Operations & Finance

Special Report: After the Ink Dries

Assimilating an Acquired Dealership: Issues & Missteps

Buying another dealership is the easy part. Integrating it into the overall organization is the bigger challenge.

By Dave Kanicki posted on June 11, 2016 | Posted in Best Practices, Operations & Finance, Department Management, Dealer Succession

When it comes to either buying or selling a dealership, when the deal is done, the parties on the different sides of the table say they all face the same set of challenges. How the issues are prioritized may differ if you’re the buyer or seller, but the concerns remain the same.

From the Desk of Dave Kanicki

Can We Stop Worrying Now?

By Dave Kanicki posted on May 24, 2016 | Posted in Operations & Finance

This will come as no surprise to John Deere dealers, but your major OEM wants you to share the risks of leasing farm and construction equipment with them.

Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance Announces Financing Extension with Briggs & Stratton

April 27, 2016 | Posted in Operations & Finance, Manufacturer News

The extension will be used to support wholesale floor plan financing of consumer and commercial riding equipment, portable generators, pressure washers, snow blowers and lawn mowers.

[Webinar] Drivers of the Business: Financial Metrics for the Non-CPA

By Kim Schmidt posted on April 26, 2016 | Posted in Operations & Finance

During this webinar, Mike Hedge reviews how basic financial statements fit together and what they measure. He also introduces a few key metrics that he believes are key to helping dealers maintain a healthy business for the long run. This live event took place at 2:00 p.m. CDT on April 26, 2016. [To view any of our webinar replays, you must be logged in with a free user account.]

Waterpark Development is a Major Departure for Hlavinka Businesses

By Dave Kanicki posted on April 8, 2016 | Posted in Operations & Finance

As the timeline of Hlavinka Equipment will attest, operating a diverse business is nothing new for the Hlavinka family. Since its founding in 1939, when Joe Hlavinka Sr., partnered with the Boettcher family to purchase the Farmers Lumber Co. in East Bernard, Texas, the Hlavinkas have owned and operated various businesses, from lumber and hardware to coffins and construction.

Business Diversity Means ‘Opportunity’ for Hlavinka Equipment

While keeping its focus on ag, this dealer group actively looks for other opportunities to serve its farm customers.

By Dave Kanicki posted on April 6, 2016 | Posted in Operations & Finance

As the timeline of Hlavinka Equipment will attest, operating a diverse business is nothing new for the Hlavinka family. Since its founding in 1939, when Joe Hlavinka Sr., partnered with the Boettcher family to purchase the Farmers Lumber Co. in East Bernard, Texas, the Hlavinkas have owned and operated various businesses, from lumber and hardware to coffins and construction.

Ahead of the Curve

Dynamic Pricing Will Change Ag Retail

By Dan Crummett posted on March 12, 2016 | Posted in Best Practices, Operations & Finance

We’ve heard for years that “information is power” and one needs to look no further than the travel industry to see the effects online commerce has had in the buying and selling of airline tickets and hotel room rentals. Very few people call a travel agent to take care of those things today, whereas 20 years ago, company or independent agents booked nearly all flights and a significant amount of lodging and rental car business.

Ahead of the Curve

Ahead of the Curve: Dynamic Pricing Will Change Ag Retail

By Dan Crummett posted on March 12, 2016 | Posted in Best Practices, Operations & Finance

We’ve heard for years that “information is power” and one needs to look no further than the travel industry to see the effects online commerce has had in the buying and selling of airline tickets and hotel room rentals. Very few people call a travel agent to take care of those things today, whereas 20 years ago, company or independent agents booked nearly all flights and a significant amount of lodging and rental car business.

McFarlanes’ is Back & Bigger Than Ever

By James DeGraff posted on March 12, 2016 | Posted in Dealers on the Move, Operations & Finance, Facilities

Upon driving up to the front of the new McFarlanes’ facility in Sauk City, Wis., I double-checked my GPS to make sure we hadn’t made a mistake. Expecting to see an average-sized dealership with some signage and maybe a few machines on display, I instead fixated my eyes on what could’ve been assumed to be an NFL practice facility or indoor theme park had I not known better.