Sometimes you just have to throw a party and invite all your friends.

At least it seems logical that this might have been the attitude as the staff of the Albany branch of Monroe Tractor prepared for Friday, May 15.

It was a day designed as celebration and demonstration. In the nine months since being acquired by Monroe Tractor: the Rochester NY equipment dealer with eleven locations throughout the state, a lot has changed for the former S.C. Hansen Albany branch. New equipment brought in, additional people hired, new programs and added services.

“At the same time,” says Paul Bien, branch manager and one of the new people, “ the strengths that S.C. Hansen was known for are still in place. It was important that we highlight both sides of that coin.”

So, May 15 was set as the date for the branch’s first-ever open house and expectations were high despite the seemingly endless days of rain that hung on as Friday approached.

“We scheduled the day’s events with our customers in mind,” said Bien. Some 100 customers in the Capital District surrounding the Albany store (actually situated in Latham, NY) were invited to join in the activities that began at 11 a.m. and wouldn’t wrap-up until late afternoon.

With the aromas of a country pig-roast in the air, the rain let up, the sun came out and customers began pulling into the equipment yard. The yard was neatly arranged with an impressive array of the construction equipment Monroe Tractor had built its reputation on over nearly 58 years.

As important as the equipment was though, Monroe Tractor wanted the branch’s customers to meet the people behind the equipment, including “senior managers from the home office and our exceptional branch staff, new faces and old faces alike.”

Home office shows the flag
The importance that Monroe Tractor’s senior managers place on one of its newest branches was evident as they showed up in force, led by Monroe Tractor founder Henry Hansen and its president Janet Felosky. Customers were able to do more than just shake a hand or two. They had the opportunity to really get to know the people who lead Monroe Tractor during the daylong activities. Hansen and Felosky were joined by the Western CE General Manager Frank Schoenacker, the Rental Manager Sandy Alvarez, the Product Support Manager Chris Felosky and Vice President/Controller Mike Celentano. In addition, Eastern CE General Manager; Chuck Miller joined in.

“The main focus was for our customers to meet the management team and to get to see the enhancements provided by the Monroe influence. Customers were introduced to some exciting new equipment that has been introduced to the area and experience the Monroe Tractor difference first hand. “ The involvement of every senior manager in the company was impressive for our local staff as well as our customers. It showed everyone the importance that the home office places on its Albany business.”

That said Bien was quick to note that his local team was equally enthused about their opportunity to shine at the open house. He’s not the only new member of the team. In addition to the people local customers have come to respect and depend on over the years, Josh Clark and Royal Stanton in sales, Nick Nichols, parts manager, Charlie Lague, parts support, Tom Stover, service manager and his staff of technicians Brian Teschka, Mike Belawske and Rich Bender, Bien was joined by Kim Lindh, the branch’s new product support representative and Jonathan Henderson who recently joined the service department as a construction equipment technician. The addition of the new staff to our team further demonstrates our determination to assure customers that Monroe Tractor – Albany has what it takes to get the job done for them.”

He also noted that the branch was really proud of a new road service truck that was put into service. “It’s important,” he said, “because it’s further evidence of our determination to be there for our customers. The $140,000 truck is equipped so that our skilled technicians can provide equipment maintenance and almost any repair at the customer’s job site. This helps minimize the amount of time a piece of equipment might be out of service,” he says adding, “That’s important because it means our customer saves time (which means saves money) and perhaps more to the point, is able to keep its customer happy.”

GPS Technology Demos
No one should get the idea that the day was all talk. Every piece of equipment in the yard was available for demonstration and many customers took the opportunity to climb aboard a piece (or more) and “move some dirt.” Headlined by the Case 921 Wheel Loader and a Case 350 Excavator, throughout the day customers could take the controls of excavators, bulldozers, skid steers, backhoes, compactors and more.

In addition to the equipment, Case field staff, including people from parts, sales, service and credit was on hand to answer questions.

The star of the show, though, might well have been the Leica GPS (Global Positioning System) technology demonstrated by J.C. Smith Corporation. “The GPS was installed on a Case 850 bulldozer,”  “but it could just as well been demo’d on just about any equipment on the lot.

“The Leica GPS can help save time on the job site by providing exact measurements and grading. This reduces manual set-up and survey for site development. “Customers learned that the GPS technology is available for demo and rental at any Monroe branch or by simply calling 1-866-MTFLEET.”

And the winners were . . .
The first open house for the Albany branch was a winner by anybody’s criteria. Still, some specific winners need to be noted. Monroe Tractor presented gift certificates to seven lucky winners. The gift certificates can be used on parts or service at the Albany branch, according to Bien. When asked, he allowed (with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek) that if someone wanted to use one of the gift certificates to purchase a new piece of equipment, he could figure out how to be accommodating.

McCagg Excavating of Hudson, NY took a $1,000 gift certificate home. Park East Sales, Troy, NY and North American Quarry Service, Catskill, NY each walked away with $500 gift certificates. Four companies won $250 certificates, including: Russ Freeman Excavating, Nassau, NY; Dave Goodermote Excavating, Cherry Plain, NY; Burrello Construction, Mechanicsville, NY; and JP Excavation, Ballston Lake, NY.

In addition to favorable pricing and special interest terms on parts, many others headed home with hats, motor oil, jackets and more.

Oh, let’s not forget the BBQ  chicken.

For more information visit www.MonroeTractor.com
or call the Monroe Tractor sales office nearest you:
Henrietta, NY: 585-334-3867; Buffalo, NY: 716-681-7100; or Syracuse, NY: 315-452-0000.

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