"We have always placed a strong emphasis on providing our customers with friendly service," states Wendy Kolbus. "We know most of our customers and they know us on a first name basis. Though we make a living by running S and W, we consider those who do business with us more than just customers."
One significant turning point in the business came in 2002 when S and W decided to forge a relationship with KIOTI Tractor. Today they offer KIOTI's complete line of tractors in the 22 – 90 horsepower range as well as the all-new KIOTI MECHRON UTV. Stan Kolbus also serves on KIOTI's Dealer Advisory Board, providing valuable feedback to KIOTI management about the product and what's going on in their designated market area.
"Our relationship with KIOTI is nothing short of excellent," states Kolbus. 'We work very hard to not only help grow KIOTI's market share in our area, but also to build brand recognition for the product nationwide. We volunteer our time to work a number of tradeshows in and around our area in an effort to get the name out in front of customers. It's truly a two-way partnership."
Stan and Wendy's dedication to the KIOTI product line has made them an award-winning dealer. S and W has been named a 5-Paw Dealer by KIOTI every year since the program's inception in 2008. The 5-Paw Program was initiated to recognize KIOTI dealerships that promote professionalism, have a high level of customer satisfaction and provide superior service on an ongoing basis.
S and W is not only focused on service in the store, but also while on the road. They've been known to drive up to 1200 miles to service a tractor, though their average service call is within 300 miles. "We do what needs to be done to uphold the KIOTI brand and its image in the marketplace. It's rare we get a service call on a tractor, but when we do, we make sure it gets fixed as quickly as possible. If that means driving a great distance, so be it. That's our job."
In 2007, S and W moved their location to satisfy their growing business. They renovated an old casino and built a 900 square foot warehouse in the back with a shop to house inventory and service tractors and other equipment. When asked why they think they've been so successful, both Stan and Wendy said the same thing, "We are dedicated to our customers. They trust they'll be taken care of when they shop with us."
Specific to KIOTI, Stan continued "I take pride in selling each tractor. I love personally delivering it to a customer and explaining how to use it. It's nice to share in the customer's excitement when the product gets delivered. My typical tractor delivery and presentation takes upwards of two hours. It's very important to me that I show each and every customer the features of the tractor they have just purchased so that they get the most out of it. I also leave them with my cell phone number in case questions arise. I tell them they can use my personal number any day of the week, just not after dark. That's family time."
S and W currently sells about 42 KIOTI tractors a year, along with a wide-variety of KIOTI implements and attachments. They also stock the new MECHRON UTV and see it as being a great addition to KIOTI's product line. "We have a lot of open space and ranches in our area," states Wendy Kolbus. "This product is a natural fit for our marketplace."
As the KIOTI brand becomes more established in North America with a steady increase in sales, S and W sees this same success. "We work very hard with and for KIOTI," states Kolbus. "They're a great organization that manufactures quality products with industry-leading warranties. We're proud to align ourselves with KIOTI."
KIOTI is a member of AEM, as well as several other trade associations serving the farm equipment and related industries. KIOTI is now celebrating 25 years in North America. For more information on KIOTI, please contact them at 1-877-GO-KIOTI or go to www.KIOTI.com.