Young's Equipment: thinking long term pays off.

Young's Equipment Inc. is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2008, and its $55.5 million in gross revenue - a $13.5-million increase year over year-is adding to the festivity. Since 1988, this family-owned and operated farm equipment dealership has grown from one facility in Regina with nine employees to over 130 people in five locations: Regina, Moose Jaw, Assiniboia, Windthorst and Weyburn.

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The company is operated by general manager Tim Young, his partner and cousin Ron Young, and their fathers Lloyd and Bill Young.

Young's Equipment has been built on providing exceptional service. Tim Young explains, "We run our business in a manner contrary to what the consultants would tell you to do. We don't worry about short-term results; we're always thinking long term. We want to maximize customer satisfaction over maximizing profits. We prefer to maximize customer satisfaction first."

Consultants warn not to tie up dollars in inventory and order on an as-needed basis, but for Young's customer base, down-time can mean dollars lost or disaster. This year, Young's started with a $6.5-million parts inventory to meet customer needs quickly, and the demand for parts has been strong.

Many dealers do not carry a large equipment inventory and are now are in a situation of pre-sell for 2009. The current equipment shortage has not touched Young's customers yet, and they can still purchase equipment at 2008 prices. "Last year, we were very aggressive," says Young. "We gambled and we have more inventory than most dealers." At time of interview, the company had over $19.5 million of new and used equipment on hand to meet demand this fall.

For Young's, thinking long term and providing exceptional service means training staff in the latest agricultural technology and industry principles. Thirteen salespeople and managers have studied at the International Ag University. Young's also supports any apprentice technician who wishes to pursue achieving journeyman status. "Even if they get the call during harvest, we always let them go. It's important for a person to have the tools to do the job," says Young. "If you don't let them go, it will create problems in the future."

When a piece of equipment leaves Young's lot, Young's commitment to service follows. In the same way, Young's has a commitment to community service that extends throughout the province. Young explains that the recognition of work-life balance and service to the community are an integral part of the company's business plan - to act now, but think with longterm results.