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Mike Lessiter

Mike Lessiter

Mike Lessiter, a second-generation ag journalist, has been Editor/Publisher of Farm Equipment since 2004. He has covered business-to-business operations, manufacturing, and marketing topics since 1992 and has held various roles with the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Assn. and the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers. Mike is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was named president of Lessiter Media in 2007.

Contact: mlessiter@lessitermedia.com
Articles

ARTICLES

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Stoltz Sales Invests in 'Shop of Dreams'

Just celebrating its first birthday, the 18,000 square foot shop at this Ontario dealer — one that hangs its hat on the aftermarket business — brought new service orders out of the woodwork.
By Mike Lessiter posted on March 1, 2014 | Posted in Facilities
In the very early years of the 35-year-old Stoltz Sales & Service (a three-store Ontario dealer group) General Manager Marlin Stoltz and his brothers who founded the business saw that parts and service was where all the margin exists.
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From the Desk of Mike Lessiter

Take Charge of 'Upping' Your Knowledge Quotient

By Mike Lessiter posted on February 4, 2014 | Posted in Operations & Finance, Department Management
With our company hosting two national conferences (each topping 1,000 attendees) last month, this time of year gives our team an up-close look at how just how seriously some take learning and networking. And conversely, how passive others can take theirs. If you were at our 22nd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in 2 weeks ago Springfield, Ill., you'll agree it was flat-out inspiring to see farmers arriving with a hot-list of questions they're determined to find answers for. These farmers were still pursuing answers long after a 10:15 p.m. presentation.
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To The Point: 'Magic-Wand' Wavers for 2014

By Mike Lessiter posted on January 2, 2014
By nearly everyone's account, 2013 was another good year for the farm equipment industry. There's much to be thankful for, for sure, as we look in the rear-view mirror. But then again, this is an industry built on a foundation of finding a better way, so the new year also brings an inclination to dream a little about what "could be."
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How to Sell

Fuel Trailers Deliver 'Add-On' Sales Opportunities for Tractors & Combines

Boosted by the diesel exhaust fluid handling needs with the new Tier 4 Final engine regulations, fuel trailers are a niche product that makes your farmer’s greatest investments — the tractor and combine — more efficient.
By Mike Lessiter posted on October 1, 2013 | Posted in Niche Equipment Markets
Boosted by the diesel exhaust fluid handling needs with the new Tier 4 Final engine regulations, fuel trailers are a niche product that makes your farmer's greatest investments the tractor and combine more efficient.
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Dealership of the Year: Stotz Equipment

By Mike Lessiter posted on July 17, 2013 | Posted in Best Practices
The last time Stotz Machinery (known then as Arizona Machinery) graced the cover of Farm Equipment (featuring the Avondale location’s famed saguaro cactus) was in April/May 2005 (“Making Multi-Stores Manageable”). What captured attention at the time was the firm’s ability to manage 13 stores (a large number for those days) in 4 states from a remote location.
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