Simplicity future.

[Al]

Hi, Was to the Simplicity for the 5th annual open house for dealers today. Took 2 of my shop guys. They had a good time running all of the stuff. Particularly digging with the Legacy XL backhoe, and running The Ferris 5000 ST with the Caterpiller diesel. One heck of an animal, but for 23,000.00 it should be. The new Regent seems like a very well engineered tractor for an entry level tractor. I expect it to sell well. Had a chance to visit one on one with Joe Wright the new Sim president. Have heard many good things about him. I was very much impressed by him. We discussed the Simplicity "Culture" and what a great company they are for a dealer to work with and the value of retaining "The Dealer Line". I get the impression he really does understand it and the importance of retaining it. He seams very down to earth and hands on, and interested in learning from the Simplicity people. I will sleep better tonite as a result of my impression of him and what he had to say. People there that are friends of mine told me that he has talked to them more in his short tenure there than his predecessor had in the 7 years previous. If you are a leader, listening to the people that do the work is how you can really understand the work that needs to be accomplished. Wish him well. Al Eden

[Ronald Hribar]

Al Was looking for your picture in the Milwaukee journal this morning. They showed the new " JAVELIN" mower. Had a nice sized article also.

[Al]

Ron, Sorry, The event is at the proving grounds and they have everything Simplicity, Snapper, Ferris and Giant Vac makes set up in different areas. You can drive or operate anything you are interested in. Then they run busses back in forth to the factory for tours every half hour. He was out there just wondering around meeting dealers and learning what their customers (dealers) needs and feelings are etc. Real low key guy. Al

[ehertzfeld]

Hey Al, is he aware of the fact that there are alot of us who love the old tractors? Did you tell him about the site/club? I still think we should give him a membership as long as he is President. Reason being, it would be awsome if we can get them to start make part for these old one, even if it's a limited line. Elon Elon

[rs07]

Thanks for the reassuring info Al. I'm sure all of us here were concerned about Simplicity's future since Briggs aquired them and they made some personnel changes. I wish Mr. Wright the best of luck. I'm sure with his attitude about the company, Simplicity will continue to support it's dealers and remain a solid stable company and continue to build great lawn and garden products for generations to come.

[dirtsaver]

Al as an employee of a Simplicity dealership I really appreciate the feedback you pass along. I realize the company is in the business of building and selling new units, but like Elon, I'm curious to know what the new president thinks of us out here keeping the old stuff alive.

[JimH]

Al, thank's for sharing the info and your feelings based on your visit to the open house. Now that you have had a chance to meet Joe Wright and he now knows who you are, maybe you could drop him a note sometime regarding reproducing parts for the older Simplicity and Allis tractors. Thank's, Jim...........

[AGCO918]

Al, I am glad to hear that he and you talked about the company.I have always owned Simplicity/ALLIS CHALMERS/AGCO products and will never change brands.I am as Loyal as you can get.What i like about the company is that with the problems that i had with my AGCO 918,they made the product right.For one ,you not knowing me at all offered for me to bring my tractor from ohio to you to fix it.I have more respect for You ,Al and Simplicity than i do anybody else.The company wants to make the product right.I dont understand why Agco didnt get on the bandwagon and have Simplicity make my AGCO 2027 with the Diesel as a option. I love the company and the products that they make and sell.I wish i could be a dealer of Simplicity & AGCO farm equipment ,but with things so expensive now,i would never have a chance to be able to open my own dealership.AL,Keep up the good work that you do as a dealer and as a member of this club,i want to Thank You for all that you do.