AYF Insider. Robust Customer Experience. Equipment + Technology + Dealer Services = Fall Edition Volume 8, Issue 2

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1 P1 P6 Equipment + Technology + Dealer Services = Robust Customer Experience P2 Equipment + Technology + Dealer Services = Robust Customer Experiencel Q&A with Matt Lewis P3 Q&A with Matt Lewis Safety and Tool Discount Programs for Access Your Future Students Technical Trainer Profile - Rick Hall RDO Equipment Co. Partners with West Fargo, ND High School on New Diesel Technology Course Learn More about Employee Referrals AYF Insider P4 P5 Technical Trainer Profile - Rick Hall RDO Equipment Co. Partners with West Fargo, ND High School on New Diesel Technology Course Fall Edition Volume 8, Issue 2 Equipment + Technology + Dealer Services = Robust Customer Experience By Jeff Lemna Director of Customer Support RDO Equipment Co. is known as a technology leader in our industries and that is demonstrated by our continued commitment to investing in technology. Our organization believes technology is key to the success of our customers, which in turn helps us be successful. There is significant and quantifiable return on investment for our customers when technology is used correctly. Jay Mercer, General Manager of Technology Support for RDO Integrated Controls, commented, It s just another way that we can add to being our customers single source solutions provider. Not only are we providing the sales and service of the technology, but we also want to have the best support offerings. The combination of equipment, plus technology, plus dealer services results in a more robust customer experience because we re able to help them do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. CONSTRUCTION RDO Equipment Co. is a leader in John Deere WorkSight. We order all of our new eligible John Deere machines with five years of JDLink, John Deere s telematics solution. With JDLink, we can help a customer get the most from their fleet from reduced downtime, more productivity, or information to reduce cost. (Continued on page 2)

2 AYF Insider P Fall Edition - Page 2 (Continued from page 1) We do this through data collection and analysis on customers machines to evaluate machine performance such as fuel usage, engine load, and other productivity indicators. We also can use Remote Diagnostics and Reprogramming/Service Advisor Remote to remotely push software updates and get the proper information about machine performance. This allows us to make repairs the first time or repair them remotely, reducing customer downtime. This remote capability is John Deere exclusive. Beyond telematics technologies, the RDO Integrated Controls team is dedicated to machine control solutions for construction equipment and work site management. The RDOIC Solutions Center supports customers around the clock, manages Fleet Shield Services related to technology support, supports the entire company with SenseFly products, provides Mobile Mapping services, and much more. AGRICULTURE RDO Equipment Co. has been recognized as a leader in agriculture technology since our locations started selling automatic steering tractors 15 years ago. Now that automatic steering a tractor has become the norm, it s more about managing data with myjohndeere.com and Wireless Data Transfer, increasing productivity and reducing costs with technologies such as Section Command (shuts off separate sections of a tool to reduce overlap), and using variable rates of seed, chemicals, and fertilizers. These telematics allow us to continue to drive the use of technologies to help our customers be successful. The bottom line is there is no way to ignore technology in the equipment industry. Technology is becoming more integrated every day and there will be no line between technology and equipment. It s the future for our customers and our organization, and we intend to be the leaders. Q&A with Matt Lewis Matt Lewis started with RDO Equipment Co. at the Great Falls, MT location in May 2003 as an AYF student from MSU Northern in Havre, MT. In his more than 10 years with RDO Equipment Co., he has grown with the organization from an AYF Service Technician Intern to a Service Advisor. 1. When did you realize you had an interest in the diesel technology industry? My interest in the industry started back in high school working on farms and ranches. I was able to assist in setting up and maintaining the equipment throughout the summer season. 2. What factors/experiences led you to pursue an education (and ultimately a career) in diesel technology? I always had an interest in the field and had some friends that were already in the program at MSU Northern. I was going up there to play football and the diesel program was a highly recommended major at this institution. 3. What helped you determine RDO Equipment Co. was the dealership you wanted to work for? I felt RDO Equipment Co. took a chance on me as an intern and always treated me well. I enjoyed the people I worked with and did not see a reason to look elsewhere after graduation. It also gave me an opportunity to stay close to home for a career. (Continued on page 3)

3 AYF Insider P Fall Edition - Page 3 Q&A with Matt Lewis (Continued from page 2) 4. When did you start your career with RDO Equipment Co. and what did your career path look like? I started interning during the summer of 2003 and continued until graduation in I basically started out washing equipment and performing services. I also assisted other Service Technicians on different repairs to begin gaining knowledge and hands-on experience. 5. Tell us about your experience while in school. I had a great experience at school, and it helped me confirm my choice of profession. I was very interested in the technology and changes that were coming within the industry. 6. Let s talk about your time at RDO Equipment Co. a. What was your experience like as an AYF student? It was a good experience. I was able to gain knowledge of the equipment and industry. It was also eye opening to see how all the different parts of the dealership came together as a business. It showed me that it was more than just a repair shop. b. What do you enjoy most about the work? I enjoy learning about the equipment and having a satisfied customer after making a repair to their equipment. And since I m at a smaller store, I get to wear different hats depending on the day. This has allowed me to gain knowledge within the other departments of the dealership. c. Now that you ve gotten a few years of experience, has anything changed as to how you view your career? After a few years, I feel much more involved in the entire company s success. I always felt this was a career with RDO Equipment Co. and not just a job. d. What is most exciting about this industry? I like that it s fast paced and the technology is always changing. e. What do you enjoy most about your job now? As a Service Advisor, I enjoy assisting our Service Technicians and trying to pass on knowledge I have gained from past experiences when I was in the role. It lets me see a different side of the service department. f. Since you are now hiring Technicians in your position as Service Advisor, what do you look for when talking with a potential employee for an Access Your Future position? I look for the ability and desire to learn and be a good fit for the company and the team. RDO Equipment Co. has high expectations for all team members, and especially those in the service department. It takes a talented and special individual to fill that role. 7. Do you have any advice for students entering the diesel technology field? Take in all the knowledge you can. Things are always changing, mostly with all the technology. Realize that it is more than just nuts and bolts. 8. Why do you like working for RDO Equipment Co.? I enjoy working for RDO Equipment Co. because of the ability to grow as an employee and a person. In my 10 years with the company, I have been a Service Technician in the shop, a Field Service Technician, Shop Foreman, and now a Service Advisor. RDO Equipment Co. is focused on providing beneficial training to all employees. I enjoy coming to work every day and being a part of a team trying to achieve common goals.

