KANSAS CITY, Mo.– The Western Equipment Dealers Assn. (WEDA) has announced the selection of Mitch Hartley for a new role as Dealer Development Manager for the WEDA Dealer Institute.

Hartley will serve in the expanded training and educational division and will be responsible for partnering with and advising dealers. He will assist assn. leadership with the design and development of resources and services equipment dealers are requesting to help them improve operational, financial and management efficiencies within their organizations.

Hartley brings more than 20 years of sales organization leadership experience in the areas of revenue production, organizational design and strategy, employee development and motivation, and account management. Hartley most recently served as the Director of Sales and Engagement for a firm where he led similar efforts in training and education within the automotive industry. He holds an MBA with an emphasis in business management from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo.

“I am thrilled to join the team at WEDA and capitalize on my experience in developing strategies to help businesses operate more effectively, and most importantly, more profitably. WEDA has an incredible reputation in the equipment dealer industry and I look forward to combining this reputation and presence with my experience to help the dealers with their unique business challenges.”

Hartley is one of several strategic hires by WEDA in recent months. Cory Hayes, Vice President of Training and Education, adds, “Our mission is to support and serve dealers. In an effort to provide progressive solutions to dealership challenges through Dealer Institute, WEDA must have qualified and knowledgeable people who understand today’s pressures facing both dealers and our industry. Mitch’s experience and expertise helps round out our Dealer Development team, which focuses on helping dealers throughout North America every day.”

In 2016, WEDA is launching a comprehensive line-up of dealership offerings designed to help dealers become better at what they do. Dealers are encouraged to contact Western Equipment Dealers Assn. at 800-762-5616 to learn more.