LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Stens Power Equipment Parts presented its 2002 Parts Leadership Award, its 2002 Service Leadership Award and its 2002 Dealer of the Year Award at the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo on July 19.
The Parts Leadership Award went to Dale Kunz of Central Equipment, Lexington, Ky. Of Kunz, Stens President Peter Ariens said, “Dale Kunz has 27 years of experience in the outdoor power equipment industry and he routinely stocks about 50,000 parts,” he said. “He implemented a new network infrastructure, developed an intranet for the sales, service and parts department and a CD-ROM-based parts lookup for the business.”
The Service Leadership Award went to Randall Wells of Randy’s Lawnmower Repair, Greenfield, Ind. “Randy has been in the industry for 28 years and is authorized to service both 2- and 4-cycle engines,” Ariens said. “Annually, Randy’s Lawnmower Repair services more than 1,000 units.”
When asked to what he contributes his success, Randy said: “I would say it is because I care about quality and what my customers’ needs are,” he shared. “I share my many years of experience, both personal and business, to help make [my customers] happy.”
Stens solicited nominations earlier this year for these awards. An evaluation committee of reviewed the many candidates based on answers provided on a questionnaire. Experience in the industry, involvement in the community, business innovations and training were among the items the committee reviewed in making their decision for this award.
More than 50 dealers were nominated for the Dealer of the Year Award, but the winner this year is Jay’s Lawn & Garden Service Center, Neosho, Mo. Jay Boice, owner, believes community involvement and good service keep his customers coming back. “Service and having parts available on hand are key qualities that differentiate us from our competitors,” he said.
A committee of individuals selected Jay’s Lawn & Garden Service Center for the award based upon answers to a dealer questionnaire. Questions asked of the dealers were based upon day-to-day business operations as well as long-term plans for business profitability.
The author is Managing Editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at nwisniewski@lawnandlandscape.com.