Editor’s Note: This article was excerpted from “All About Tractors” column by Paul Wallem, appearing in the August 30, 2024 edition of Farm World.

I spent a day and a half at the Dealership Minds Summit in Madison, Wisconsin in early August. It's an annual program for dealerships -- that I believe will benefit all farmers, too.

Conducted by Lessiter Media through their dealer magazine FARM EQUIPMENT, the Summit brought together agricultural dealers of all brands. Through presentations and roundtables, dealer group management shared ideas on providing the best support for farm customers.

Forty-five companies operating over 500 dealerships attended. Their objective was to learn from each other how to best manage their locations. Many considered having a "bench" for each key position vital. For you, the customer, that means that if the parts or service manager or another key supervisor is out sick, his temporary replacement has been trained ahead of time to care for you.

A "bench” is particularly Important to you when you are involved in precision farming and rely on instant help with machine downtimes and where onboard computers exist.

Owner transition was another key topic for the group. The retirement or death of an owner/manager should be anticipated and planned for so that the change does not negatively affect their customers.

All dealership employees will do better for you and their customers If appropriately trained. One dealer group places each new employee with a trainer for 90 days. This mentor uses orientation and networking with other employees to educate the newcomer about the job he has. I believe this kind of meeting involving all brands and colors will benefit you, their farm equipment customer.

Paul-Wallem-DMS

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