00:03
Welcome back to the essay.
00:04
Welcome back to the essay. Weekly Talk show Mike Allen
00:05
Weekly Talk show Mike Allen here with Co-host Cody Owen uh
00:08
here with Co-host Cody Owen uh that’s be confused with any
00:08
that’s be confused with any other Cody and our special
00:10
other Cody and our special guest Mike Baum of Broner
00:13
guest Mike Baum of Broner Equipment uh brother equipment
00:15
Equipment uh brother equipment is located in upstate New York,
00:16
is located in upstate New York, actually specifically
00:18
actually specifically Rochester. uh is where I found
00:20
Rochester. uh is where I found a tumble beginnings uh actually
00:20
a tumble beginnings uh actually where I started my lawn care
00:22
where I started my lawn care company and I actually started
00:24
company and I actually started buying uh my first pieces of
00:25
buying uh my first pieces of equipment um so Mike and I go
00:27
equipment um so Mike and I go way back uh as well as um the
00:30
way back uh as well as um the family before Mike actually was
00:31
family before Mike actually was in the business but a little
00:32
in the business but a little background of broader equipment
00:33
background of broader equipment for I opened up like Mike uh
00:35
for I opened up like Mike uh tell the story there uh.
00:37
tell the story there uh. Generation 60 years in the
00:41
Generation 60 years in the business and the top exmark
00:44
business and the top exmark dealer in all of New York State
00:45
dealer in all of New York State for several years now, so just
00:47
for several years now, so just really excited to bring it back
00:48
really excited to bring it back to the home roots and uh you
00:51
to the home roots and uh you know, get my on here to go over
00:53
know, get my on here to go over uh all things equipment and
00:55
uh all things equipment and things we should be talking
00:55
things we should be talking about what we’re going out to
00:56
about what we’re going out to make a new purchase decision
00:58
make a new purchase decision and things before that as well.
00:59
and things before that as well. so Mike obviously um first time
01:00
so Mike obviously um first time in the essay talk show If you
01:02
in the essay talk show If you don’t mind just uh give us a
01:03
don’t mind just uh give us a quick background of you know
01:04
quick background of you know how you got. Becoming a dealer
01:07
how you got. Becoming a dealer um some of the things you guys
01:09
um some of the things you guys provide and uh what kind of
01:10
provide and uh what kind of dive in and ask people may ask
01:12
dive in and ask people may ask some questions live here or in
01:13
some questions live here or in the recorded version, but uh
01:15
the recorded version, but uh floor is yours. Brother. Yeah.
01:16
floor is yours. Brother. Yeah. Well. thanks for having me
01:17
Well. thanks for having me guys. I really appreciate it
01:18
guys. I really appreciate it and uh glad to see you’re doing
01:20
and uh glad to see you’re doing so well like I said. Uh it’s
01:23
so well like I said. Uh it’s been a long time customer of
01:23
been a long time customer of ours and we’ve been around 60
01:26
ours and we’ve been around 60 years. It’s uh something my
01:27
years. It’s uh something my father um took over the reins
01:29
father um took over the reins from uh my great grandfather.
01:31
from uh my great grandfather. Mike, who named after uh
01:33
Mike, who named after uh started as a hardware store and
01:35
started as a hardware store and kinda grew from there with the
01:36
kinda grew from there with the real mowers and sharpening the
01:39
real mowers and sharpening the old all the old machines. uh
01:40
old all the old machines. uh what we have. We’re selling
01:43
what we have. We’re selling ninety-six inch commercial zero
01:44
ninety-six inch commercial zero turns and um we’ve really come
01:46
turns and um we’ve really come a long way. um it’s it’s been
01:49
a long way. um it’s it’s been great. It’s a family business.
01:51
great. It’s a family business. uh we’ve got nineteen employees
01:52
uh we’ve got nineteen employees uh twelve of us are family um
01:55
uh twelve of us are family um and it’s uh it’s really
01:57
and it’s uh it’s really enjoyable. It’s the industry uh
01:59
enjoyable. It’s the industry uh it’s always changing. There’s
02:00
it’s always changing. There’s something new every day um and
02:02
something new every day um and it’s it’s great to be a part of
02:03
it’s it’s great to be a part of uh I got back into the business
02:05
uh I got back into the business about 10 years ago. um I’ve
02:07
about 10 years ago. um I’ve been traveling all over the
02:08
been traveling all over the country and doing some doing my
02:09
country and doing some doing my own thing and uh. Back and
02:12
own thing and uh. Back and found a niche and found
02:13
found a niche and found something that I really like
02:14
something that I really like and uh it’s enjoyable for
02:16
and uh it’s enjoyable for everyone. Also, I appreciate
02:17
everyone. Also, I appreciate you kinda give us some
02:18
you kinda give us some background on that. uh one of
02:19
background on that. uh one of the things that I think when we
02:20
the things that I think when we first go out and start a
02:21
first go out and start a business is um, especially
02:23
business is um, especially whether we’re in business or
02:24
whether we’re in business or actually new to business like
02:25
actually new to business like how do we go out and actually
02:26
how do we go out and actually find a dealer and I know my dad
02:28
find a dealer and I know my dad actually it started a
02:30
actually it started a relationship with you guys and
02:31
relationship with you guys and we had a old mower kinda sit in
02:32
we had a old mower kinda sit in the garage for a few years and
02:34
the garage for a few years and uh if no one’s heard the story
02:35
uh if no one’s heard the story literally um I my parents made
02:37
literally um I my parents made me pay for my car insurance so
02:39
me pay for my car insurance so a few years before I turned
02:40
a few years before I turned sixteen. I walked around and
02:42
sixteen. I walked around and knocked on some doors and got
02:43
knocked on some doors and got some accounts and uh I was
02:45
some accounts and uh I was walking around with a ransom
02:46
walking around with a ransom bobcat mower uh with the the
02:48
bobcat mower uh with the the weed Wacker from Sears and Home
02:50
weed Wacker from Sears and Home Depot strapped to it and the
02:52
Depot strapped to it and the blower and uh eventually I knew
02:54
blower and uh eventually I knew I wanted a mower that I could,
02:55
I wanted a mower that I could, you know, cut more grass. so
02:57
you know, cut more grass. so eventually I saved up and I
02:58
eventually I saved up and I literally walked in the broader
02:59
literally walked in the broader for the first time uh with
03:00
for the first time uh with three grand cash in my hands
03:02
three grand cash in my hands and bought a belt driven exmark
03:03
and bought a belt driven exmark mower from from them and from
03:04
mower from from them and from the rest, it’s been history so
03:06
the rest, it’s been history so literally 2324 years. We’ve
03:07
literally 2324 years. We’ve been working with you guys. Um
03:09
been working with you guys. Um I it was kind of AAA leap of
03:10
I it was kind of AAA leap of faith that I. I just walked in
03:12
faith that I. I just walked in because that’s where my dad is
03:14
because that’s where my dad is going to get a lot more
03:15
going to get a lot more bleeding than that when I was a
03:16
bleeding than that when I was a kid but uh if we’re going in as
03:19
kid but uh if we’re going in as a business owner Mike what what
03:20
a business owner Mike what what kind of expertise would you
03:22
kind of expertise would you land and talk about uh going in
03:23
land and talk about uh going in and choosing the right dealer?
