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Articles by Kim Schmidt

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Dealership Minds

Organized Inventory Requires Communication & Documentation

By Kim Schmidt posted on February 1, 2014 | Posted in Best Practices, Department Management
Derek Gregorek doesn't have the typical story of how he got into the dealership business. He didn't grow up on a family farm, and he didn't spend his summers in high school sweeping up the shop of a local dealership. After about 10 years working in the insurance industry, he spent the next 3 or 4 years as Mr. Mom, as he puts it.
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AE50 Awards Recognize Farm Machinery Advancements (Part 1 of 3)

By Kim Schmidt posted on February 1, 2014 | Posted in Product Innovations & Introductions
For the past 27 years, members of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) have sought out and recognized the most innovative advancements in engineering in the areas of agricultural, food and biological systems with the AE50 Award. The products selected save producers time, reduce costs and labor, while improving user safety
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From the Desk of Kim Schmidt

The Future of Unmanned Robotic Tractors

By Kim Schmidt posted on January 20, 2014 | Posted in Product Innovations & Introductions
Source: Farm Equipment
Before too long, you're going to need techs to repair your techs. The other day, I came across an article from an Irish newspaper that said remote controlled robotic tractors and combines could be the future of farming, according to a top agricultural engineer and professor at Harper Adams Univ. in the U.K.
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Special Report

How Dealers Deal with Ag's Business Cycles

By Dave Kanicki and Kim Schmidt posted on June 9, 2013 | Posted in Manufacturer News
With the exception of 2009 — a year that, in retrospect, wasn’t all that bad for sales of farm machinery — dealers have experienced 5 remarkable years of consistently strong unit sales. This has surprised many dealers, even the most optimistic ones. A Colorado dealer told Farm Equipment recently, “I’ve lived through two bad cycles (in the 1980s and ‘90s) so I’m really enjoying this one.”
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Sales Training Starts From the Top

Regular communication between the sales manager and the sales team will help in identifying training needs and tracking their progress.
By Kim Schmidt posted on April 8, 2013 | Posted in Department Management
It's a common complaint heard from dealers across North America, "I can't find good techs." However, finding the right sales team can be just as challenging, and is just as important. Keep in mind, the quality of the sales team starts with the quality of the sales management. The better the management, the better the sales team.
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Creating Worthwhile Dealer Events: Combine Clinics

By Kim Schmidt posted on April 8, 2013 | Posted in Dealers on the Move
Keeping farm customers productive and efficient is the goal of every farm equipment dealer. This is particularly true during harvest time. Unfortunately, not all customers are looking far ahead when it comes to getting their equipment ready. A lot of times this is particularly true when it comes to combines. But, you can help them prepare by hosting a combine clinic focused on maintenance and harvest preparation.
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Gold digger in ground opt

How to Sell: Efficiency in the Field Fuels Quick ROI

Installing drainage tile is proven to improve crop yields, and by doing it themselves farmers will see a convincing ROI.
By Kim Schmidt posted on March 13, 2013 | Posted in Niche Equipment Markets
As land prices continue to rise, there's a growing need for producers to squeeze as much from their acreage as possible. Between growing commodity prices and land values, increasing yield is more important than ever. In order to improve yield without adding acreage, proper drainage is key. And more producers are starting to tackle the task of laying drainage tile themselves.
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A&I Products

Since 1980, A&I Products has become a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of aftermarket replacement parts for the agricultural, turf, and industrial equipment markets. A&I Products' experience and expertise has greatly contributed to the company's reputation as a top supplier of quality, reasonably priced parts. Founded with roots as a small machine shop and repair facility, the company made the transition by manufacturing new parts to replace those that were identified as commonly needing repair. Throughout the 1980s, the company quickly garnered a reputation for offering quality parts at a reasonable price.

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At Machinery Scope, we believe you deserve the best risk management solutions for your investments in heavy equipment. Since 2013, we have been proud to offer extended warranty, appraisals, and inspections. Machinery Scope is a family-owned business built on our experience in farming and equipment dealerships. We understand your business and provide a personalized and professional level of customer service. Machinery Scope has built a strong warranty product with our customers in mind, offering the same professional level of service from the time you get a quote, through the processing of a claim.
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