NEWS RELEASE   February 16, 2022

John Deere turf dealers recognised as a cut above

Crestmead, Queensland (16 February 2022) — BROTHERS supporting tree-changers transition to acreage life, a dealership in a community thriving after years of drought and a high-performing family-owned business are among the winners in John Deere's annual Deere Distinction Awards.

The Awards, which are in their second year, recognise John Deere dealers who solely sell turf products and who are committed to operational excellence. They have achieved outstanding performance, superior customer service and aftermarket support in Australian and New Zealand locations.

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, acknowledged the winners for their commitment and hard work to achieve their accomplishments.

"These awards are an important recognition of the exceptional service these dealers work hard to provide to their customers and the important role they play in their local communities," Mr Chandler said.

"We are proud of our extensive network of authorised dealers in both Australia and New Zealand and congratulate our winners on their achievements."

Double the celebrations for Western Australian business

Two branches of Perth family-owned business, Beacon Equipment, took out individual awards for commitment to providing excellent service to rural lifestyle, commercial and local government customers.

After winning the coveted Customer Experience Award at the Jandakot dealership and the Aftermarket Award at Canning Vale, General Manager, Paul Beacon, said the awards were great recognition for Beacon Equipment's hard-working teams.

"We pride ourselves on being a solution driven and customer-focused company," Mr Beacon said.

"Knowing the Customer Experience Award win is generated directly from returned customer surveys is very humbling and gives us great satisfaction.

"Whether our customers are looking for new equipment or help with parts and services, our staff aim to get it right the first time, and winning these awards shows we're on the right path."

Tying for first place in sales excellence

B&J Crane based in Bairnsdale, Victoria, and Queensland's Sunshine Coast Mowers, Mooloolaba, were neck-and-neck in the John Deere Residential Turf Equipment Sales category. Eventually, the judges could not split the two family-owned businesses and awarded both the prestigious Sales Excellence Award.

B&J Crane Bairnsdale owner, Geoff Crane said it was privilege for the dealership to be recognised for the second year in a row, after taking out the trophy in 2020.

"It's always an honour to receive such a high award from a company like John Deere," Mr Crane said.

"As a second-generation local family-owned business, we are honoured to receive this award and strive to continually provide the best service we can for our customers, which is obviously paying off."

Hayden Cook, who owns Sunshine Coast Mowers with his brother, Gerard, said he was delighted a Sunshine Coast business was recognised.

"Our Mooloolaba dealership has only stocked John Deere products for the past six years, and while sales have always been high, we are seeing a growing trend where customers are investing in purchasing quality equipment," Mr Cook said.

"While this may be because people aren't spending money on overseas holidays, or as a result the growing number of tree-changers seeking Sunshine Coast acreage properties, it's a credit to the dealership team. 

"We know customers aren't forced to come into the dealership, so when they do, we make sure we look after them. It's great this award recognises that."

Rainfall and tree-changers contribute to strong sales

Benalla Rural City, located two hours north-east of Melbourne, is home to both approximately 14,000 people and the winner of the Sales Achievement Award, Rose City Mowers.

The award recognises the dealership with the best sales growth year-on-year, ensuring dealers in less populated locations can be acknowledged for their commitment to customer service.

Rose City Mowers owner, Steve Brodie, said it was a terrific acknowledgement of the dealership.

"Our team works very hard in providing excellent service to our new and existing customers, and this award wouldn't be possible without their dedication," Mr Brodie said.

"We also have to acknowledge and thank our growing number of loyal customers.

"After three years of drought, we're seeing optimistic customers buying equipment and more people are spending money on their gardens because they haven't been able to travel far from home.

"Benalla is also a drawcard for people seeking a tree change now they can work from home more easily, and need only travel to the city once a week.

"They are buying acreage properties to give their families space to enjoy the rural lifestyle and need the equipment to maintain it."

 

About Deere & Company:

Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, golf & turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor and See & Spray™ are just two of the ways we help meet the world's increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in Australia at JohnDeere.com.au.

Media Contacts:

Stacey Wordsworth
0438 394 371
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillpr.com.au

Hannah Hardy
0421 196 004
hannah.hardy@bluehillpr.com.au