03:25
and choosing the right dealer? um in your local or maybe
03:27
um in your local or maybe outside your local area for
03:28
outside your local area for sure, well, a lot of it is
03:30
sure, well, a lot of it is referrals and word of mouth
03:31
referrals and word of mouth that does help um but in the
03:33
that does help um but in the industry it gets different. you
03:35
industry it gets different. you need to find somebody that’s
03:36
need to find somebody that’s been around and and knows the
03:38
been around and and knows the equipment um you find a new
03:40
equipment um you find a new place or if you. Online they
03:42
place or if you. Online they don’t necessarily know the
03:43
don’t necessarily know the equipment and know what they’re
03:45
equipment and know what they’re selling. they’re just looking
03:45
selling. they’re just looking for the dollar and to move
03:47
for the dollar and to move equipment. you need somebody
03:48
equipment. you need somebody that is passionate about the
03:49
that is passionate about the equipment they sell and it is
03:51
equipment they sell and it is knowledgeable about the
03:51
knowledgeable about the equipment they sell. Um I can
03:54
equipment they sell. Um I can sit here and sell you any zero
03:56
sit here and sell you any zero term lawn mower. So yeah, go
03:57
term lawn mower. So yeah, go ahead and cut it and if the
03:58
ahead and cut it and if the machine is gonna break down in
03:59
machine is gonna break down in a month, it’s not the right
04:01
a month, it’s not the right equipment for you. so you
04:02
equipment for you. so you really need to make sure that
04:03
really need to make sure that the person you’re talking to is
04:05
the person you’re talking to is knowledgeable if you’re just
04:06
knowledgeable if you’re just starting a business, you don’t
04:07
starting a business, you don’t need to go out and buy a $20000
04:08
need to go out and buy a $20000 zero term. It’s like you said
04:09
zero term. It’s like you said you started. Thousand-dollar
04:12
you started. Thousand-dollar Belt Drive Walk um a lot of
04:14
Belt Drive Walk um a lot of guys should get that start that
04:16
guys should get that start that way because as you know not all
04:18
way because as you know not all lawns can take a sixty or 72
04:20
lawns can take a sixty or 72 inch commercial zero, you gotta
04:22
inch commercial zero, you gotta get in to those thirty-six-inch
04:24
get in to those thirty-six-inch gates you gotta get into the
04:25
gates you gotta get into the backyards and if you’re walking
04:27
backyards and if you’re walking into a place, that’s just so
04:28
into a place, that’s just so you know you gotta get a sixty
04:28
you know you gotta get a sixty inch everybody uses on this is
04:30
inch everybody uses on this is what you do. You’re not gonna
04:32
what you do. You’re not gonna be successful and and that deal
04:32
be successful and and that deal is not gonna be around for a
04:34
is not gonna be around for a long time either um the
04:36
long time either um the independent dealers is really
04:37
independent dealers is really kind of going away and it’s all
04:39
kind of going away and it’s all becoming bigger dealerships. As
04:40
becoming bigger dealerships. As you go, I mean you can see
04:41
you go, I mean you can see people are getting swallowed up
04:42
people are getting swallowed up and bought up and if they don’t
04:43
and bought up and if they don’t have that. They don’t have that
04:46
have that. They don’t have that passion to continue to grow.
04:47
passion to continue to grow. you know they’re they’re not
04:48
you know they’re they’re not gonna be around to support you
04:50
gonna be around to support you in the long run and building
04:51
in the long run and building upon that I wanna congratulate
04:53
upon that I wanna congratulate you guys are on your second
04:54
you guys are on your second location now outside of
04:56
location now outside of Rochester going into the
04:57
Rochester going into the Buffalo area, and I think that
04:58
Buffalo area, and I think that kinda speaks volumes to uh
04:59
kinda speaks volumes to uh having the ability and the
05:02
having the ability and the bandwidth to to to service
05:03
bandwidth to to to service commercial clients. so I know
05:05
commercial clients. so I know one of the things that if I was
05:06
one of the things that if I was gonna go out and redo it is do
05:09
gonna go out and redo it is do they have a particular um
05:12
they have a particular um expertise just for commercial
05:14
expertise just for commercial people. Isn’t like a home depot
05:16
people. Isn’t like a home depot or lows, or yeah, maybe you can
05:17
or lows, or yeah, maybe you can get a lower grade commercial
05:19
get a lower grade commercial still or echo or whatever that
05:22
still or echo or whatever that is uh weed Wacker blower uh.
05:24
is uh weed Wacker blower uh. but what does that look like
05:26
but what does that look like far? as does do they have the
05:27
far? as does do they have the knowledge and skill set to
05:28
knowledge and skill set to actually know how you’d use
05:29
actually know how you’d use that piece of equipment in your
05:30
that piece of equipment in your industry? and I know a lot of
05:31
industry? and I know a lot of times I love going in to your
05:33
times I love going in to your place there and have a
05:34
place there and have a conversation with you in the
05:35
conversation with you in the later years and you know, hey,
05:37
later years and you know, hey, should I get this red Maxx 8001
05:40
should I get this red Maxx 8001 monstrosity that like literally
05:41
monstrosity that like literally like fifty pounds on my back
05:42
like fifty pounds on my back cuz it gave me some extra
05:43
cuz it gave me some extra blowing. Um but you know you
05:45
blowing. Um but you know you guys, you didn’t push the sale,
05:48
guys, you didn’t push the sale, you said. Hey, Where do you
05:49
you said. Hey, Where do you need this? How are you gonna
05:50
need this? How are you gonna use on a daily basis? Is it
05:51
use on a daily basis? Is it mainly just for clean ups? like
05:53
mainly just for clean ups? like yes, that May extra weight and
05:54
yes, that May extra weight and the cost maybe applicable, but
05:55
the cost maybe applicable, but a lot of times you guys kinda
05:57
a lot of times you guys kinda steer me into the higher and
05:59
steer me into the higher and mid-level uh some of the
06:00
mid-level uh some of the equipment because it was
06:01
equipment because it was lighter weight. It had better
06:01
lighter weight. It had better durability and things like
06:02
durability and things like that. So I think that that um
06:05
that. So I think that that um has been really instrumental um
06:08
has been really instrumental um working with broader equipment
06:10
working with broader equipment um so choosing a dealer. uh you
06:13
um so choosing a dealer. uh you you mentioned like it’s
06:14
you mentioned like it’s starting to. Would you mind
06:16
starting to. Would you mind speaking that I don’t know uh
06:18
speaking that I don’t know uh you guys have been to GIE
06:19
you guys have been to GIE you’ve you’ve been around. It’s
06:20
you’ve you’ve been around. It’s not just a local upstate New
06:22
not just a local upstate New York thing. Um you guys are
06:23
York thing. Um you guys are hitting the national level uh
06:25
hitting the national level uh even with like state bids and
06:27
even with like state bids and things like that with different
06:27
things like that with different products you carry so um it’s a
06:30
products you carry so um it’s a certain differences between a
06:31
certain differences between a place that is just uh
06:34
place that is just uh residential and a little
06:35
residential and a little commercial or certain set that
06:36
commercial or certain set that you should look for. Yeah, I
06:38
you should look for. Yeah, I mean the just residential guy
06:39
mean the just residential guy at this point is really
06:42
at this point is really struggling um mainly for the
06:43
struggling um mainly for the fact of the home depot. You
06:45
fact of the home depot. You know the Amazon’s and what have
06:47
know the Amazon’s and what have you where years ago if you
06:50
you where years ago if you spent 499 on a mower while you
06:51
spent 499 on a mower while you expected that more over the
06:52
expected that more over the last 20 years well, now, people
06:54
last 20 years well, now, people are spending 200. Hey, if it’s
06:55
are spending 200. Hey, if it’s not running in 2 years, I’ll
06:57
not running in 2 years, I’ll just go spend another 200 so
06:58
just go spend another 200 so those mom and pop shops that
07:00
those mom and pop shops that you know we’ll do a $1000000 in
07:02
you know we’ll do a $1000000 in business a year to support the
07:03
business a year to support the family and and and can provide
07:05
family and and and can provide you know that’s kind of going
07:07
you know that’s kind of going by the wayside because they’re
07:08
by the wayside because they’re not getting that same service
07:10
not getting that same service work and in the commercial
07:11
work and in the commercial industry, you guys need the
07:13
industry, you guys need the service work. Um you know it
07:14
service work. Um you know it doesn’t mean you don’t have
07:14
doesn’t mean you don’t have your own mechanics. It doesn’t
07:16
your own mechanics. It doesn’t mean that you can’t figure out
07:18
mean that you can’t figure out the small preventive
07:18
the small preventive maintenance and stuff that
07:19
maintenance and stuff that should be done but when. A big
07:22
should be done but when. A big engine job or something like
07:23
engine job or something like that that has to be taken care
07:25
that that has to be taken care of and addressed well, the mom
07:26
of and addressed well, the mom and pop shop. They’re not
07:28
and pop shop. They’re not looking to plug every you know
07:30
looking to plug every you know engine into a computer right
07:31
engine into a computer right now. That’s where the
07:32
now. That’s where the industries move anytime we’re
07:34
industries move anytime we’re doing diagnostics. There’s a
07:35
doing diagnostics. There’s a lot of software and there’s a
07:36
lot of software and there’s a lot of stuff that goes into
07:38
lot of stuff that goes into breaking down an engine now 20
07:39
breaking down an engine now 20 years ago, it didn’t matter you
07:41
years ago, it didn’t matter you rip this thing apart, throw it
07:42
rip this thing apart, throw it together and and have at it.
