My passion for agriculture began in my early years when I spent summers working on my grandfather's farm at the age of 14. Those experiences ignited my interest in machinery and mechanics, shaping my future career. After graduating from high school in 1983, I worked for a window cleaning company for two years before enrolling at Alfred Agriculture College in September 1985. I pursued a two-year course that provided an introduction to basic mechanics, with a clear goal in mind—I wanted to become a mechanic and work for a CASE dealer.
After my first year in college, I spent the summer working for Marleau Garage Inc. in St-Bernardin, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. My personal life also took a significant turn when my son, Robin, was born on September 14, 1987. In 1988, after graduating, I joined Curran Farm Equipment, a John Deere dealer, for a year. However, in May 1989, Serge Fournier, the service manager at Marleau Garage, reached out and offered me a chance to return. After meeting with him, I moved back to the CASE IH dealership, eager to expand my knowledge in mechanics.
In May 1999, Marleau Garage was acquired by Reis Equipment Inc., initially owned by Joe Reis and later managed by his son, Jeff Reis. Over the years, I attended numerous CNH training sessions, primarily in Racine, Wisconsin, including a visit to the impressive Magnum Plant. The general manager at the time, Denis Caron, played a crucial role in my growth, guiding me from a technician to a parts counter specialist and eventually into a parts manager role. Additional training at Jerkins Creative Consulting in Benton, Illinois, as well as CNH management courses, strengthened my ability to run a successful parts department.
My years in the service department proved invaluable, giving me in-depth knowledge of CASE IH equipment, from tractors and combines to grain drills, cultivators, and balers. This hands-on experience allowed me to assist customers effectively, ensuring they received the correct parts to keep their equipment running smoothly.
In the summer of 2010, Reis Equipment relocated from St-Bernardin to a modern facility in Dunvegan, marking a significant milestone for the company. The business continued to grow, evolving further when Delta Power Ltd acquired Reis Equipment in February 2022. This transition brought enhanced management structure and support, particularly in the parts department, where professionals like Jeff Amos and Ryan Gates provided critical guidance.
One of the major challenges during this transition was shifting from the DIS business system to CDK. While it was an adjustment, I now see CDK as a superior system that streamlines operations. Another challenge was managing personnel, particularly dealing with difficult employees. However, with time and strong management support, our team is now more cohesive and efficient than ever.
Each morning, I start my day by managing the cash register and ensuring all accounting reports are in order. Checking emails is a critical task, especially early in the morning, as dealer-to-dealer transfers often present opportunities to clear obsolete stock. I also monitor back-ordered parts, ensuring that pending jobs—whether in the shop or for customers—are not delayed unnecessarily. Staying on top of incoming shipments and processed orders is essential.
Effective communication is a cornerstone of my role. I encourage my team to use Kenect for customer interactions and ensure that all customer email inquiries receive a "reply all" response so everyone is kept in the loop. I also handle claims related to shortages, incorrect shipments, and damaged parts through CNH’s CSPS system, while ensuring my team is equipped to handle these processes in my absence.
Inventory management is another major focus. Reducing obsolete parts has been a significant achievement, accomplished with the support of Jeff and Ryan. This effort has improved operational efficiency and financial performance.
Beyond administrative duties, customer engagement remains my priority. I frequently reach out to customers to inform them of promotions, reinforcing relationships and often securing additional orders. A proactive approach to customer service is essential—whether through email, phone calls, or face-to-face interactions, the goal is always to provide solutions and ensure customer satisfaction.
The transition from Reis Equipment to Delta Power significantly improved operations, primarily due to better management support. Unlike the latter years at Reis, where management had weakened, Delta Power brought strong leadership and a collaborative team environment. The ability to transfer parts efficiently across locations via the shuttle system has also enhanced service speed and customer satisfaction.
At Delta Power, employees feel valued, and teamwork drives success. This sense of unity and structured management has made my role more fulfilling and efficient. The company fosters an environment where continuous improvement and training are prioritized, ensuring that we provide customers with top-notch service.
Away from work, I prioritize spending time with my wife and our nephew. Our pets, Shadow (our dog) and Tom (our cat), are cherished family members. While I don't have many hobbies, I enjoy snowmobiling in the winter and swimming and walking in the summer. We also have a close-knit group of friends, and we make it a point to see each other at least once a month. Some of these friendships date back to my elementary school days, and we've even traveled together on multiple occasions.
Success is not handed to you—it must be built from the ground up. Setting goals, staying open to learning, and embracing continuous training are critical elements in achieving career growth. In our industry, the key to long-term success is exceptional customer service. Every customer who walks into our dealership should feel valued, knowing that we are committed to finding solutions for their needs.
I encourage my team to leverage resources, ask questions, and collaborate to solve problems. Whether dealing with a major brand or a short-line supplier, persistence and knowledge are essential. Providing exceptional service ensures customer loyalty, and a satisfied customer will always return.
Looking back on my journey, I am grateful for the mentors who shaped my career—my parents, Reynald Marleau, and Serge Fournier, among many others. Their guidance, along with my dedication and hard work, has allowed me to achieve my dream of working in a CASE IH dealership. Every challenge along the way has been a learning experience, reinforcing my passion for helping others and contributing to the success of our industry.
