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It ’ s allowed Burke Outdoor to serve existing customers in a deeper way by providing specialized ongoing education , and to build relationships with new customers who might have heard about and chose to attend a class .
Burke Outdoor also support its customers with rental of equipment that might only be needed at select times throughout the year . “ We got started in rentals about 4 to 5 years ago ,” Behlke said . “ With where our facility is , we ’ re sort of limited on space [ to store rentals ], but landscapers rent pluggers and spikers [ plug aerators and spike aerators ] to prep lawns for seed and fertilizer quite frequently in fall and spring . We ’ ve tried to steer aware from renting dangerous things like chainsaws .”
Looking Toward the Future As Behlke ’ s parents are nearing retirement , they are trying to get systems
Customer service and relationships are top priorities for the staff at Burke Outdoor .
The store ’ s dedicated arborist space features an array of tools , apparel , and safety gear .
and people in place so they don ’ t have to be in the dealership as much .
“ My family takes pride in taking care of customers ,” Behlke said . “ With independent dealers , I think that ’ s a huge aspect . We ’ re always looking for cutting-edge things that might help people in various ways . We try to stay on top of trends and products . We want to be as efficient as we can , not only in business structure internally , but we want to make our customers ’ lives easier and more efficient .”
Behlke said a shop assistant role can help improve efficiency , as the individual ’ s main responsibility is moving and cleaning equipment . It allows the four technicians to spend their time diagnosing and repairing , while the two service advisors can support the customers and technicians .
Behlke said he stays focused on the future and how they are going to evolve as time goes on . His son , the third generation , has even begun working parttime at the dealership .
“ I ’ m always looking at what we can do to take it to the next level ,” Behlke said . “ Maintaining customer service and support . Carrying quality products and maintaining integrity in what we are selling . We want to be strategic .”
www . OPEBusiness . com July 2023 OPE Business 31