07:44
together and and have at it. Well now I mean I’ve got guys
07:46
Well now I mean I’ve got guys going to spend probably 2 weeks
07:47
going to spend probably 2 weeks a year just on training. I’m
07:49
a year just on training. I’m breaking down these engines and
07:50
breaking down these engines and reading the software and
07:52
reading the software and reading the codes and in the
07:53
reading the codes and in the places. Never wanted to move
07:55
places. Never wanted to move with that technology, they’re
07:57
with that technology, they’re kind of falling behind and
07:58
kind of falling behind and they’re falling by the wayside
07:59
they’re falling by the wayside um and that’s kind of what I’m
08:01
um and that’s kind of what I’m saying that it’s it’s going
08:02
saying that it’s it’s going towards the bigger guy that
08:04
towards the bigger guy that wants to help everybody but
08:06
wants to help everybody but also wants to be ahead of the
08:07
also wants to be ahead of the curve. You know we’ve got to
08:08
curve. You know we’ve got to know what’s coming next is if
08:10
know what’s coming next is if you don’t you’re gonna be the
08:11
you don’t you’re gonna be the guy that’s falling behind It’s
08:13
guy that’s falling behind It’s speaking of kind of knowing
08:14
speaking of kind of knowing what’s coming next. I know a
08:15
what’s coming next. I know a lot of times, especially in the
08:16
lot of times, especially in the spring season in upstate New
08:18
spring season in upstate New York, or even down south. the
08:19
York, or even down south. the grass is thick and heavy and
08:21
grass is thick and heavy and really nasty things are
08:22
really nasty things are breaking um is there a certain
08:24
breaking um is there a certain threshold? Going out to vet a
08:27
threshold? Going out to vet a new vendor or dealer of far as
08:29
new vendor or dealer of far as like parts and stocks certain
08:30
like parts and stocks certain things um I know that was one
08:31
things um I know that was one thing that I always found very
08:33
thing that I always found very beneficial is that the the
08:34
beneficial is that the the working with you guys as a
08:36
working with you guys as a vendors, there were certain
08:37
vendors, there were certain things. I really never had the
08:38
things. I really never had the problem of like Oh my gosh.
08:39
problem of like Oh my gosh. I’ve got to wait 2 weeks or
08:41
I’ve got to wait 2 weeks or have something like FedEx out
08:42
have something like FedEx out uh is there a certain threshold
08:43
uh is there a certain threshold or certain things you should be
08:44
or certain things you should be kinda vetting and dealing with
08:46
kinda vetting and dealing with to make sure they have in stock
08:46
to make sure they have in stock to protect you as a commercial
08:49
to protect you as a commercial um company. Oh, absolutely I
08:52
um company. Oh, absolutely I mean the one thing that built
08:53
mean the one thing that built our commercial business and the
08:54
our commercial business and the reason we’ve had people like
08:55
reason we’ve had people like you and the trim line of the
08:57
you and the trim line of the world and the customers. And
09:00
world and the customers. And they’ve been here for 2030 and
09:01
they’ve been here for 2030 and there’s even guys that we’ve
09:02
there’s even guys that we’ve had for 40 years. They’re not
09:04
had for 40 years. They’re not waiting for a pull. They’re not
09:06
waiting for a pull. They’re not waiting for a belt. They’re not
09:07
waiting for a belt. They’re not waiting for you know blades. I
09:10
waiting for you know blades. I mean how could a dealer or not
09:11
mean how could a dealer or not have in stock um and that’s
09:13
have in stock um and that’s what has drawn our company to
09:15
what has drawn our company to this day, But there’s guys that
09:16
this day, But there’s guys that come in with. Hey, I got a Toro
09:17
come in with. Hey, I got a Toro at two or sixty inch belt. I
09:19
at two or sixty inch belt. I know the X Mark one is the
09:20
know the X Mark one is the same. It’s not the same, but
09:21
same. It’s not the same, but there’s no reason that your
09:23
there’s no reason that your Toro dealer should not have
09:24
Toro dealer should not have that belt in stock. so if
09:25
that belt in stock. so if you’re buying a machine your
09:27
you’re buying a machine your common parts, you know scalp
09:28
common parts, you know scalp wheels your front casters um
09:30
wheels your front casters um all your eye. Um if they don’t
09:32
all your eye. Um if they don’t if they can tell you, oh yeah,
09:34
if they can tell you, oh yeah, I might have one in stock. you
09:35
I might have one in stock. you need to find somebody that
09:37
need to find somebody that says, Oh. yeah, we got a dozen
09:38
says, Oh. yeah, we got a dozen back there. You know we sell
09:39
back there. You know we sell 100 plus a year just because of
09:41
100 plus a year just because of the volume we do guys we have
09:43
the volume we do guys we have to stop it um long ago we’ve
09:45
to stop it um long ago we’ve gone to the system if we sell
09:47
gone to the system if we sell two parts and one season, that
09:48
two parts and one season, that is a stocking part, we will
09:50
is a stocking part, we will keep that part in stock for the
09:51
keep that part in stock for the year because we know that
09:53
year because we know that somebody needs it um and it is
09:55
somebody needs it um and it is it’s common where items it
09:57
it’s common where items it doesn’t necessarily mean that
09:58
doesn’t necessarily mean that we’ve got you know every gasket
09:59
we’ve got you know every gasket you know made but. The big
10:02
you know made but. The big thing with us and say Exmark,
10:03
thing with us and say Exmark, for example, is they’ve limited
10:05
for example, is they’ve limited the amount of parts on their
10:06
the amount of parts on their machines to where there’s
10:08
machines to where there’s certain machines they use 330
10:10
certain machines they use 330 parts and it’s common among
10:12
parts and it’s common among twenty to thirty different
10:13
twenty to thirty different models. Well, that helps us as
10:14
models. Well, that helps us as a dealer to know that’s a
10:16
a dealer to know that’s a company. you wanna work with
10:18
company. you wanna work with that every mower that comes
10:18
that every mower that comes out. it doesn’t have a
10:20
out. it doesn’t have a different blade different
10:21
different blade different blade. There’s different spin
10:22
blade. There’s different spin on it if you do that as a
10:24
on it if you do that as a dealer, you’re not gonna be
10:25
dealer, you’re not gonna be successful, You’re gonna thin
10:26
successful, You’re gonna thin yourself out and you’re not
10:28
yourself out and you’re not gonna be able to provide for
10:29
gonna be able to provide for the commercial cutters. Hey
10:31
the commercial cutters. Hey Mike uh jumping back to what
10:34
Mike uh jumping back to what you were talking about at the
10:34
you were talking about at the top of this about finding a
10:37
top of this about finding a dealer who has knowledge that
10:40
dealer who has knowledge that like actually knows this
10:42
like actually knows this equipment lives and breathes it
10:44
equipment lives and breathes it if I’m walking into a
10:46
if I’m walking into a dealership as a non equipment
10:47
dealership as a non equipment guy. How do I find out that
10:52
guy. How do I find out that this person actually has
10:54
this person actually has knowledge and it’s not just you
10:55
knowledge and it’s not just you know a gifted salesman well,
10:58
know a gifted salesman well, the main thing that they’re
10:59
the main thing that they’re gonna be should be asking you.
11:01
gonna be should be asking you. What are you looking to do with
11:02
What are you looking to do with your business? Are you looking
11:04
your business? Are you looking to do fifty homeowners in two
11:06
to do fifty homeowners in two neighborhoods and you’re not
11:07
neighborhoods and you’re not even gonna trailer and this is
11:09
even gonna trailer and this is what I’m gonna do it. They
11:10
what I’m gonna do it. They should they should ask you the
11:11
should they should ask you the right qualifying questions. not
11:13
right qualifying questions. not how much are you looking to
11:14
how much are you looking to spend that it should never be
11:16
spend that it should never be the first thing they ask you
11:18
the first thing they ask you because all I wanna spend five
11:18
because all I wanna spend five grand well. this is what I have
11:19
grand well. this is what I have for five grand. No, they should
11:21
for five grand. No, they should ask what are you looking to do?
11:22
ask what are you looking to do? Do you want it to be a side
11:24
Do you want it to be a side business? Are you a fireman and
11:25
business? Are you a fireman and you have 2 days off a week? Are
11:26
you have 2 days off a week? Are you looking to do this as hey
11:28
you looking to do this as hey the park just came to me and
11:29
the park just came to me and said I can. Whole Park for the
11:32
said I can. Whole Park for the year and they’re gonna pay me
11:34
year and they’re gonna pay me to do it. You know you gotta
11:36
to do it. You know you gotta find the dealers should be
11:37
find the dealers should be asking you the right questions.
