For the first-timers

Jerry Schill, president of Schill Grounds Management in North Ridgeville, Ohio, vividly remembers his first trip to GIE+EXPO about two decades ago.

“My brother and I and one employee and a spouse drove down in a little Ford Escort – and we broke down along the way,” he says. “We were dirt poor at the time. So, when we got there, I remember walking into that trade show and the outdoor area, and I was blown away by the sheer size and all the things available to us that we had no idea existed.”

Schill and his brother were just starting their business at the time. He says the show really opened his eyes to the size of the green industry, and it encouraged him to network to grow his Cleveland-based business.

“It opened our eyes to so many things beyond equipment,” Schill says. “GIE+EXPO is where people go to learn. Education there led to consultants. Consultants led to improved processes and improved processes led to higher profitability.”

The size of the show impressed Schill upon his first trip down in the 1990s. Today, the show has grown significantly. This year’s GIE+EXPO is expected to be bigger than ever before, with more exhibitors and education offerings than in past years.

With all there is to see and do, it can be a lot for first-time attendees to take in.

“For first-time attendees at EXPO, it’s overwhelming,” says Bob Clements, president and CEO at Bob Clement International. “It’s like Disneyland. Where do I start?”

Clements’ advice for dealers:

Look for new technology. With exhibitors showcasing new equipment at GIE+EXPO, Clements recommends first-time dealers spend some time at the show looking at emerging technology featured at manufacturer booths. He says dealers should also prepare ahead of the show to check if there is any new technology their dealership might want to offer.

“If you don’t have a line of robotic mowers or battery-powered trimmers, go to EXPO and look at what’s available from that perspective. Start having conversations from that standpoint,” he says.

While a dealer might not be ready to embrace new technology, Clements says to look at it anyway, remembering that decisions don’t have to be made right on the show floor.

“Take a look at future technology, but that doesn’t mean you need to sign onto it right then and there,” he says.

Sign up for training. GIE+EXPO offers many training sessions specifically for dealers, so Clements says owners and managers should check out those sessions. Clements is also offering a Dealer Boot Camp Wednesday through Friday morning at the show.

Also, the show offers some training for technicians. Clements advises dealerships invite their technicians to take advantage of educational offerings, as well.

“The best trainers in the industry are at these,” he says. “While you’re going through a training session, encourage your technicians go through advanced training at the EETC.”

Make changes back home. At the end of the show, list things learned and enjoyed at GIE+EXPO and then figure out which of those things can be applied at the dealership.

“When you leave, sit down and determine one thing you can do starting next week that would move you to becoming a better business,” Clements says.

He says don’t try to change everything at once – pick a few things that were impressive and feasible to work on first.

Take pride in the industry. For dealers making their first trip to GIE+EXPO, Clements says the show should give them a better idea of the size of the industry.

“When you leave GIE+EXPO, you have to be impressed with the industry you’re in,” he says. “There’s no show in the world like GIE+EXPO. People all over the world come to it. It’s the place to be if you’re in the green industry.”