For the 2024 Farm Equipment Dealerships of the Year (DOY), the judges chose Hopkinsville, Ky.-based H&R Agri-Power in the over-$100 million revenue category and Eis Implement of Two Rivers, Wis., in the under-$100 million revenue category. The recipients competed against a field of over 50 North American dealers nominated by dealers, employees, customers, DOY alumni and equipment suppliers. More importantly, they join an exclusive list of 36 previous DOY recipients — the Dealership of the Year Alumni Group.

By the Numbers

Combined, H&R Agri-Power and Eis Implement accounted for nearly $777 million in total revenue, with combined revenue per employee coming in at more than $1.2 million. Together, they also produced an average parts and service absorption rate of 98% for the year. The average return on assets for these 2 dealers was 18.55%. 

In 2023, H&R Agri-Power grew its revenue by nearly 25% over 2022 for a total of $739.7 million. The company produced a ROA of 13.1%, the second highest in the over $100 million category. With an average revenue per employee of $1.2 million, the judges said it was “by far the best” of all the nominees.  The dealership also achieved an absorption rate of 85% and 25% cash crop market share and 38.2% for livestock.

Eis Implement had revenues of over $37 million and an ROA of 24%, among the highest of all nominated dealers. The single-store dealer achieved a 111% absorption rate and 50% market share in 2023. Eis had the highest market share of all 2024 nominees.  

Best-in-Class Dealerships

In addition to the Dealership of the Year recipients, Farm  Equipment also recognized 3 dealerships as being “best-in-class.” 

In the over-$100 million revenue category, the recipient is Hoober Inc., with 12 locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey and 375 employees. The company reported revenues of $276 million and a ROA of 8.8%. Hoober’s market share came in at 21%, and its parts and service absorption rate was 80%.

Also best-in-class in the over-$100 million revenue category is Messick’s Farm Equipment, with 5 locations in Pennsylvania and 280 employees.  The company reported revenues of $189 million and a ROA of 15%. Messick’s market share came in at 30%, and its parts and service absorption rate was 99%.

In the under-$100 million revenue category, Farm Equipment recognizes Intermountain New Holland, with 2 stores in Idaho and 32 employees. The dealership reported over  $37 million in revenue and a ROA of 6%. It had an absorption rate of 112%. 

Words from Past Winners

“First, let me say that the experience of being Dealership of the Year has been very positive and rewarding. It challenged us, humbled us and gave us new determination to get even better. It also had a significant impact on how people viewed us through the hiring and recruiting process. It gave folks outside our industry a much better understanding of what we really do, including our financial partners. Finally, it allowed us to share many ideas with our other dealer contacts as they reached out and asked questions relative to reading the article and viewing the videos. Bottom line, this was a big deal for the Van Wall Team!”

— Don Van Houweling, Owner/CEO, Van Wall Equipment, Perry, Iowa (2016 Dealership of the Year)

“Being named Dealership of the Year brought a great sense of pride to the entire dealership and has only increased my appreciation for the team working at Salem Farm Supply and for the significance of good human capital at a dealership. Dealerships of the Year are built on good ideas and good people. I am grateful that Salem Farm Supply has both.”

— Carol Lewis, General Manager, Salem Farm Supply, Salem, N.Y. (2015 Dealership of the Year)

“It was highly unusual for us to break off from a multi-store Deere operation. Winning Dealership of the Year shows me, 14 years later, that I did the right thing. I am absolutely so grateful for the people I have around me who are action-oriented and really dig in. Whether you have 18 stores or just one, you always need to have a finger on the marketing to drive your business.”

— Arthur Lepp, Owner Greenland Equipment, Carman, Man. (2018 Dealership of the Year)

“What an awesome honor to be selected as Dealership of the Year, especially when I look back and see other dealers who have received this honor before. Being considered and then to actually be honored with being named Dealership of the Year makes me feel good about what we’re doing in the business and the impact we’re making. Hopefully we can continue to perform at a level that would be deemed worthy of this recognition.”

— Ted Briscoe, CEO,  SN Partners, Mexico, Mo. (2021 Dealership of the Year)

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