11:38
asking you the right questions. He shouldn’t be telling you
11:39
He shouldn’t be telling you what you need to buy. He needs
11:41
what you need to buy. He needs to know what you’re gonna do
11:42
to know what you’re gonna do with the equipment and Mike
11:43
with the equipment and Mike said. That’s always been our
11:45
said. That’s always been our approach. you know, um we’re
11:46
approach. you know, um we’re not gonna sit here and tell you
11:48
not gonna sit here and tell you this machine cuz we’re gonna
11:49
this machine cuz we’re gonna make the most of it cuz we need
11:50
make the most of it cuz we need you to come back and buy the
11:52
you to come back and buy the RedX Blowers and the Husqvarna
11:54
RedX Blowers and the Husqvarna trimmers and uh you know it’s
11:55
trimmers and uh you know it’s we’re not looking for a
11:56
we’re not looking for a one-time sale if they look to
11:57
one-time sale if they look to be looking for a one-time sale,
11:59
be looking for a one-time sale, they’re probably not. In a
12:01
they’re probably not. In a couple of years to help you
12:02
couple of years to help you out, yeah and and as we’re
12:03
out, yeah and and as we’re going to buy a new equipment
12:05
going to buy a new equipment like is there certain things um
12:07
like is there certain things um different financing things that
12:08
different financing things that we should be looking at so if
12:09
we should be looking at so if it’s AAA vetted dealership uh
12:12
it’s AAA vetted dealership uh I’m assuming there should be
12:13
I’m assuming there should be certain types of financing
12:15
certain types of financing based on the specific
12:16
based on the specific equipment. they’re selling
12:17
equipment. they’re selling whether it’s zero finance or
12:19
whether it’s zero finance or different plans. um would you
12:20
different plans. um would you mind kinda hitting on that as
12:21
mind kinda hitting on that as far as like what your thought
12:23
far as like what your thought is of qualifying your deal them
12:25
is of qualifying your deal them offering certain financing
12:26
offering certain financing through like shuffle and things
12:27
through like shuffle and things like that come into play.
12:29
like that come into play. Always, I mean there’s always
12:31
Always, I mean there’s always gonna be a financial assistance
12:33
gonna be a financial assistance option through financing
12:34
option through financing whether it’s a 0% offer those
12:37
whether it’s a 0% offer those are kind of gone away over the
12:38
are kind of gone away over the last couple of years, but
12:39
last couple of years, but depending on the size of the
12:41
depending on the size of the dealer and what they can offer,
12:41
dealer and what they can offer, you know the dealers that do
12:43
you know the dealers that do more work with Sheffield can
12:45
more work with Sheffield can offer the better deals same
12:45
offer the better deals same with their brands um but yes,
12:48
with their brands um but yes, they should any dealership
12:50
they should any dealership should be able to offer some
12:52
should be able to offer some type of financing for your
12:53
type of financing for your equipment. A lot of guys are
12:54
equipment. A lot of guys are looking to lease now. we do a
12:56
looking to lease now. we do a lot of leasing as well. um but
12:57
lot of leasing as well. um but yes we do Sheffield. Western
13:00
yes we do Sheffield. Western finance um but yes in cities
13:03
finance um but yes in cities actually really got in to the
13:04
actually really got in to the game as well through exmark and
13:06
game as well through exmark and through Honda. um City Bank has
13:08
through Honda. um City Bank has really become one of our bigger
13:09
really become one of our bigger finances as well. So yes any
13:11
finances as well. So yes any any commercial dealership
13:12
any commercial dealership should have financing you
13:13
should have financing you should know the days of a cash
13:16
should know the days of a cash dealership, and this is the
13:16
dealership, and this is the only way that we operate those
13:18
only way that we operate those are gone. Um you have to be and
13:20
are gone. Um you have to be and one thing you brought up which
13:21
one thing you brought up which is interesting and it’s
13:22
is interesting and it’s something we’re looking at
13:23
something we’re looking at Callahan’s. We never pulled the
13:24
Callahan’s. We never pulled the trigger on uh but you mentioned
13:25
trigger on uh but you mentioned the big shift right now is
13:26
the big shift right now is going into leasing versus
13:27
going into leasing versus buying. Um real quickly would
13:30
buying. Um real quickly would you mind kinda express? Maybe
13:31
you mind kinda express? Maybe some of the pros and cons of
13:32
some of the pros and cons of what things you should look at
13:33
what things you should look at if leasing or buying is
13:35
if leasing or buying is appropriate for your business.
13:36
appropriate for your business. Yeah, I mean really gotta
13:39
Yeah, I mean really gotta figure out the hours that you
13:40
figure out the hours that you put on your machines. You are
13:42
put on your machines. You are your company continuously put
13:44
your company continuously put five to $700 on a machine in
13:46
five to $700 on a machine in upstate New York. This isn’t
13:48
upstate New York. This isn’t we’re not you know in the south
13:49
we’re not you know in the south where you can run $1500 a year
13:52
where you can run $1500 a year on a machine, we have such a
13:52
on a machine, we have such a limited time window that you’re
13:54
limited time window that you’re putting in five to $700 on the
13:56
putting in five to $700 on the machine while the more you’re.
13:59
machine while the more you’re. Season on it at least may not
13:59
Season on it at least may not be benefit to you if that
14:01
be benefit to you if that machine is gonna be shot in 2
14:02
machine is gonna be shot in 2 years and there’s probably not
14:03
years and there’s probably not much of a recourse in um,
14:07
much of a recourse in um, however, a lot of the things
14:07
however, a lot of the things that have changed even with the
14:09
that have changed even with the leasing now and the way that
14:10
leasing now and the way that people would buy in the past is
14:12
people would buy in the past is the warranties Now I’ve got so
14:14
the warranties Now I’ve got so much longer. I mean an exmark
14:15
much longer. I mean an exmark machine right now comes with a
14:17
machine right now comes with a five-year warranty on the X
14:18
five-year warranty on the X series machine. You know it
14:19
series machine. You know it used to be there are two-year
14:20
used to be there are two-year warranties in 2 years. You want
14:22
warranties in 2 years. You want to get rid of that machine as
14:23
to get rid of that machine as soon as the warranty is up
14:24
soon as the warranty is up anything’s on you well now you
14:26
anything’s on you well now you can you know, push those
14:27
can you know, push those machines out to 5 years and
14:28
machines out to 5 years and you’re getting all your idols
14:29
you’re getting all your idols cover You’re getting anything
14:31
cover You’re getting anything you know with your pumps and
14:32
you know with your pumps and stuff so um the big. I’ve
14:34
stuff so um the big. I’ve actually noticed with my
14:35
actually noticed with my leasing is really in my
14:37
leasing is really in my robotics and my husqvarna stuff
14:39
robotics and my husqvarna stuff is I’ve got a couple
14:40
is I’ve got a couple landscapers that are are
14:42
landscapers that are are leasing their robotic mowers
14:43
leasing their robotic mowers for the fact that it’s a dollar
14:45
for the fact that it’s a dollar buyout at the end and they can
14:46
buyout at the end and they can leave them right on these
14:47
leave them right on these people’s properties. Um so it’s
14:48
people’s properties. Um so it’s it’s a little different than
14:50
it’s a little different than some of the bigger. So I’m glad
14:52
some of the bigger. So I’m glad you mention the robotics so
14:54
you mention the robotics so just if anybody’s watching
14:55
just if anybody’s watching that’s unaware of robotic mower
14:56
that’s unaware of robotic mower is you wanna kinda break that
14:57
is you wanna kinda break that down? I know Dylan uh on the
14:59
down? I know Dylan uh on the simple grow team uh was located
15:01
simple grow team uh was located in Sudbury Ontario with his
15:02
in Sudbury Ontario with his maximum lawn care. Dylan was
15:04
maximum lawn care. Dylan was one of the uh I would say the
15:07
one of the uh I would say the frontier of automated robotic
15:09
frontier of automated robotic lawn mowers. I think he had
15:10
lawn mowers. I think he had thirty or forty of all among
15:11
thirty or forty of all among Sudbury Ontario, which if you
15:13
Sudbury Ontario, which if you ever been in Sudbury, it’s not
15:14
ever been in Sudbury, it’s not a big town um so would you mind
15:16
a big town um so would you mind kinda just I guess that wasn’t
15:19
kinda just I guess that wasn’t the conversation, But I think
15:20
the conversation, But I think that’s an interesting play cuz
15:22
that’s an interesting play cuz Jonathan Potosi of the lawn
15:23
Jonathan Potosi of the lawn care Millionaire Co-founder of
15:24
care Millionaire Co-founder of service Autopilot um is always
15:26
service Autopilot um is always looking at the next shift in
15:27
looking at the next shift in technology and I feel like that
15:28
technology and I feel like that it seems to be the next shift
15:30
it seems to be the next shift they’ve been around for 2030
15:31
they’ve been around for 2030 years in Europe, but what are
15:33
years in Europe, but what are you seeing? Is it more of a
15:36
you seeing? Is it more of a residential place in a
15:37
residential place in a commercial play? um and I know
15:39
commercial play? um and I know they had some all the way up to
15:40
they had some all the way up to sixty inches at GIE, so it
15:41
sixty inches at GIE, so it wasn’t like just a little owner
15:43
wasn’t like just a little owner units. Yeah, no we’re uh we’re
15:45
units. Yeah, no we’re uh we’re actually a mean green dealer as
15:46
actually a mean green dealer as well, who’s working on some of
15:47
well, who’s working on some of the sixty inch and seventy-two
15:48
the sixty inch and seventy-two we actually have a 74 inch um a
15:51
we actually have a 74 inch um a autonomous smaller um but we
15:53
autonomous smaller um but we got hooked up. We’ve been a
15:54
got hooked up. We’ve been a Husqvarna dealer since the
15:55
Husqvarna dealer since the early 90s um right after we
15:57
early 90s um right after we have a big ice storm here and
15:58
have a big ice storm here and we need a chainsaw so we got
15:59
we need a chainsaw so we got hooked up with Havana and uh 5
16:02
hooked up with Havana and uh 5 years ago they started bringing
16:03
years ago they started bringing over the robotic mower from
16:05
over the robotic mower from Europe. um. It was a tough sell
16:07
Europe. um. It was a tough sell in the states. You know they
16:09
in the states. You know they they brought them in. they were
16:10
they brought them in. they were expected to just take off and
16:13
expected to just take off and um it’s it’s been a lot of work
16:14
um it’s it’s been a lot of work um in 2016, I took it on and
16:17
um in 2016, I took it on and and I went full force with it.
