Products and Service Build Customer Relations

MOVE-IT MARKETING

At Dave's Small Engine Repair, they use the right marketing tools and techniques for showing customers exactly what their product and service options are. A proud dealer of Ariens lawn mowers and snow blowers, they have earned the praise of Ariens' very own Charles Jillson. "The equipment displayed is neat, clean and well organized. His service reputation is the very best in the area. He uses all of our marketing tools that he can currently afford in a very professional way. His wife Paula is very creative with advertising and merchandising in the business."

Another marketing and service technique is the fact that Patry is an EETC-certified technician. He believes that having said qualifications puts customers at ease by giving them more confidence in his services. Patry talks about his certification, which signifies a higher level of technical know-how and professionalism. "I did it because customers like to see lots of credentials and certifications; it makes them trust that you are serious about your business and you know what you're talking about," Patry explains. He also obtained the EETC certification for his own personal benefit, to keep up in the industry.

FAMILY TRADITION

Working with tools and repairing landscape equipment is something that the entire family enjoys, right down to the Patrys' son Robbie. Dave remembers when Robbie, a recent high school grad, was just a little guy with a thing for troubleshooting and repairs; who he says was born with a wrench in his hands. "He grew up tinkering on small engines and loves the challenge of finding out what's wrong with equipment. When he started junior high school, he knew that he too wanted to fix lawn mowers for a living," Patry says.

Even the manufacturers such as Ariens have noticed how the passion and work ethic have been passed down a generation. "His son Robbie is meticulous with all the equipment set up and repair. He will be full time next year. He will be part of the legacy his parents are building." Jillson explains.

By working hard together as a family and keeping each other in line, the Patrys have seen plenty of growth. To accommodate the continued growth, they are already thinking of the future and its possibilities. "Some day I hope to build a bigger shop area and hire some more help, but I don't want to grow too much too fast. My wife says if we keep our heads out of the clouds and our feet on the ground, we'll do just fine," says Patry. "Our purpose here is not to get ahead of other people, but to get ahead of ourselves."