Winners for the fifth-annual Dealers in Excellence Awards

2007 Dealers in Excellence Award Winners Named

The fifth-annual Yard & Garden Dealers in Excellence Award winners were recently named at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville. Sponsored by Ariens, STIHL, EETC and GIE+EXPO, the awards recognize independent power equipment dealers who are successfully growing their businesses with professionalism and innovation.

This year's winners are:

- Dave's Small Engine Repair in Oxford, ME

- Clay's Power Equipment in Raleigh, NC

- J&I Power Equipment in Olympia and Yelm, WA

Dave's Small Engine Repair in Oxford, ME

The first winner started like many dealers have – doing repairs out of his home-based shop in his spare time. Demand soon outgrew his capacity to supply, and it was time to make a decision. With the help and encouragement of his wife, he quit his full-time job at a Ford dealership and opened a full-service power equipment store in 2005. The first location left something to be desired. So, seven months later, they purchased a much better building on the main drag. Effective use of vendor-supplied marketing and merchandising tools, together with their own attention to store cleanliness and presentation, have helped this dealer's retail operation live up to their already stellar reputation of a professional service department, which is now EETC-certified. In just a couple years Dave and Paula Patry have build a solid business that son Robbie will be one day be proud to call his own.

Clay's Power Equipment in Raleigh, NC

Founded in 1965, the second winner transformed itself from neighborhood garden center to go-to retailer of outdoor power equipment. Now under the leadership of the family's second generation, this dealership changed its name in 2001 to better position itself in the minds of consumers. Unique services such as its Cutter Club, which provides customers with priority repairs and maintenance, free blade sharpening and free initial pickup and delivery, help set it apart from the box stores and other competitors. Commercial customers also enjoy the convenience of this dealer's parts delivery system. An aggressive marketing strategy that utilizes a variety of traditional and non-traditional media have helped make Clay's Power Equipment one of the strongest brand names in their area. The use of technology and ongoing technician training, which includes Stihl Silver and Gold level training, along with EETC certification, have helped make Clay's one of the best service centers around.

J&I Power Equipment in Olympia and Yelm, WA

The third winner has been a finalist for this award twice before. Opening a second dealership that did over a million dollars in its first season has left no doubt this year – J&I Power Equipment in Olympia and Yelm, WA, is as good as they get. Like many outstanding dealers, J&I credits its experienced, dedicated staff for its success. As the employer, Randy and Lori Longnecker are always looking for new ways to train and motivate their people. They recently set up a training room which houses a computer, conference phone and plasma screen TV, so technicians and sales staff can receive on-site training at minimal expense to the dealership. The Longneckers also added a camera system and central server for both stores. Originally added for security reasons, Randy says the system also helps him manage the Yelm store from his main office in Olympia. These are just a couple examples of the countless innovative, cost-effective things the Longneckers have done over the years to keep their dealership one step ahead.

For complete stories on these three dealers, along with the 10 other finalists, see Yard & Garden's November 2007 issue.

Click here for a complete listing of all nominees and finalists for the 2007 Dealers in Excellence Awards.