On Friday, February 9, 2024, the Daviess County CEO cohort embarked on an enlightening journey during their visit to Boyd and Sons Machinery, LLC/Bobcat of Daviess County. The dealership, boasting authorization to sell Bobcat® equipment, serves the Washington area with pride, offering a wide array of new and pre-owned inventory.
Austin Boyd, Kyle Gengelbach, and Frank Kiefler shared the extraordinary narrative of Boyd and Sons Machinery since inaugurating the Bobcat dealership in 2019. In an astonishingly short span, the dealership has ascended to become the number 1 parts dealer in the United States. Beyond Bobcat sales, the organization encompasses diverse components, including rubber tracks, track press, aftermarket parts, used equipment, Lucas oil, service, OEM trailer dealership, and attachments. Impressively, the company's sales outreach spans nine states weekly.
Austin Boyd, formerly a member of the CEO cohort and the current CEO Board President, reflected on the program's impact on his perspective. He underscored the necessity of spreading the word about local businesses and the pivotal role of effective communication. The organization maintains a culture of weekly collaboration among all departments, fostering unity and shared goals.
The trio generously shared valuable advice with the cohort about trade shows. They emphasized the significance of communication with customers and the idea that avoiding conflict only perpetuates issues. Acknowledging that people may not always remember what is said, they stressed the enduring impact of how one makes others feel.
Austin Boyd made a poignant remark, stating, "Hire good people, and you will find a seat on the bus; just get them on the bus." They advocated for advertising and creating brand awareness, promoting respect for all, working with a purpose, and seizing opportunities. The speakers also highlighted the importance of answering the phone promptly and consistently providing exceptional service.
A notable addition to the discussion was made by Chelsey Hart, further enriching the conversation with diverse perspectives and insights. The Daviess County CEO cohort expressed gratitude to Boyd and Sons Machinery for the business tour, their time and unwavering support of the CEO program. The visit not only provided valuable insights into the business world but also served as a wellspring of inspiration for the budding entrepreneurs in the cohort.