Two Sundays ago, my pastor, Matt Morton, devoted his sermon to an examination of Hebrews 10:24. His message delved into the importance of getting together personally — and encouraging, spurring and provoking each other toward the lives we were all meant to live. 

Each of us, we learned, has much to contribute to the larger collective via different strengths, gifts and perspectives. Most of us have also emerged from the other side of great challenge and lived to talk about it. Thus, we have something priceless to offer others having to navigate uncharted territory.

The Promised Land of Equipment Thinking

This had me thinking about the 12^th  Annual Farm Equipment Dealership Minds Summit coming this August in Springfield, Ill. Through the guidance of our advisory boards, the speakers, topics and special events are outstanding as always. You can judge for yourself by reviewing the program here.

But the magic of the event is observing the dealers, suppliers and presenters “walking together” in search of finding ways to more profitably operate an equipment dealership.

Showing Up for Others

Success in the ag equipment business is not, as they say, a ‘solo sport.’ No successful business pro achieved success in isolation; it requires contributions from every corner of the business ecosystem.

This reminds me of a favorite talking point from the father of a friend of mine. The late Larry Elton of Advantage Plus imparted on us, his family and employees of his equipment-leasing business a key maxim: that “life is about showing up.” 

Most “gray hairs” like me can point to the specific lessons and relationships that came from getting together with our peers, and being present enough to hear their wisdom. 

So most of you’ve experienced how one key encounter can solve myriad problems — and avoid new ones. Lives and livelihoods do get changed at these gatherings.

Once dealer leaders experience the Summit for themselves, we’ll know we'll see them again. It’s how we see a half-dozen attendees who’ve come back every year for one of our ag conferences — 30-plus years in a row.

And the 2 days in Springfield, Ill., are guaranteed to help you get actionable answers. That’s right, a 100% guarantee from my dad and me that affords you 6 months to decide if the experience ROI’d for you.

The Greater Good

Here’s something else to ponder …

None of you accomplished what you did on your own, right? Someone walked with you on your journey — perhaps a dealer peer, consultant, supplier or association executive. They’re all known to workshop problems just like yours and keep you out of trouble by calling out the landmines ahead. And who encourage you to keep going, especially on the days the deck feels stacked against you.

Many of you, in fact, have told our team that you gained business-saving advice and solutions at one of our 70-some national ag events over the last 32 years.

It’s true that most humans are motivated by self, so the question “What’s in it for me?” naturally get asked.

To that question, I’d add that we are meant to be “in community.” You certainly will get what you put into any conference.

But true leaders know that you invest and contribute to what you’ll one day get in return. Perhaps, you’re meant to show up for someone else, just like someone else did for you when you, not they, needed it most.

Knowledge Always Yields Dividends

So if you can accept that, there is zero risk for a few days of your time to make new, perhaps lifelong business associates and friends, in a fascinating city of great historical significance.

And you can contribute to improving the tide for the entire business, because a more informed dealer community always pays off — in every region and color, and in every ag economy.

Are you willing to show up, and contribute, in the Land of Lincoln? Register here today. Use the special discount code, MIKE30, on your registration. It’s our way of saying thanks for being part of the solution.

With all of the news of recent weeks on strip-tillage and its opportunities for equipment dealers, consider attending both the Dealership Minds Summit and the 13th Annual National Strip-Tillage Conference in Springfield, and at a reduced rate!