REGIONAL ROUND-UP

New Holland Connections SEPTEMBER 2019

Chris Smith, Smiths Farm Equipment, Jasper, Ontario, is being groomed to become the fourth generation in the Smith family to immerse himself into the dealership. His great-grandfather started the business in 1955. His grandfather, Richard, still spends most of his time at the dealership to assist in any way he can. His dad, Robert, is the owner/dealer principal and wears multiple hats managing the business.

Now, Chris’s turn is on the horizon. Chris, who just turned 21 and finished a business program this spring, has been going to the dealership with his dad since he was six-years old. As a teenager, he cleaned the yard after school and over the summer. He’s repaired equipment, worked in Parts and sold equipment, starting with lawn care units and compact tractors, and moving up to the larger equipment.

There is a lot of work needed to make any future transition successful. “A succession plan needed to be put in place,” says Chris. “You need to know your numbers, your goals and a time frame. New Holland also has a major role to play in this, to ensure that they are satisfied and comfortable with whoever takes over the dealership’s business. My grandfather and my dad will continue their roles during the transition.

They have a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience that I am fortunate to have available to me, along with a knowledgeable and dedicated staff. The plan over the next few years will be to continue in my sales role while immersing myself into assisting management in the different departments in preparation for the transition of a partnership-to-owner succession plan.”

The Smiths are also very aware that with any transition, whether to a family member or to a new investor, there needs to be a high level of transparency with the customers, employees, the community and each other. “It is very important to keep our employees and customers informed during this kind of transition,” says Chris. “We need to let everyone know that, yes, the business is changing ownership, but within the family. We have strong ties to the community, and we are not going anywhere.”

There is much work ahead and Chris knows that the path to taking over the business won’t be easy. “But I am up to the challenge,” he says with confidence. “I enjoy the equipment associated with agriculture and the rural lifestyle community. Our customers are awesome people. I look forward to waking up every day to talk to them and to help them out with their equipment needs. That’s why I’m doing it. It’s a passion of mine — my career path.” 

Richard, Robert and Chris Smith, Smiths Farm Equipment.