For the first time in 15 years, construction equipment dealerships were included in the Employee Compensation Survey. The three main reasons for their inclusion were the increase in dual ownership of agricultural and construction equipment dealerships, a larger geographic base so more construction equipment dealers could report, and the change in the number of larger multi-store agricultural equipment dealerships which now operate like multi-store construction equipment dealerships. When we conducted the last Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Distributors (construction equipment dealership) employee compensation survey, there were noticeable differences in wages paid by construction and agricultural equipment dealers. That is not true today. More… Read More »
With this issue of the Retailer, we are focusing our content on the construction equipment industry. INEDA’s membership is comprised of primarily construction and ag dealers. Whether it’s skid loaders, or an in-depth rental fleet, there are many similarities that our members share across the agriculture and construction industry. Here are some commonalities: Seasonal Demand: Both industries experience seasonal fluctuations in demand. Agriculture equipment dealers may see increased demand during planting and harvesting seasons, while construction equipment dealers may experience peaks during periods of high construction activity. Managing inventory, staffing, and cash flow to accommodate these fluctuations can be a… Read More »
As the CEO of INEDA, I believe that innovation is not merely a tool for progress; it’s the very essence of what connects us as individuals and communities. In the equipment realm, innovation is not just about adopting new technologies or techniques; it’s about re-imagining the way we interact with the land, the market, and each other. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and forging a path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. At our Iowa and Nebraska Ag Expos, we are not just hosting events; we are cultivating a culture of innovation. We recognize that our… Read More »
As we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024, this issue of the Retailer is focused on our economy. As we have heard from many of you, along with the sentiments you’ve heard in your dealerships, there is an uneasiness underlying our current economic condition. A few of the factors contributing to this feeling include rising interest rates, softening of commodity prices, the presidential election and the nation’s highest level of consumer debt at a staggering $17.29 trillion. Our dealers of all shapes, colors, and sizes are wrestling with the challenges involved in managing inventory. Whether it’s not having enough… Read More »
Amid rising prices of both new and used equipment, many dealers are helping their customers leverage financing to spread out their machinery costs and reduce the financial burden of keeping their equipment up to date. But is purchasing the equipment outright with a loan or financing the use of the equipment with a lease the right option for your customers? Here are 10 questions you can ask your customers to help them understand the key differences between conventional purchase plans and leasing agreements, and how each option can impact their cash flow, machinery costs and tax position. 1. How many… Read More »
My name is Jamie Mertz, and I hail from the small town of West Bend, Iowa, located in the northwest part of the state. Growing up, I was the second oldest among five children, with an older brother and three younger sisters (including identical twins). My mother, originally from Scranton, IA, dedicated her career to music and vocal teaching, working in schools in LuVerne, West Bend, Spencer, and Algona. She grew up on a farm and met my father while attending college in Dubuque, IA—she was at Clarke, and he attended Loras. They eventually married and settled in West Bend,… Read More »