16:18
and I went full force with it. uh I’ve done over 150 installs
16:22
uh I’ve done over 150 installs of Husqvarna Automower is the
16:24
of Husqvarna Automower is the brand that I’m doing um this
16:26
brand that I’m doing um this year alone. I’ve done ninety
16:28
year alone. I’ve done ninety and the shift has changed over
16:30
and the shift has changed over a little bit to that commercial
16:32
a little bit to that commercial area. Uh I’ve set up um JR
16:34
area. Uh I’ve set up um JR landscape down in Syracuse. um
16:36
landscape down in Syracuse. um he’s come all the way up to
16:38
he’s come all the way up to Rochester here to see me pick
16:39
Rochester here to see me pick my brain and he did a lease a
16:40
my brain and he did a lease a 25. Right now he’s looking at
16:43
25. Right now he’s looking at another twenty-five for next
16:45
another twenty-five for next season. uh RIT I’ve five units
16:48
season. uh RIT I’ve five units on their campus this year.
16:49
on their campus this year. We’ve got six different high
16:51
We’ve got six different high schools now that are using
16:53
schools now that are using Husqvarna Automower. I’ve got
16:55
Husqvarna Automower. I’ve got uh churchville chili Leroy
16:57
uh churchville chili Leroy schools uh honey falls. I know
17:00
schools uh honey falls. I know I’m gonna miss a couple but
17:01
I’m gonna miss a couple but they’re using them in their
17:03
they’re using them in their courtyards instead of putting a
17:05
courtyards instead of putting a gas machine, bringing it
17:06
gas machine, bringing it through the school. They’ve all
17:07
through the school. They’ve all got a little courtyards there
17:09
got a little courtyards there um we’re able to set this mower
17:10
um we’re able to set this mower off. Cut at night, there’s no
17:13
off. Cut at night, there’s no noise. The kids don’t even know
17:14
noise. The kids don’t even know it’s there, and that courtyard
17:16
it’s there, and that courtyard is always maintained um
17:17
is always maintained um penfield schools. they’ve got
17:19
penfield schools. they’ve got four of them now uh churchville
17:20
four of them now uh churchville just went for two more RIT.
17:22
just went for two more RIT. We’re cutting the Big Hill. I’m
17:24
We’re cutting the Big Hill. I’m I don’t like be RT campus, but
17:26
I don’t like be RT campus, but they’ve got they’ve got a large
17:27
they’ve got they’ve got a large hill that the students at the
17:28
hill that the students at the end of the year they slide down
17:29
end of the year they slide down the hill to the graduation of
17:31
the hill to the graduation of well they were trying to use a
17:32
well they were trying to use a stand on mower. you know they
17:34
stand on mower. you know they had a um stand on their cutting
17:36
had a um stand on their cutting the property with and it got
17:38
the property with and it got dicey. It was a pretty slow
17:40
dicey. It was a pretty slow pill. big pretty steep hill and
17:41
pill. big pretty steep hill and we brought the all-wheel drive.
17:43
we brought the all-wheel drive. Out there and it’s been there
17:45
Out there and it’s been there all season. They’ve had no
17:47
all season. They’ve had no issues with it. They have had
17:47
issues with it. They have had to do anything with it and and
17:49
to do anything with it and and it’s really just the way that
17:51
it’s really just the way that it’s moving so uh a time this
17:53
it’s moving so uh a time this morning robotic mowers. It’s
17:55
morning robotic mowers. It’s not the future anymore. It is
17:56
not the future anymore. It is it is here now, at least in our
17:58
it is here now, at least in our area where I’ve been successful
17:59
area where I’ve been successful with it and we’ve been able to
18:01
with it and we’ve been able to to you know, show people the
18:03
to you know, show people the advantage of it. There’s no
18:03
advantage of it. There’s no gas. There’s no oil. There is
18:06
gas. There’s no oil. There is no your lawn is always
18:07
no your lawn is always maintained. It doesn’t look
18:08
maintained. It doesn’t look like Yankee Stadium where
18:09
like Yankee Stadium where your’re stripe in the field,
18:10
your’re stripe in the field, but it looks like a turf field
18:12
but it looks like a turf field um. You know I’ve I’ve let the
18:14
um. You know I’ve I’ve let the homeowners know if you do have
18:15
homeowners know if you do have an issue with it. It’s a lot
18:16
an issue with it. It’s a lot easier to pick that thing up
18:17
easier to pick that thing up and put it in the front of your
18:18
and put it in the front of your car, but you gotta get a
18:20
car, but you gotta get a trailer a truck or a buddy to
18:22
trailer a truck or a buddy to come drop off the mower. Bring
18:24
come drop off the mower. Bring it in. you know, sit there for
18:25
it in. you know, sit there for a couple of weeks. I mean this
18:27
a couple of weeks. I mean this we can plug right in and figure
18:28
we can plug right in and figure out what’s going on. So? yeah
18:29
out what’s going on. So? yeah it’s it’s exciting. I mean it’s
18:30
it’s it’s exciting. I mean it’s it’s not I gravitated towards
18:32
it’s not I gravitated towards these last couple of years and
18:34
these last couple of years and I’ve really I’ve been excited
18:35
I’ve really I’ve been excited to share with everybody. I
18:36
to share with everybody. I haven’t cut my grass in 4
18:37
haven’t cut my grass in 4 years. I mean this thing is and
18:39
years. I mean this thing is and we’re talking to some
18:40
we’re talking to some landscapers here that don’t
18:41
landscapers here that don’t wanna hear but for the last 4
18:42
wanna hear but for the last 4 years, I’ve done nothing but
18:44
years, I’ve done nothing but strengthen my and it’s been
18:45
strengthen my and it’s been great. That’s awesome, um Cody
18:48
great. That’s awesome, um Cody any thoughts up to this point
18:50
any thoughts up to this point here before we dive into uh one
18:50
here before we dive into uh one of my favorite topics
18:52
of my favorite topics preventative maintenance and
18:53
preventative maintenance and repairs Well so Mike you
18:55
repairs Well so Mike you mentioned mean Green and I
18:57
mentioned mean Green and I wanted to talk about them for
18:58
wanted to talk about them for just a second where do you do
19:02
just a second where do you do you see the same like the
19:04
you see the same like the future is here now with like
19:06
future is here now with like commercial electric equipment
19:08
commercial electric equipment that you’re seeing with
19:10
that you’re seeing with autonomous equipment, I do it’s
19:13
autonomous equipment, I do it’s still more of a niche right now
19:14
still more of a niche right now because it is such a bigger
19:16
because it is such a bigger investment for people to get
19:17
investment for people to get into. Um you know the Jeff when
19:21
into. Um you know the Jeff when he bought his automower from he
19:23
he bought his automower from he bought Twenty-five machines and
19:25
bought Twenty-five machines and that worked out to be a $60000
19:27
that worked out to be a $60000 buy well if we’re gonna do that
19:29
buy well if we’re gonna do that with I mean green you’re
19:31
with I mean green you’re getting a one zero turn in a
19:33
getting a one zero turn in a stand on so where he’s you
19:35
stand on so where he’s you know. it’s it’s the price is
19:38
know. it’s it’s the price is still an issue, but you’re also
19:41
still an issue, but you’re also you have to target your
19:43
you have to target your business. You know differently.
