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Rural Lifestyle Dealer

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Winter 2018

Volume: 11
Edition: 4

Generational Dealer Serves Generations of Customers

  • Table of Contents

    Table of Contents

    From the Field

    Defending Your Brand

    By Lynn Marcinkowski Woolf posted on January 27, 2018 | Posted in Best Practices
    We poll our subscribers each Monday on a wide range of dealership topics and one question in particular stirred up our dealer-readers: “Do you agree or disagree with the U.S. District Court ruling in favor of Deere & Co. in a lawsuit filed to protect use of the trademark green and yellow color combination on agricultural equipment?”
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    Dealer Profile

    Killians: Generational Dealer Serves Generations of Customers

    Four women representing the third and fourth generation of the Killian family are investing in the two things that make their dealership the best: customer experience and after-sale service.
    By Gregg Wartgow posted on January 27, 2018 | Posted in Best Practices
    One day in 1997, Elmer Killian, then owner of Killians Hardware in Hickory, N.C., died unexpectedly in an accident. His daughters, Sharon Killian Radke and her younger sister, Susan Killian Kirby, were left to not only deal with the loss of their father, but also to take control of a diverse retail operation.
    Read More
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    Top Stories, According to You

    Here are the articles, videos, webinars, e-Books and more that captured your attention online in 2017.
    January 27, 2018 | Posted in Dealer News
    The rural equipment market is vibrant, with many of you telling us that your market has grown significantly over the last few years. That means there is lots for the Rural Lifestyle Dealer staff to cover as we keep you updated on new products, best practices, expert strategies and more.
    Read More
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    Rural Lifestyle Dealer Names New Editorial Advisory Board

    Select group of dealers to share insights, helping ensure coverage meets the needs of today’s dealer principals.
    January 27, 2018 | Posted in Dealer News
    Rural Lifestyle Dealer announces its new editorial advisory board, which is made up of a select group of dealers representing the Dealerships of the Year and others who have demonstrated excellence.
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    Seize the Opportunities Ahead

    Dealers are forecasting increased overall and aftermarket revenue for 2018, backed up by a solid economy, and are investing in their businesses.
    By Lynn Marcinkowski Woolf posted on January 27, 2018 | Posted in Data & Forecasts
    Are you feeling good about 2018? You should be, based on the results of Rural Lifestyle Dealer’s Dealer Business Trends & Outlook survey. And, if you’re not, it’s time to make quick adjustments to tap into the momentum that other dealers are experiencing.
    Read More
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    Succession Planning Step-by-Step: Part 1

    Ensure the future of your dealership with this sound process for choosing new leaders, funding the transition and ensuring a rewarding retirement for yourself.
    By Rex A. Collins posted on January 27, 2018 | Posted in Best Practices
    A sound dealership succession plan addresses a long list of issues, including retirement income, transferring wealth to the dealer’s heirs, transferring ownership, dealing with the income and estate tax consequences associated with an ownership transfer, and addressing other issues key to the ongoing success of the business; not the least of which (and often forgotten) is transitioning management.
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    Achieving Peak Performance

    Coach Employees to Achieve Success

    Improve your coaching skills to turn average employees into excellent ones, transforming your dealership in the process.
    By Bob Clements posted on January 27, 2018 | Posted in Best Practices
    Improve your coaching skills to turn average employees into excellent ones, transforming your dealership in the process.
    Read More
  • Featured Articles

    Featured Articles

    020_Top-Stories_RLD_0118.jpg

    Top Stories, According to You

    Here are the articles, videos, webinars, e-Books and more that captured your attention online in 2017.
    January 27, 2018 | Posted in Dealer News
    The rural equipment market is vibrant, with many of you telling us that your market has grown significantly over the last few years. That means there is lots for the Rural Lifestyle Dealer staff to cover as we keep you updated on new products, best practices, expert strategies and more.
    Read More
    Opening_image.jpg

    Seize the Opportunities Ahead

    Dealers are forecasting increased overall and aftermarket revenue for 2018, backed up by a solid economy, and are investing in their businesses.
    By Lynn Marcinkowski Woolf posted on January 27, 2018 | Posted in Data & Forecasts
    Are you feeling good about 2018? You should be, based on the results of Rural Lifestyle Dealer’s Dealer Business Trends & Outlook survey. And, if you’re not, it’s time to make quick adjustments to tap into the momentum that other dealers are experiencing.
    Read More
    Killians_women-2.jpg
    Dealer Profile

    Killians: Generational Dealer Serves Generations of Customers

    Four women representing the third and fourth generation of the Killian family are investing in the two things that make their dealership the best: customer experience and after-sale service.
    By Gregg Wartgow posted on January 27, 2018 | Posted in Best Practices
    One day in 1997, Elmer Killian, then owner of Killians Hardware in Hickory, N.C., died unexpectedly in an accident. His daughters, Sharon Killian Radke and her younger sister, Susan Killian Kirby, were left to not only deal with the loss of their father, but also to take control of a diverse retail operation.
    Read More
  • Digital Edition

    Digital Edition

  • Online Extras

    Online Extras

    Online Extras: Winter 2018 Issue

    January 27, 2018

    Web-exclusive content for this issue includes:

    • Siezing the Opportunity Ahead
    • Videos from the 2017 Dealership of the Year series with Big Valley Tractor and Ewald Kubota
    • Exstensive new product and video coverage from the 2017 GIE+EXPO
    • RLD Podcast Series

    Read More

This month's digital sponsors:

Top Articles

Must Read Free Eguides

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Videos

AEM Highlights Pro-Manufacturing Policy Initiatives

AEM Highlights Pro-Manufacturing Policy Initiatives

For its part, the editorial team at Lessiter Media, reporting on behalf of Farm Equipment, Rural Lifestyle Dealer, Ag Equipment Intelligence and Precision Lifestyle Dealer, joined the AEM Manufacturing Express at two of its stops, including Woods Equipment in Oregon, IL and Kuhn in Brodhead, Wisc.

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Top Directory Listings
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Yanmar

Yanmar America is the North American headquarters of Yanmar Holdings. Ranked #1 in Product Quality for five years in a row by the Equipment Dealers Association, Yanmar provides innovative solutions for Rural Lifestyle and Industrial Equipment customers.


Yanmar was the world’s first manufacturer to develop a practical small diesel engine in 1933 and has continued to push the boundaries of innovation and technology ever since. As a manufacturer of diesel engines, compact tractors and utility task vehicles, construction machinery, and industrial equipment, Yanmar's products are sold in over 130 countries.


At Yanmar America, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services, backed by a strong team of professionals who share our dedication to excellence. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you in achieving your goals.

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Stihl Inc

Virginia Beach-based STIHL Inc., produces a full line of high-quality, handheld outdoor power equipment including blowers, trimmers, brushcutters, and multi-task tools, as well as the number one selling brand of chainsaws worldwide. STIHL Inc. manufactures over 260 model variations of handheld outdoor power equipment for sale in the U.S. and around the world.

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