The Dealer Experience – A Guide to Profitability
Benefits for dealers of all sizes:
- Education that provides take-home solutions
- Insights from a petroleum – industry insider.
- A Dealer Club for relaxing, checking e-mail, enjoying refreshments and networking
- Networking opportunities with dealers from around the world
- Lunches and other networking opportunities with dealers from around the world
- Be among the best in the industry at the Yard & Garden Dealers in Excellence awards ceremony
- Make your voice heard in the annual Dealers’ Choice Awards, sponsored by Power Equipment Trade magazine
Pre-registration is required for all educational sessions.
Obtain expert advice on streamlining your brands, building margins, writing a budget, planning for the next generation, competing with the “big boxes,” utilizing resources available to dealers, providing services that will result in larger profits and much more.
Thursday, October 23
12:00 – 1:30pm
Session 1
Build Beneficial Relationships with
Contractors to Build Your Bottom Line
Jeremy Eck, Spruce It Up Inc., Springfield, MO
Todd Reinhart, Reinhart Grounds Maintenance Inc., Bloomington, IL
Juan Vila, Vila & Son, Miami, FL
Kurt Bland, Bland Landscaping Co. Inc., Apex, NC
1:30 – 2:45pm
Session 2
What’s Next: A Look to the Future of the OPE Industry;
a conversation with Fred Whyte, president of STIHL Incorporated, and Dan Ariens, president of Ariens Company. Hear also from John Felmy, American Petroleum Institute. He will discuss the key factors affecting the energy marketplace – the value of the dollar, the geo-political situation and even the weather.
Dealer lunch/$15 per participant.
3:00 – 4:30pm
Session 3
Propel Your Company to Success
with Value-Driven Marketing Practices
Jeff Smith, Twin City Outdoor, West Monroe, LA
Ralph Helm III, Ralph Helm Inc. Lawn Equipment Center, Elgin, IL
Shaun O’Connor, O’Connor’s Lawn & Garden, Oklahoma City, OK
Kevin Hansut, Gulf Coast Tractor & Equipment, Land O’Lakes, FL
Friday, October 24
12:00 – 1:30pm
Session 4
Successful Business Planning 101
Lynn Pesson, Jr., Southland Engine Company, Lafayette, LA
Tim Ahearn, Ahearn Equipment, Inc., Spencer, MA
Phil Jacobi, Jacobi Sales, Palmyra, IN
Carl Levien, Carl’s Mower & Saw, Ferndale, WA
1:30 – 2:15pm
Session 5
Yard & Garden’s 6th annual Dealers in Excellence Awards presentation, sponsored by Ariens, STIHL, Equipment & Engine Training Council and GIE+EXPO.
Dealer lunch/$15 per participant.
2:30 – 4:30pm
Session 6
Valuable Resources For Hiring, Training and Retention
Tom Rigg, Riggs Mowers & More, Valparaiso, IN
Scott Jardine, Arn’s Equipment Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Terry Coffin, Beard’s Outdoor Power Equipment, Crestwood, KY
Barden Winstead, Land & Coates, Virginia Beach, VA