19:43
business. You know differently. You can’t be. I’m gonna go cut
19:45
You can’t be. I’m gonna go cut you know commercial properties.
19:47
you know commercial properties. Mean green and say that I’m
19:50
Mean green and say that I’m gonna handle all of this. At
19:51
gonna handle all of this. At the same price I was doing it
19:52
the same price I was doing it before you know you have to
19:53
before you know you have to sell that as an upgraded
19:55
sell that as an upgraded company of you know we’re
19:57
company of you know we’re bringing in a propane truck out
19:59
bringing in a propane truck out there or whatever it may be or
20:00
there or whatever it may be or you know and sell your business
20:02
you know and sell your business that way. It’s a it’s a harder
20:05
that way. It’s a it’s a harder integrate to integrate that
20:07
integrate to integrate that into uh you know, sixteen
20:08
into uh you know, sixteen trucks and trailers, and we’re
20:10
trucks and trailers, and we’re gonna have one that’s just mean
20:11
gonna have one that’s just mean and green. They’re great
20:12
and green. They’re great machines. We went down there um
20:15
machines. We went down there um 3 years ago, visited the
20:16
3 years ago, visited the factory in Ross, Ohio, and we
20:18
factory in Ross, Ohio, and we were amazed you know I got
20:19
were amazed you know I got back. I went with my father.
20:21
back. I went with my father. And like you know nobody in New
20:23
And like you know nobody in New York is doing it, you know we
20:24
York is doing it, you know we can handle Syracuse, Buffalo
20:25
can handle Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester. We can be the
20:27
and Rochester. We can be the distributor or dealer in the
20:28
distributor or dealer in the area and I think we should jump
20:30
area and I think we should jump on it now and we did. I mean
20:32
on it now and we did. I mean they’re aluminum frames so with
20:34
they’re aluminum frames so with the weight of those batteries
20:35
the weight of those batteries and stuff you’re still the same
20:36
and stuff you’re still the same weight as a as an ex mark
20:40
weight as a as an ex mark zero-turn. So there’s not a big
20:40
zero-turn. So there’s not a big weight difference that you
20:41
weight difference that you would you would expect um and
20:44
would you would expect um and they’ve held up well and we’ve
20:44
they’ve held up well and we’ve done well with them. You know
20:46
done well with them. You know we do have a lot of towns and
20:47
we do have a lot of towns and municipalities schools our IT
20:48
municipalities schools our IT again. They’ve got some um you
20:50
again. They’ve got some um you know Fairport electric all
20:52
know Fairport electric all these companies. you know you
20:53
these companies. you know you know, we’re moving them to
20:54
know, we’re moving them to places that really wanna get.
20:57
places that really wanna get. That green area um, but yes, it
21:00
That green area um, but yes, it is it is the future, but they
21:02
is it is the future, but they they’re here. I mean they’re
21:03
they’re here. I mean they’re they’re constantly upgrading
21:04
they’re constantly upgrading different types of lithium
21:05
different types of lithium batteries and and um and it
21:08
batteries and and um and it there’s no noise, which is
21:09
there’s no noise, which is really nice and that’s
21:12
really nice and that’s interesting because a lot of
21:12
interesting because a lot of the noise, especially out west
21:13
the noise, especially out west right now is being regulated.
21:15
right now is being regulated. so we’re seeing a big shift to
21:16
so we’re seeing a big shift to that electric um and kinda
21:19
that electric um and kinda clean green air movement. I
21:21
clean green air movement. I hope you wanna say what’s up to
21:23
hope you wanna say what’s up to Hobie wants to sell and auto
21:24
Hobie wants to sell and auto mowers down in the area of
21:26
mowers down in the area of Savannah. Great trip Last time
21:29
Savannah. Great trip Last time we were down there for DS this
21:31
we were down there for DS this year for sure um but I guess
21:33
year for sure um but I guess we’re kinda wrap it up like
21:34
we’re kinda wrap it up like your preventative maintenance
21:35
your preventative maintenance and things like that, no matter
21:36
and things like that, no matter the equipment you’re running um
21:39
the equipment you’re running um whether you’re out in Texas
21:40
whether you’re out in Texas running year round, you’re in
21:41
running year round, you’re in upstate New York uh up in
21:43
upstate New York uh up in Canada limited season. Uh what
21:46
Canada limited season. Uh what are you looking at for
21:47
are you looking at for preventive maintenance? best
21:48
preventive maintenance? best practices? um that maybe what
21:50
practices? um that maybe what should you be doing in house as
21:51
should you be doing in house as far as if you don’t have a
21:52
far as if you don’t have a full-time mechanic and then
21:53
full-time mechanic and then what should you be handed off
21:54
what should you be handed off to a dealership? uh such as you
21:55
to a dealership? uh such as you guys for professional
21:57
guys for professional preventive maintenance to make
21:58
preventive maintenance to make sure that you’re you’re kinda
21:59
sure that you’re you’re kinda checking all the check boxes to
22:01
checking all the check boxes to stay within that 5 year
22:01
stay within that 5 year warranty, I can imagine. If you
22:03
warranty, I can imagine. If you don’t do certain things and
22:05
don’t do certain things and that they’re not gonna cover
22:06
that they’re not gonna cover you for everything right, you
22:08
you for everything right, you know. that’s it’s knowing what
22:09
know. that’s it’s knowing what you’re good at and knowing what
22:10
you’re good at and knowing what you can do Um you know there’s
22:12
you can do Um you know there’s certain guys that don’t have
22:13
certain guys that don’t have any text or you know two three
22:15
any text or you know two three main operations and changing
22:18
main operations and changing the oil is about the only thing
22:19
the oil is about the only thing they can do in sharpen the
22:21
they can do in sharpen the blades while those are two
22:22
blades while those are two major things as long as you can
22:23
major things as long as you can get on keep your deck cleaned
22:25
get on keep your deck cleaned out underneath um especially in
22:27
out underneath um especially in heavy season when there’s a lot
22:28
heavy season when there’s a lot of moisture in the ground and
22:29
of moisture in the ground and stuff like that. Um you know
22:31
stuff like that. Um you know changing your oil is obviously
22:32
changing your oil is obviously a huge thing if you know how to
22:34
a huge thing if you know how to change. That’s great, but all
22:36
change. That’s great, but all these machines now have
22:38
these machines now have replaceable filters are easier
22:39
replaceable filters are easier to get to um you’ve got to make
22:41
to get to um you’ve got to make sure you take care of your
22:42
sure you take care of your drive system um other than your
22:44
drive system um other than your engine that drive system is
22:45
engine that drive system is probably one of the most
22:45
probably one of the most expensive things to replace and
22:47
expensive things to replace and if you’re not treating that
22:48
if you’re not treating that right and taking care of it
22:49
right and taking care of it that can get costly for you so
22:52
that can get costly for you so um but yeah, it’s it’s keeping
22:53
um but yeah, it’s it’s keeping your air filter clean. You know
22:55
your air filter clean. You know that’s common stuff that
22:56
that’s common stuff that anybody can do. if you don’t
22:56
anybody can do. if you don’t have a tech, you know, check
22:57
have a tech, you know, check your air filter uh especially
22:59
your air filter uh especially when you get into the season
23:00
when you get into the season with the cotton and everything
23:02
with the cotton and everything you know, pulling down to the
23:02
you know, pulling down to the top of the engine, making sure.
