Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/739479
20 NOVEMBER 2016 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com COVER STORY Plan to do the same thing I have been doing. Pray every morning and give thanks to the Lord for what he has given me and my family. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how optimistic are you about your dealership heading into 2017, and why? 10. Learned years ago, I am optimistic every day. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not here yet. Lord willing, I will see tomorrow! He knows my future; he knows the path. I give my worries to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my rock and my refuge. If you do not understand this, it is because you do not know him. Seek him, and you will understand. HARVEY HILL, OWNER ABBOTTSTOWN REPAIR SHOP LLC (HANOVER, PA.) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how has your dealership fared in 2016, and why? 8 What valuable lessons did you learn during 2016, and what do you plan to do differently in 2017? Service was good. Sales of new units were down, the higher-end units were the worst, parts were off as well. Will be bringing in lower- cost units for 2017. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how optimistic are you about your dealership heading into 2017, and why? 7. The economy is still not good, and after the election, it may get worse. JASON McLEAN, PRESIDENT McLEAN'S REPAIR SHOP (GRAYLING, MICH.) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how has your dealership fared in 2016, and why? 10 Just opened a separate building for power equipment sales/service from our main hardware store. Sales are way up, thanks to the expansion. What valuable lessons did you learn during 2016, and what do you plan to do differently in 2017? Organize!!! All the problems come from fast expansion and poor organization of most things. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how optimistic are you about your dealership heading into 2017, and why? 10. The new expansion is doing fantastic, and now that word is out, I expect further growth next year. CHRIS FAMA, OWNER SCAPERS OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT (GAINESVILLE, GA.) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how has your dealership fared in 2016, and why? 6 What valuable lessons did you learn during 2016, and what do you plan to do differently in 2017? Concentrate on more parts sales w/commercial accounts and sales w/new equipment. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how optimistic are you about your dealership heading into 2017, and why? 7. Not gonna lie to you, but it's been a struggle being a newer outdoor power equipment dealer. We continue to give the best possible service to our customers, and we are hoping for the best. Good mechanics are hard to fi nd. Biggest problem we come across is high schools do not teach the kids small-engine repair or automotive skills. It was taught when I was in high school, and I am still using that skill today. I also had a landscape business for 25 years and used that skill to keep our equipment in top notch. Kids need hands-on training because computers are great, but you still need to fi x it by hand. Hope it changes… VINCE MARIER, PRESIDENT LINDSTROM WHEELHORSE (LINDSTROM, MINN.) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how has your dealership fared in 2016, and why? 8 Similar to last year. Consumer Z riders are up 50 percent, and tractor riders are down. Commercial products are off from last year's high mark. Plenty of moisture really helped add consumer sales of parts and service. What valuable lessons did you learn during 2016, and what do you plan to do differently in 2017? Advertising via mailings and inserts were effective, and print ads are getting less effective. Will need to go to more online advertising and website promotions as more customers use phones to gather information before purchase. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how optimistic are you about your dealership heading into 2017, and why? 7. Optimism is tempered by the economy. BOB RODRIGUEZ, PRESIDENT GEORGE'S MOWER SERVICE (RIVERVIEW, FLA.) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how has your dealership fared in 2016, and why? 7 What valuable lessons did you learn during 2016, and what do you plan to do differently in 2017?