Johnson Tractor Honored by Farm Equipment Magazine

Johnson Tractor, Inc., with Case IH dealerships in Janesville, Wis., and Rochelle, Ill., and a used equipment outlet and service center in Juda, Wis., recently was chosen as Farm Equipment magazine’s 2012 Farm Equipment Dealership of the Year. The company is co-owned by two brothers, Leo and Eric Johnson.

Johnson Tractor, which has been a finalist in the past, earned the distinction in the “over $50 million in annual sales revenue” category. According to a press release from the sponsoring magazine, the company received the award “not only for its outstanding financial and operating performance that has seen significant growth over the past three years, but also for its demonstrated commitment to the local communities that are served by its three locations, as well as its renowned customer service.”

Publication representatives say the Johnson brothers don’t consider themselves “numbers freaks,” but they do keep an eye on total revenue, net income and cash availability when running their enterprise.

“The principals and employees at Johnson Tractor know how to take care of their customers, and they know how to run a profitable dealership,” says Rick Rank, Case IH Regional Sales Director for Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. “They’re always forward thinking and aggressive in regard to sales.”

Leo worked for the equipment company that was owned by his father and a partner, and eventually bought out the interests of the partner to found the present company in 1980. Later, Eric joined the organization and the two became full owners. The dealership has 68 employees across its three locations.

“This award is a credit to our people,” says Leo. “They work hard and have the best interests of our company at heart.

“Our management team extends beyond our owners,” he continues, “and department managers have a great deal of responsibility.”

A judging panel reviewed an extensive and impressive list of nominees, but the decision to select Johnson Tractor as the winner was unanimous. “This dealership achieved one of the highest ‘dollars generated per employee that the judges had ever seen,” the judges reported ($1,257,020). “Their ROA was the highest of all nominees, and their market share was 50 percent-plus for three years running.”

In addition to the Dealership of the Year award, the company also earned Case IH Pinnacle status in Parts in 2012. “We have spent a great deal of time and effort developing processes for all departments to improve efficiency and raise profitability this year,” says Leo.

The emphasis on developing effective protocols has paid off both internally and externally, but having a successful business is more than good protocols: It’s about creating a great work environment and helping employees succeed. Johnson Tractor emphasizes employee training and has developed a tracking plan for all employees. The company also encourages its employees to be active members of their respective communities by serving on local elected and volunteer boards.

“They care about their employees and they tell the truth,” adds Rank, referring to Leo and Eric. “They speak their mind and are proud of what they’ve done. When you’re passionate about something, you want to share it with others, and Johnson Tractor is passionate about taking care of their customers and their dealership.”

Case IH offers its congratulations to Johnson Tractor, Inc. We appreciate your dedication to meeting customers’ needs and in helping them Be Ready for the future of farming. What has your dealership done to provide exceptional service? Tell us how they’ve gone above and beyond to meet your needs.