23:04
top of the engine, making sure. In that um you know when you
23:07
In that um you know when you get to where you’re got oil
23:08
get to where you’re got oil leaks and stuff like that,
23:09
leaks and stuff like that, Yeah, that’s not prevent it.
23:11
Yeah, that’s not prevent it. You need to bring that to a
23:12
You need to bring that to a dealer um especially if you’re
23:14
dealer um especially if you’re under warranty. Don’t be like,
23:15
under warranty. Don’t be like, Oh just add a car every day
23:16
Oh just add a car every day before we go out and it’ll be
23:18
before we go out and it’ll be fine. No, it doesn’t work that
23:20
fine. No, it doesn’t work that way and you’re gonna do more
23:20
way and you’re gonna do more damage than good you know and
23:22
damage than good you know and if there’s no oil in there,
23:23
if there’s no oil in there, it’s even worse cuz there’s not
23:25
it’s even worse cuz there’s not gonna be a manufacturer. It’s
23:27
gonna be a manufacturer. It’s Kawasaki Cooler Briggs. That’s
23:28
Kawasaki Cooler Briggs. That’s gonna say yeah, we’ll give a
23:29
gonna say yeah, we’ll give a new engine cuz they ran out of
23:31
new engine cuz they ran out of oil um so common stuff like
23:33
oil um so common stuff like that. Um you know when you’re
23:35
that. Um you know when you’re you’re using your machine and
23:36
you’re using your machine and you got you know three or $400
23:37
you got you know three or $400 in your handles feel a little
23:39
in your handles feel a little loose on it doesn’t mean. It’s
23:40
loose on it doesn’t mean. It’s it’s fine. I just you know
23:42
it’s fine. I just you know adjust to it and all you can
23:44
adjust to it and all you can replace your dampers you know
23:45
replace your dampers you know in a good deal. I’ll let you
23:48
in a good deal. I’ll let you know how to do some of the
23:49
know how to do some of the simple stuff if it’s something
23:50
simple stuff if it’s something that we have to explain that
23:51
that we have to explain that it’s gonna take you 30 hours or
23:52
it’s gonna take you 30 hours or sorry. It’s gonna take us 30
23:54
sorry. It’s gonna take us 30 minutes to explain the process
23:56
minutes to explain the process well that needs to be brought
23:56
well that needs to be brought to the dealer. Um our time is
23:59
to the dealer. Um our time is money. your time is money. We
24:00
money. your time is money. We can’t sit there and hope that
24:01
can’t sit there and hope that we explained it right and you
24:03
we explained it right and you figure it out and we’re good to
24:04
figure it out and we’re good to go. You know it’s a lot easier
24:06
go. You know it’s a lot easier just to drop it off and and let
24:07
just to drop it off and and let the you know, let them do what
24:09
the you know, let them do what they do. But yes, you know your
24:11
they do. But yes, you know your common stuff. Keep your bleach
24:12
common stuff. Keep your bleach or change your oil. Check your
24:15
or change your oil. Check your oil air filter. um those are
24:16
oil air filter. um those are the main things and you wanna
24:17
the main things and you wanna take care of your drive system.
24:19
take care of your drive system. If you don’t know how to do it,
24:20
If you don’t know how to do it, you have your dealer to take
24:21
you have your dealer to take care of it for you and one
24:22
care of it for you and one thing you just brought up like
24:23
thing you just brought up like that that triggered the some
24:25
that that triggered the some some memorable flashback for
24:27
some memorable flashback for the last twenty something years
24:28
the last twenty something years is for sure, it’s not if but
24:30
is for sure, it’s not if but when you’re gonna drop off that
24:31
when you’re gonna drop off that piece of equipment, I don’t
24:31
piece of equipment, I don’t care how good it is uh if
24:33
care how good it is uh if things are gonna break and
24:34
things are gonna break and things are gonna go down um so
24:35
things are gonna go down um so let’s just say if I’m vetting a
24:37
let’s just say if I’m vetting a dealer is there a certain
24:38
dealer is there a certain question I? Asking about if I
24:40
question I? Asking about if I have a major breakdown like
24:42
have a major breakdown like I’ve got to replace an engine
24:43
I’ve got to replace an engine or whole hydrant system to be
24:44
or whole hydrant system to be replaced, is there a certain
24:46
replaced, is there a certain policies or procedures in
24:47
policies or procedures in place? That’s um I can get
24:48
place? That’s um I can get basically a demo or a loaner
24:51
basically a demo or a loaner for a certain amount of time
24:52
for a certain amount of time whether I’m paying for it or
24:53
whether I’m paying for it or not paying for it uh but you
24:54
not paying for it uh but you know time is money and I know
24:55
know time is money and I know you guys have been more than
24:58
you guys have been more than generous to us and I gotta
24:59
generous to us and I gotta thank you cuz you’ve kept this
24:59
thank you cuz you’ve kept this in several weeks of uh you know
25:02
in several weeks of uh you know what when engines blowing
25:03
what when engines blowing things happen um but I know one
25:04
things happen um but I know one of the things that we really
25:07
of the things that we really trust in that relationship even
25:08
trust in that relationship even if you know it wasn’t the
25:09
if you know it wasn’t the cheapest. The service and the
25:11
cheapest. The service and the backing up was was was
25:13
backing up was was was instrumental for success, but
25:15
instrumental for success, but if we blew an engine or
25:15
if we blew an engine or something happened, uh nine
25:17
something happened, uh nine times out of ten if there was a
25:18
times out of ten if there was a piece of equipment available,
25:19
piece of equipment available, we’re able to use that uh
25:21
we’re able to use that uh whether it’s free or at a cost,
25:23
whether it’s free or at a cost, but it allowed us to continue
25:24
but it allowed us to continue to operate. so I guess
25:26
to operate. so I guess proactive if you’re going out
25:27
proactive if you’re going out to be a dealer if you’re
25:28
to be a dealer if you’re working with the dealer right
25:29
working with the dealer right now is there’s certain things
25:30
now is there’s certain things that I should be asking as a
25:31
that I should be asking as a business owner around what if I
25:33
business owner around what if I have a catastrophic breakdown
25:34
have a catastrophic breakdown on my mowers down for the next
25:35
on my mowers down for the next three to 5 days, Yeah, you
25:37
three to 5 days, Yeah, you definitely wanna know that you
25:38
definitely wanna know that you wanna know their policies.
25:40
wanna know their policies. Procedures um you know
25:42
Procedures um you know everybody’s got a demo program
25:43
everybody’s got a demo program or a loaner program. um ours
25:46
or a loaner program. um ours has been give us 24 hours if
25:47
has been give us 24 hours if you drop it off on Monday first
25:50
you drop it off on Monday first thing in the morning if we
25:51
thing in the morning if we can’t have it back to Tuesday
25:52
can’t have it back to Tuesday morning, you’re taking a dumb,
25:53
morning, you’re taking a dumb, you know we that’s our policy.
25:55
you know we that’s our policy. That’s how we’ve been because
25:56
That’s how we’ve been because we stock so many parts and
25:58
we stock so many parts and we’ve seen pretty much
25:59
we’ve seen pretty much everything you can see um
26:01
everything you can see um thanks to Mike um you know we
26:04
thanks to Mike um you know we we uh we we know that we can
26:07
we uh we we know that we can get that machine back to you if
26:08
get that machine back to you if we can if you do need an engine
26:10
we can if you do need an engine if you’re purchasing an engine
26:12
if you’re purchasing an engine from us, Yes, we will find a
26:13
from us, Yes, we will find a machine for you to get by until
26:13
machine for you to get by until that engine is you know
26:14
that engine is you know replaced and. Um you know our
26:19
replaced and. Um you know our commercial service department
26:19
commercial service department is completely separate from our
26:21
is completely separate from our residential service department.
26:22
residential service department. I have three full-time tax that
26:23
I have three full-time tax that are strictly working on
26:25
are strictly working on commercial equipment um so
26:27
commercial equipment um so we’re not gonna have that
26:27
we’re not gonna have that backlog that we can get with
26:30
backlog that we can get with our three residential tax that
26:31
our three residential tax that are sitting there and we’re
26:33
are sitting there and we’re taking in 25 residential
26:35
taking in 25 residential machines a day you know there’s
26:36
machines a day you know there’s there’s an area that you need
26:38
there’s an area that you need to know. Hey do you have
26:39
to know. Hey do you have service techs that are just
26:40
service techs that are just strictly for your commercial
26:41
strictly for your commercial customers? Uh if they say no,
26:43
customers? Uh if they say no, we got two guys back there and
26:44
we got two guys back there and they’re they’re pretty good.
