Gordon Thompson, who worked for an international accounting firm prior to joining the dealership in 1986, brings a "numbers-and-cents" view to the debate on whether small- or large, multi-store operations bring the greatest return. From his personal perspective and what he's seen through analysis of industry data, Thompson explains why well managed 42-employee, 2-store operations like Moker & Thompson can succeed in a land of giants.

Todd Kunau, President & CEO, Kunau Implement (2008 Best in Class Dealer). Third-generation dealer-principal Todd Kunau, who has worked at the dealership since 1989, has demonstrated an ability to find a place "ahead of the curve" in a number of areas, including precision farming. In this presentation, Kunau, who has served on several mainline OEMs' Dealer Advisory Boards, shares how actively selling various brands in addition to the major's sign out front can contribute to long-term customer relationships and competitive success for the dealership.

Tim Young, Young's Equipment (2009 Dealership of the Year). Young, who was called a revolutionary by the CEO of NetSuite, understands what is possible through customer engagement technologies and how dealerships can properly apply them for real results. He walks you through the profit-generating benefits of customer segmentation as well as supporting your marketing vision through CRM and account management technologies.

Boyd Hofmann, Partner, Vice President & General Sales Manager, Jaydee AgTech (2011 Dealership of the Year). A year into his role as sales manager in 1995, Boyd Hofmann purchased the ownership shares of the GM. Seven years later, he acquired 3 more dealerships before merging with another 5-store operation in 2009, which today has 9 locations under the JayDee AgTech banner. In this presentation, Hofmann shares his approach to managing and measuring marketing and other operations, as well as anticipating issues well in advance of the arrival of the monthly statement. His no-nonsense presentation shares performance metric tips and will have you eager to put the "execution back in executive" at your dealership.

Laird Munro, Director, Marketing and Communications, Rocky Mountain Equipment (2008 Dealership of the Year). The old "spray-and-pray" marketing approaches don't work today, says Laird Munro, who is responsible for tactical marketing (including rebranding), community engagement and internal communications for Rocky Mountain's 38-store dealership group. With professional experience in the information technology, airline and online marketing industries, he brings a fresh, outside view to the iron business. Embracing the role of both futurist and disrupter, Munro's presentation helps attendees move between theoretical concepts and real-world applications in the equipment business.

Quint Campbell, Marketing Manager, Birkey's Farm Stores Inc. (2007 Dealership of the Year). The son of a dealer-principal, Quint Campbell has 15 years of marketing management experience at Birkey's, with full oversight of all marketing materials, daily online updates of used inventories and dynamic-marketing campaigns, which now include websites, social media initiatives and special syndicated offers scrolling on LCD TVs at the parts counter. Campbell sheds light on what it takes to be a marketing-focused dealership, and provides actionable ideas your store can put into play tomorrow.

A total of 108 gathered in Kansas City for Farm Equipment’s inaugural Dealership Minds Summit. See our coverage of the event here >>

A total of 108 gathered in Kansas City for Farm Equipment's inaugural Dealership Minds Summit. On Jan. 30, 108 industry leaders gathered in a ballroom in the Kansas City Convention Center (where the Ag Connect show was being held) for a unique learning forum that lived up to its 'color-blind'? billing.

When the Farm Equipment staff spoke with dealers about topics they wanted for the first-ever Dealership Minds Summit, marketing topped nearly everyone's list. Because dealers know well that a better mousetrap and the world beating a path to your door is patently false. More important than ever, dealers must promote themselves with the same fervor that their OEM promotes its color, while employing new technology and customer intelligence tools.

Farm Equipment magazine's debut Dealership Minds Summit event in Kansas City can no longer accept registrations.