The editorial staff of Farm Equipment, with the support of Laforge, is excited to announce a new quick-hitting video series. The “Farm Equipment Thought Leader Video Series” consists of brief, 1-on-1 conversations with influencers in the farm equipment industry. 

The first episode of Farm Equipment’s “Thought Leader Series” features Mike Hedge, CEO of 17-store Illinois and Indiana Case IH dealer Birkey’s Farm Store (Dealership of the Year Alum). Almost exactly a year ago, Birkey’s announced it had become 100% employee-owned, and Hedge discusses how the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) improves employee retention and gives the organization an edge in future mergers & acquisitions.

Birkey’s, long known for thoughtful succession planning, of which the ESOP was significant part, also made news last week with the announcement that longtime Birkey’s executive and second-generation owner Brady Foster has been appointed the new President of Birkey’s Farm Store, with Hedge remaining CEO and focusing on overall leadership of the business and strategic initiatives. 

You can watch the new episode by clicking here.

Refer to the Farm Equipment Daily Email Update (sign up FREE here) to be notified as soon as new episodes are posted. To suggest Thought Leaders you’d like to see featured in future episodes, contact Ben Thorpe at bthorpe@lessitermedia.com / 262-777-2425.

Laforge branded front 3-point hitch systems have been available since 1979. Laforge Systems was established in 1991 as the first step in a carefully planned expansion to support Laforge’s growing number of dealers and customers throughout North America. The company quickly became a world leader in technology related to tractor-implement interaction, tractor ballasting and weight transfer.