26:45
they’re they’re pretty good. You know how good are they can
26:46
You know how good are they can they? Everything that I need if
26:48
they? Everything that I need if they seen most of the stuff um
26:50
they seen most of the stuff um you know, we’re lucky enough to
26:52
you know, we’re lucky enough to have two text, You know, Dave
26:53
have two text, You know, Dave and Paul with us for over 30
26:56
and Paul with us for over 30 years and they’re going strong
26:57
years and they’re going strong today and they’ve pass that
26:59
today and they’ve pass that knowledge on to my younger, you
27:00
knowledge on to my younger, you know my age and our mid 30s
27:02
know my age and our mid 30s early 40s that are moving
27:04
early 40s that are moving forward with the company. so
27:05
forward with the company. so you wanna know the secession
27:07
you wanna know the secession plan that they have as well. If
27:08
plan that they have as well. If you know they got two guys that
27:09
you know they got two guys that yeah, they’ve been here for 40
27:11
yeah, they’ve been here for 40 years. They’re great. well, how
27:12
years. They’re great. well, how many more years are they gonna
27:13
many more years are they gonna be around and what do they have
27:15
be around and what do they have in place to come behind them?
27:16
in place to come behind them? So um but yeah, that’s. That
27:19
So um but yeah, that’s. That everybody should have some type
27:20
everybody should have some type of a demo program, especially
27:21
of a demo program, especially when you’re moving 200 plus
27:23
when you’re moving 200 plus commercial machines a year you
27:25
commercial machines a year you know, I don’t care what you’re
27:27
know, I don’t care what you’re selling. There’s gonna be some
27:28
selling. There’s gonna be some issues that arise and they’re
27:29
issues that arise and they’re gonna be more issues and you
27:31
gonna be more issues and you just got to be able to you
27:32
just got to be able to you know, help the guys out. so
27:33
know, help the guys out. so it’s I said Time is money on
27:35
it’s I said Time is money on both ends you end and ours.
27:37
both ends you end and ours. Yeah. absolutely. and I know we
27:38
Yeah. absolutely. and I know we we definitely uh help your your
27:40
we definitely uh help your your tax see just about everything
27:42
tax see just about everything you could possibly be broke so
27:43
you could possibly be broke so I may be happy in the excel
27:44
I may be happy in the excel sheets in the uh overhead
27:45
sheets in the uh overhead recovery in the budgeting and
27:46
recovery in the budgeting and the software, but uh.
27:47
the software, but uh. Throughout the years until we
27:49
Throughout the years until we actually had some full-time
27:50
actually had some full-time mechanics, uh we definitely uh
27:51
mechanics, uh we definitely uh learn what to do and what not
27:53
learn what to do and what not to do and speaking of slopes, I
27:55
to do and speaking of slopes, I think we’ve tumbled a few
27:56
think we’ve tumbled a few mowers uh at least walks down
27:58
mowers uh at least walks down some hills. so uh you guys have
27:59
some hills. so uh you guys have been back in the shape. make
28:00
been back in the shape. make sure some ducks kinda got
28:02
sure some ducks kinda got pulled back and uh amongst
28:03
pulled back and uh amongst other things. I’m sure we’ve
28:04
other things. I’m sure we’ve got a pretty good record of
28:06
got a pretty good record of motor replacement over there as
28:07
motor replacement over there as well. Uh I may own that part of
28:09
well. Uh I may own that part of that back building. I’m pretty
28:10
that back building. I’m pretty sure that’s uh graveyard right
28:13
sure that’s uh graveyard right there for you so the wall of
28:15
there for you so the wall of shame. I’m sure but Mike, I
28:17
shame. I’m sure but Mike, I can’t appreciate you enough
28:18
can’t appreciate you enough coming on. um oh thank you you.
28:20
coming on. um oh thank you you. A pleasure I know a lot of
28:22
A pleasure I know a lot of times business owners um either
28:24
times business owners um either we come in really strong savvy
28:26
we come in really strong savvy business wise or equipment wise
28:28
business wise or equipment wise or somewhere stuck in the
28:29
or somewhere stuck in the middle um, but that’s always
28:30
middle um, but that’s always been one of the things that we
28:31
been one of the things that we see on a lot of the Facebook
28:33
see on a lot of the Facebook groups is you know now that
28:34
groups is you know now that I’ve actually made a full-time
28:35
I’ve actually made a full-time job? Where do I go get this
28:36
job? Where do I go get this equipment and enough to knock
28:38
equipment and enough to knock on the big box stores, but uh
28:40
on the big box stores, but uh at least in my opinion and
28:41
at least in my opinion and that’s not the direction you
28:42
that’s not the direction you wanna go and we see that a lot
28:44
wanna go and we see that a lot of times in these Facebook
28:44
of times in these Facebook groups. so um I think kinda
28:47
groups. so um I think kinda bringing an expert like
28:47
bringing an expert like yourself on here with sixty
28:48
yourself on here with sixty plus years in the industry.
28:51
plus years in the industry. Business is helpful for the
28:52
Business is helpful for the general public is now at least
28:53
general public is now at least we’ve got vetted some questions
28:55
we’ve got vetted some questions in the benchmark of what they
28:55
in the benchmark of what they should be looking at um and if
28:58
should be looking at um and if people are in the upstate New
28:59
people are in the upstate New York area, obviously, you got a
29:01
York area, obviously, you got a brand new location now open it
29:02
brand new location now open it up in Buffalo commercial only
29:03
up in Buffalo commercial only and uh obviously the Rochester
29:06
and uh obviously the Rochester location over 60 years here uh
29:07
location over 60 years here uh people are in the upstate New
29:08
people are in the upstate New York area and interested in
29:09
York area and interested in reaching out to you or some way
29:11
reaching out to you or some way they can hold you. Yeah
29:11
they can hold you. Yeah absolutely uh broner.com so BR
29:15
absolutely uh broner.com so BR ODER dot com. That’s our
29:16
ODER dot com. That’s our website. uh you can access us
29:17
website. uh you can access us there 24/7. We are we’re
29:20
there 24/7. We are we’re located in Rochester right in
29:22
located in Rochester right in the right in the town of Gates
29:23
the right in the town of Gates and then our new location in
29:25
and then our new location in Buffalo, which will be
29:27
Buffalo, which will be commercial only. um you know
29:28
commercial only. um you know we’re bringing our mean green
29:29
we’re bringing our mean green or x Mark Steiner and our Billy
29:31
or x Mark Steiner and our Billy Goat truck loaders up to the
29:33
Goat truck loaders up to the area. Uh we’re gonna be on
29:34
area. Uh we’re gonna be on transit road in the so uh look
29:36
transit road in the so uh look out for that. We’ll have that
29:37
out for that. We’ll have that up on the website um you know
29:39
up on the website um you know and anybody with the Automower.
29:41
and anybody with the Automower. It’s or USA I got my own
29:43
It’s or USA I got my own website.com and uh USA on
29:46
website.com and uh USA on Instagram. so we appreciate you
29:47
Instagram. so we appreciate you guys. Thank you all and thanks
29:48
guys. Thank you all and thanks for having me. And uh anytime
29:50
for having me. And uh anytime you need anything, let me know.
29:51
you need anything, let me know. Yeah. I appreciate it. It’s
29:52
Yeah. I appreciate it. It’s Rick and Tim. I say hello and
29:53
Rick and Tim. I say hello and Paul and the whole crew over
29:54
Paul and the whole crew over there. so it’s been a while,
29:55
there. so it’s been a while, but uh definitely thank you for
29:57
but uh definitely thank you for the success we’ve had over the
29:58
the success we’ve had over the years um so any questions feel
30:01
years um so any questions feel drop to below in the comments
30:02
drop to below in the comments here. we’ll keep an eye for the
30:03
here. we’ll keep an eye for the next 24 to 48 hours uh as a
30:06
next 24 to 48 hours uh as a weekly talk show coming to you
30:07
weekly talk show coming to you live every one every Friday at
30:09
live every one every Friday at 1 PM eastern 12 PM Central Mike
30:11
1 PM eastern 12 PM Central Mike Callahan and Cody and Special
30:14
Callahan and Cody and Special guest Mike Baum. We’ll see you
30:15
guest Mike Baum. We’ll see you guys next week. See you guys