Faces of Industry Constantly Changing by Dale Stotts

D. H. Lawrence wrote: “Why doesn't the past decently bury itself, instead of sitting waiting to be admired by the present?” Personally I'm guilty of just this, admiring the past and wishing parts of it would have never evolved into the present. As the readers are fully aware this will mark my 50th year associated with the Lawn & Garden Industry. Looking back of these 50 years I have fond memories of several of “The Faces Of This Industry” who have either retired or sadly passed on to greener pastures. So for now I'm going to return to those “Golden Years” and explain why I miss those faces.

Service Operations: Dealer Survey Results by Dan Shell

There’s no place else in the dealership that dealers have more control over profitability than the service department. Dealers get to manufacture and price their own product: in this case skilled time and smart parts inventory management that deliver customer satisfaction.

From finding, training and compensating technicians, setting shop labor rates and maintaining efficient parts inventories, dealers control more factors in the service department than any other.

Staying Small Offers Better Profit Focus by Dan Shell

Service sells like no other product for lawn and garden dealers, and those who can operate fast, efficient and accurate service will always have a niche in their local market, no matter how big the dealership. “If you can provide good enough service, you can overcome being a smaller size, or even a lack of wheeled equipment,” says Marvin Cowley, who owns and operates All-Seasons Power Equipment in west Eugene.

Understanding Opportunity for Service Profit Boost by John Walker

According to Webster, an opportunity is: “A favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances, a chance for progress, profitability or advancement.”

I am, and always have been, an optimist. I have, through training and experience, always understood the opportunity available in my company’s area of expertise, the aftermarket. While many equipment dealers consider their aftermarket an afterthought, while many dealers consider it as no more than a necessity, we continually describe it as the greatest opportunity available to any and all equipment dealers. The equipment dealers’ opportunity certainly meets Webster’s definition and we define it as a dealer’s focused opportunity.

Deep Thought – and a Laugh

According to Buddhist tradition, karma is the total effect of a person’s actions during successive phases of existence. It assumes that your conduct in this lifetime will influence events and relationships in future lifetimes.

Whether or not you believe in reincarnation, practicing good karma at work can only help you, for most people see the consequences of their behavior play out in this life. How do you do it? The main strategy is to consciously manage work relationships, which are similar to family relationships in that while we don’t necessarily choose them, we have to make them work as best we can.

Closing the Service Gap by Dan Shell

This month’s issue takes a look at dealer service departments through PET’s 2010 Dealer Survey, which included a handful of questions on service that cover areas from labor rates and technician pay to aftermarket parts usage and ethanol-related repair issues.

We’re also featuring a dealer profile article on All-Seasons Equipment in Eugene, Ore., a small, Stihl-only dealership that specializes in premium products and stellar service.

Reading back over the All-Seasons article I realized I had left out some comments from partner Marvin Cowley about his approach to service, and with the cutting season beginning to heat up around the country, his insights are worth sharing here.

Latest Recreation Products for Dealers

Like all of Wiley X’s Climate Control eyewear, the new Rout features company’s Top Down ventilation and patented removable foam Facial Cavity seal, to keep vision clear when the going gets hot, not to mention keeping wind, dust, debris and peripheral light away from wearers’ eyes. The design is tailor-made for any outdoor activity, from motorcycling and biking to snow sports and boating.

Supplier Sales, Distribution and Program News

Stens has joined popular social networking sites Twitter and Linked In. Stens plans to use the networking sites to communicate with customers and hopes these sites will be viewed as a direct line to Stens staff. Stens believes this is a step to staying connected with its customers and keeping its finger on the pulse of the industry. “Each site ultimately belongs to our customers as a way to communicate thoughts, ideas and opinions to Stens,” commented Peter Ariens, Stens President.

The Latest In New Products, New Technology

Rotary’s selection of belts are durable and reinforced for optimal performance. Rotary offers new commercial belts for 2010, a full line of premium belts, and heavy-duty belts reinforced with aramid fiber. All Rotary belts are of guaranteed quality that meets or exceeds all OEM standard for operation. Also available is a free 2010 Rotary catalog for servicing dealers and distributors, featuring over 8,000 parts, tools and accessories.