On October 1st, the Daviess County CEO Cohort traveled to Odon for an enlightening visit with Brandon Hess at Blesch Brothers Equipment Co. Since its founding in 1937, Blesch Brothers has established itself as a leading agricultural equipment dealer in Southwestern Indiana, renowned for quality machinery and outstanding customer service.
Brandon Hess guided the cohort through the company's operations, sharing valuable insights into the strategies and principles that have sustained the business for nearly nine decades. The visit revealed several key lessons:
1.) Employee Ownership: As an employee-owned company, Blesch Brothers fosters a culture where team members share both responsibility and success, creating a deeply invested workforce.
2.) Comprehensive Product Portfolio: The company offers a full equipment line featuring trusted brands including New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Versatile, and Gravely, meeting diverse customer needs.
3.) Diversified Revenue Model: Brandon stressed the importance of maintaining multiple revenue streams through whole goods sales, parts, service offerings, and warranties, creating a robust and sustainable business structure.
4.) Strategic Inventory Management: The cohort learned about the floor planning process, a crucial element in managing inventory efficiently and optimizing operations.
5.) Customer-Centered Communication: The company prioritizes open dialogue with customers, building trust and delivering customized solutions that address specific requirements.
6.) Competitive Excellence: Brandon emphasized competing fairly and maintaining integrity, recognizing that healthy competition benefits the entire industry.
7.) Effective Marketing: The visit highlighted marketing strategies that have enhanced Blesch Brothers' visibility and contributed to its continued growth.
8.) What to Look for in Employees: When asked about his hiring philosophy, Brandon identified three essential qualities: be prompt, be trainable, and be empowered to think for yourself. These characteristics ensure employees are reliable, adaptable, and capable of making independent decisions that benefit the company.
Brandon left the cohort with two powerful messages: "A person is a fool if they don't look at opportunities" and "Failure is not an option, so don't let the thought of failure hold you back." These words resonated deeply with the aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to pursue opportunities boldly and persevere through challenges.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort extends sincere appreciation to Brandon Hess for his generosity in sharing his expertise and the inspiring legacy of Blesch Brothers Equipment Co. I
