Mark Foster, Ag Division Manager, Birkey's Farm Stores Inc. (2007 Dealership of the Year). Mark Foster, who has been with this 13-store dealer group for 29 years, outlines the decisions and lessons learned with this unique 6-owner arrangement, the keys to structuring buy-ins/buy-outs and how a solid board of owners (all with direct-line management responsibilities) is finding total-entity success by subordinating to the firm's larger concerns.

David Meyer, Chairman & CEO of Titan Machinery Inc. (2006 Dealership of the Year). David Meyer started in the dealership business as a partner in two dealerships in 1976. Today, he heads up a giant 98-store dealer operation that employs 2,500 and covers 9 states and two European nations. You'll understand the logic of M&A during this economic climate as well as the how's, why's and challenges of establishing itself as a publicly-held entity.

Eric Johnson, Partner, Johnson Tractor Inc. (2012 Dealership of the Year). Second-generation dealer-principal Eric Johnson co-owns the 3-store Johnson Tractor with his brother, Leo. While recording an aftermarket absorption rate envied by most dealers, Johnson (who joined the firm in 1982) maintains there's no validity to the oft-preached maxim that parts and service can support a business during a downturn.

Mike Hedge, CFO, Treasurer and Shareholder, Birkey's Farm Stores Inc. (2007 Dealership of the Year). Mike Hedge was a public-accounting auditor and controller in the hotel business prior to joining Birkey's in 1992, where he oversees the firm's finance, accounting, information systems, HR and marketing. Recognized as one of the best financial minds in the industry, Hedge explains why the majors' push for market share MUST intersect with the dealers' paramount need for cash flow and profitability.

Gordon Thompson, who worked for an international accounting firm prior to joining the dealership in 1986, brings a "numbers-and-cents" view to the debate on whether small- or large, multi-store operations bring the greatest return. From his personal perspective and what he's seen through analysis of industry data, Thompson explains why well managed 42-employee, 2-store operations like Moker & Thompson can succeed in a land of giants.

Todd Kunau, President & CEO, Kunau Implement (2008 Best in Class Dealer). Third-generation dealer-principal Todd Kunau, who has worked at the dealership since 1989, has demonstrated an ability to find a place "ahead of the curve" in a number of areas, including precision farming. In this presentation, Kunau, who has served on several mainline OEMs' Dealer Advisory Boards, shares how actively selling various brands in addition to the major's sign out front can contribute to long-term customer relationships and competitive success for the dealership.

Tim Young, Young's Equipment (2009 Dealership of the Year). Young, who was called a revolutionary by the CEO of NetSuite, understands what is possible through customer engagement technologies and how dealerships can properly apply them for real results. He walks you through the profit-generating benefits of customer segmentation as well as supporting your marketing vision through CRM and account management technologies.

Boyd Hofmann, Partner, Vice President & General Sales Manager, Jaydee AgTech (2011 Dealership of the Year). A year into his role as sales manager in 1995, Boyd Hofmann purchased the ownership shares of the GM. Seven years later, he acquired 3 more dealerships before merging with another 5-store operation in 2009, which today has 9 locations under the JayDee AgTech banner. In this presentation, Hofmann shares his approach to managing and measuring marketing and other operations, as well as anticipating issues well in advance of the arrival of the monthly statement. His no-nonsense presentation shares performance metric tips and will have you eager to put the "execution back in executive" at your dealership.

Laird Munro, Director, Marketing and Communications, Rocky Mountain Equipment (2008 Dealership of the Year). The old "spray-and-pray" marketing approaches don't work today, says Laird Munro, who is responsible for tactical marketing (including rebranding), community engagement and internal communications for Rocky Mountain's 38-store dealership group. With professional experience in the information technology, airline and online marketing industries, he brings a fresh, outside view to the iron business. Embracing the role of both futurist and disrupter, Munro's presentation helps attendees move between theoretical concepts and real-world applications in the equipment business.

Quint Campbell, Marketing Manager, Birkey's Farm Stores Inc. (2007 Dealership of the Year). The son of a dealer-principal, Quint Campbell has 15 years of marketing management experience at Birkey's, with full oversight of all marketing materials, daily online updates of used inventories and dynamic-marketing campaigns, which now include websites, social media initiatives and special syndicated offers scrolling on LCD TVs at the parts counter. Campbell sheds light on what it takes to be a marketing-focused dealership, and provides actionable ideas your store can put into play tomorrow.