The 2016 recipient of Precision Farming Dealer’s fourth annual Most Valuable Dealership is Hoober Inc. based in Intercourse, Pa.

In total, 54 U.S. and Canadian dealerships including large and small farm equipment dealership groups with precision departments, independent precision operations and co-ops were nominated by their farm customers, precision equipment suppliers and their own employees.

We asked an independent panel of judges to evaluate precision farming sales growth and diversity, along with how each nominee is generating revenue from hardware, software and precision service.

We performed video interviews with key members of Hoober's precision farming team to get a more intimate understanding of how the dealership has evolved its approach for sales and delivery of service.

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The judges also analyzed less quantifiable elements that define the best precision farming dealership, such as employee training, performance standards, innovation, sustainability and community involvement.

In a segment of the agricultural industry known for turnover and burnout, Hoober’s precision department has been a model of stability and dedication. It’s these attributes that distinguished it from the other nominees this year.

Since formally committing to its precision business in 2005, the 9-store Case IH dealership group has lost only 1 member of its current 10 person precision farming department during the last decade. This despite the addition of 4 stores during the last 3 years and a recent shift to having each location manage its own precision business rather than operating as a single division.

This consistency and adaptability is rooted in Hoober’s core business values — integrity, teamwork and service — the last of which is the cornerstone of the dealership’s precision growth. Understanding that service and support of technology can be the deciding factor whether customers come back or take their business elsewhere, Hoober has built a reputation for putting customers ahead of number crunching.

“Take care of the customer and the numbers will take care of themselves,” is a daily mantra that has helped Hoober grow overall annual hardware revenue to nearly $4 million, and increase precision service revenue by 2-4% each year to account for nearly 20% of overall precision profits.

As noted by the judges, Hoober’s precision staff blends an established but evolving combination of expertise, innovation and confidence that provides reliable support for the diversity of products they deliver.

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