Best Practices - Articles

The Next Generation

14 Ideas to Find & Develop Professional, Prepared Managers

The right managers can come from a variety of sources, but make sure the fit is right for both the dealership and the individual.

By Kim Schmidt posted on March 12, 2015 | Posted in Best Practices, Department Management

Finding good, quality employees is a challenge for all dealerships, especially for management level positions. Professional and prepared managers can come from a variety of sources, whether groomed internally, recruited from the corporate world or from the people you know in your local community.

Technology for Profit

Article Rewind: What We’ve Covered So Far

By George Russell posted on March 12, 2015 | Posted in Best Practices

I began writing a regular column in 2009 under the banner “Planning for Profits,” which focused on ways progressive farm equipment dealers can improve their bottom lines. In early 2012, the editorial focus changed to “Technology for Profits” — that is how dealers can and should use technology profitably. This list responds to dealers who have asked for copies to previously published articles.

Wider World of Business

7 Proven Ways to Boost Customer Happiness in 2015

If you want to boost customer happiness in 2015, you have to take purposeful action.

February 9, 2015 | Posted in Best Practices

Happy customers are something that no business should ever take for granted, yet few companies make this metric a priority.

Minnesota Tech Colleges Team Up for New Ag Education Program

February 4, 2015 | Posted in Best Practices, Department Management

With an aging workforce and pressing labor shortages, a new collaboration among tech colleges will focus on infusing the ag industry with skilled workers.

Dealer Profile

Z&J Farms Adding Equipment Sales is All About Opportunity

A few years of working for a dealership whetted this farmer’s appetite to establish his own retail operation.

By Dave Kanicki posted on February 1, 2015 | Posted in Best Practices

Watching Zach Reiter work the TruAG exhibit at the 2014 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, you might have thought he worked for the manufacturer of seed tender products, as well as anhydrous bars. As it turns out, Reiter is an independent farmer-dealer who handles TruAG products as his main line of equipment.

2015 Dealer Executive Roundtable

Farm Equipment gathered 4 Dealership of the Year Alumni for a candid, face-to-face exchange on issues facing today’s industry.

February 1, 2015 | Posted in Best Practices, Operations & Finance

Farm Equipment gathered 4 Dealership of the Year Alumni for a candid, face-to-face exchange on issues facing today’s industry.

Getting a Handle on Your Parts Operations

A recent survey of parts department practices and performance could help dealers pinpoint areas for improvement.

By Dave Kanicki posted on February 1, 2015 | Posted in Best Practices, Operations & Finance, Department Management

A recent survey of parts department practices and performance could help dealers pinpoint areas for improvement.

Reynolds Farm Equipment Gives $375,000 to Conner Prairie, Becomes Sponsor of 1859 Balloon Voyage Experience

January 28, 2015 | Posted in Best Practices

Reynolds Farm Equipment is now the presenting sponsor of the 1859 Balloon Voyage experience at Conner Prairie, an interactive history park north of Indianapolis.