When Minto Ag was founded, it was more than just the start of a new dealership—it was a commitment to quality, service, and supporting local farmers. Driven by growth and a commitment to better serve its customers, Minto AG was established as an independent dealership in 2013, following its spin-off from Maple Lane Farm Service. Over the past decade, it has grown rapidly.
Today, the dealership is known for its exceptional customer service and dedication to providing top-tier German equipment brands, including Deutz Fahr, Krone, Amazone, and Schäffer.
We recently caught up with Paul Eccles, who has been with Minto Ag from the very beginning, managing their accounting department. Paul shared how DIS software plays a crucial role in:
- helping the dealership meet its goals of delivering exceptional service
- keeping accurate records
- supporting the business as it continues to grow
Read on to learn more about their journey and the impact DIS has had on their day-to-day operations!
What sets Minto Ag apart from other dealerships?
Paul Eccles: One unique aspect of Minto Ag is our strong focus on service. While most farm equipment dealerships prioritize primary sales and parts, our leadership—including Murray, who is also the service manager—ensures that service remains a top priority. This approach has allowed us to build strong, long-term relationships with our customers. For instance, last year, we celebrated our 10th anniversary with a major expansion, doubling the size of our service shop and adding more office, warehouse, and showroom space. This commitment to service has been central to our growth.
How has DIS supported Minto Ag’s growth and day-to-day operations?
Paul Eccles: DIS has been with us since the beginning. Maple Lane was already using DIS, so it was a natural progression to implement it at Minto Ag. It’s a reliable and flexible system that drives everything I do in accounting. My day typically starts with running day-end reports, reconciling accounts, and managing customer payments. DIS provides clear, reliable information and is user-friendly, which helps us track issues and resolve them quickly.
From an inventory perspective, DIS’s accuracy and reporting capabilities allow us to maintain appropriate stock levels, ensuring we have the parts our customers need. This is crucial for our service-first approach, as it minimizes downtime for farmers who need to be back in the field as quickly as possible.
Paul’s Favorite Features:
- Accounting Support: Simplifies daily tasks like day-end reports, account reconciliation, and customer payment management.
- Inventory Management: Tracks inventory accurately, maintains stock levels, and ensures critical parts availability to minimize customer downtime.
- Service-First Approach: Enables quick responses to customer needs by prioritizing service over administrative tasks.
- Robust Reporting: Provides comprehensive reporting for better decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Industry-Specific Design: Tailored specifically for the farm equipment industry to address unique dealership needs.
How does DIS compare to systems you’ve used in the past?
Paul Eccles: Before Minto Ag, I worked in the lumber industry, where the systems were very rigid and not adaptable. DIS, on the other hand, is much more flexible. For example, it allows us to quickly address customer needs, get them the parts or service they require, and handle the administrative side later. This flexibility is essential in agriculture, where time is critical. DIS enables us to focus on servicing the customer without being bogged down by system limitations.
Can you share an example of how your service-first approach has made a difference?
Paul Eccles: Absolutely. We recently had a situation where a major component of a new machine broke down. Instead of waiting weeks for parts from Europe, we already had the necessary part in stock, thanks to our proactive inventory management with DIS. We got the customer up and running within a day. Even our supplier was impressed by how prepared we were. This kind of responsiveness builds trust and loyalty with our customers.
What advice would you give to dealerships considering DIS?
Paul Eccles: I’d advise dealerships to have a clear understanding of their goals and how DIS aligns with their needs. DIS’s strength lies in its deep roots in the farm equipment industry, which means it’s designed to meet the unique needs of dealerships like ours. Its flexibility, robust reporting, and inventory management capabilities make it a great fit for businesses that prioritize service and long-term customer relationships.
Are you interested in learning more about how DIS can be your dealership management partner? Get in touch with one of our dealership experts.
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