most often discussed by larger shortline manufacturers concerned with getting locked out of areas through brand purity efforts of the majors or dealers' own product rationalization during mergers or acquisitions.

Special Report: Alternative Distribution

Alternative Distribution: Direct to Farmer Sales; Subdealer Model for Service

By Dave Kanicki and Mike Lessiter posted on April 21, 2014

This idea consists of the manufacturer utilizing the Internet, equipment shows and direct personnel to make the initial sale, and making some other subcontract arrangement for parts, service and repair. According to Russell, this is similar to how equipment is distributed in some countries in Europe, where sales and service are functions handled by different dealers.

Special Report: Alternative Distribution

Alternative Distribution: Small Equipment Makers Have Their Own Distribution Challenges

By Dave Kanicki and Mike Lessiter posted on April 9, 2014 | Posted in Manufacturer & Dealer Issues

As traditional distribution channels evolve to meet customer needs, manufacturers of smaller equipment search for new ways to move product to the retail level.

Alternative Distribution

Special Report: Alternative Distribution

Alternative Distribution: How Many Options Really Exist?

Consultants and manufacturers weigh in on 7 options that are bandied about, and whether equipment dealers could see new or evolving models popping up around them.

By Dave Kanicki and Mike Lessiter posted on April 1, 2014 | Posted in Manufacturer News

Case IH’s announcement in February about brand purity at its dealer meeting and the specific mention of 7 lines they didn’t want to see competing with red equipment on dealers’ lots, got the attention of both dealers and manufacturers.

Lessiter

To The Point

10,000 Hours: Where Are You on Your Path to Greatness?

By Mike Lessiter posted on March 1, 2014

This week, the USDA documented what we all know is happening: one-third of farmers are now older than 65. While I don't possess hard data on dealer personnel, a scan of hair hues at a dealer meeting last week shows more of the same. No news here.

Stoltz Sales Invests in 'Shop of Dreams'

Just celebrating its first birthday, the 18,000 square foot shop at this Ontario dealer — one that hangs its hat on the aftermarket business — brought new service orders out of the woodwork.

By Mike Lessiter posted on March 1, 2014 | Posted in Facilities

In the very early years of the 35-year-old Stoltz Sales & Service (a three-store Ontario dealer group) General Manager Marlin Stoltz and his brothers who founded the business saw that parts and service was where all the margin exists.

Lessiter

From the Desk of Mike Lessiter

Take Charge of 'Upping' Your Knowledge Quotient

By Mike Lessiter posted on February 4, 2014 | Posted in Operations & Finance, Department Management

With our company hosting two national conferences (each topping 1,000 attendees) last month, this time of year gives our team an up-close look at how just how seriously some take learning and networking. And conversely, how passive others can take theirs. If you were at our 22nd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in 2 weeks ago Springfield, Ill., you'll agree it was flat-out inspiring to see farmers arriving with a hot-list of questions they're determined to find answers for. These farmers were still pursuing answers long after a 10:15 p.m. presentation.

Brian Carpenter

Dealership Minds

Leading with Structure to Minimize Chaos in Fast-Paced Business

By Mike Lessiter posted on February 1, 2014 | Posted in Precision Ag Sales & Service

If the maxim is true that an educated man is one who has learned to learn and never stops learning, then it's safe to believe that Brian Carpenter is bringing an example of educated leadership to his dealer group.

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Big Dealer Consolidation Continues in 2024

Big Dealer Consolidation Continues in 2024

In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Weasler Engineering, we break down the key takeaways from Ag Equipment Intelligence's newly released 2024 Big Dealer Report. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman shows us how cover crop planting could be done autonomously. Also in this episode, CNH Industrial reports a drop in ag sales, AGCO combine and application equipment sales are down year-over-year and a UK New Holland factory strike could impact North America.

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Montag Mfg

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