4 AYF Insider P Fall Edition - Page 4 Safety and Tool Discount programs for Access Your Future students Did you know you can get discounts on safety boots, prescription safety glasses, and tools while in school? RDO Equipment Co. has developed partnerships with retailers to offer students the ability to purchase quality merchandise at a discounted rate. Safety Boots - RDO Equipment Co. offers a $150 annual allowance on Hytest and Redwing safety footwear. To receive the $150 allowance, talk to your manager, who will verify eligibility and provide you a form that needs to be completed and submitted to your local retailer. The boots must meet certain qualifications for the discount. To learn more, visit the Employee Portal. ( Prescription Eyewear - Prescription safety glasses are available for individuals who require glasses. The safety glasses cost is paid in full, excluding the exam. Contact your manager for required forms or visit the Employee Portal for more info. ( Tool Access Program (T.A.P.) - The Tool Access Program provides Matco apprentice tool discounts up to 31% off. 0% financing is available through RDO Finance, and is deducted through payroll. To learn more about the T.A.P program, visit the Employee Portal. ( Work Uniforms - While in school and at the dealership, work uniforms are provided for you to use. Cleaning service is available at the dealership and some schools for work uniforms as well. Technical Trainer Profile Rick Hall Machinery has always fascinated Rick. As a young child, he could watch machines work for hours digging in the dirt. In fact, he still has his first die-cast metal toy backhoe from when he was eight years old. This curiosity and passion for equipment led him to purchase his first set of tools when he was just 11. From then on, he has been fixing things - either by hobby or profession. In 2007, Rick joined RDO Equipment Co. as a Service Technician in Fort Worth, TX. In August 2014, Rick attended a 655K Hybrid School in Davenport, IA. While there, the instructor saw his ability to help others in the class with their understanding of electrical theory. He suggested that Rick would be a good fit for John Deere s In-House Instructor program. Little did Rick know, RDO Equipment Co. was looking to hire a Technical Trainer. After applying and going through the interview process, Rick was hired. This role within RDO Equipment Co. also means that Rick is a certified In-House Instructor by John Deere to teach courses to team members. (Continued on page 5)

5 AYF Insider P Fall Edition - Page 5 Technical Trainer Profile Rick Hall (Continued from page 4) In-house training offers a lot of benefits convenience, camaraderie, customization, cost savings, and more. At RDO Equipment Co., the goal of in-house training is to ensure Service Technicians receive the Capstones required in an accurate and efficient method. Rick is currently certified by John Deere to teach five Capstone courses: Electrical Diagnostics, FT4 Engine Aftermarket Fundamentals, Hydraulic/Hydrostatic Diagnostics, K Series FT4 4WD Loaders, and L Series Backhoes. I m thankful for this opportunity, says Rick. I find it rewarding to teach and help others grow in their knowledge. Rick says he s always enjoyed the challenge of being a Service Technician, and now, he s able to share the knowledge he s gained over the past 25 years as a mechanic with others who love what they do. As he s starting his initial training, Rick has been working with the Texas location, but will soon be expanding his training with all construction regions. In fact, just recently, a Service Technician who had attended one of Rick s courses approached him and told him that he was able to quickly diagnose and repair a hydraulic problem by using the information learned in the Hydraulic/Hydrostatic Diagnostics course. As a Service Technician, I ve always had a passion for helping others learn and develop their skills, says Rick. He adds, And now, as an instructor, I hope to help strengthen the skills of our Service Technicians, which will in turn strengthen the service departments of our organization.. RDO Equipment Co. Partners with West Fargo, ND High School on New Diesel Technology Course RDO Equipment Co. and industry partners are working with Sheyenne High School in West Fargo, ND on a new diesel technology course. This program was designed to help address the industry needs and highlight the employment opportunities in the region and state. The course will allow junior and senior students from Fargo, Northern Cass, and West Fargo school districts to explore the field of diesel and heavy duty equipment repair as well as experience a variety of diesel and heavy equipment practices. Students will learn the basics of safety, equipment identification, and the use of hand and power tools in a lab setting with the help of industry partners. In addition, students will learn about career opportunities within the diesel and heavy equipment repair industry. This program will provide students with future post-secondary training, future employment, potential internships, and the opportunity to work on real-world projects through project-based learning, said Denise Jonas, CTE Director - Cass County Career & Technical Education Consortium Virtual Center Partners: Fargo - Northern Cass - West Fargo. (Continued on page 6).

6 AYF Insider P Fall Edition - Page 6 RDO Equipment Co. Partners with West Fargo, ND High School on New Diesel Technology Course (Continued from page 5) This program will give the students a good understanding of the basics in diesel technology and will help prepare them for their first year of technical college. With the demand for diesel technicians, this program will provide a pipeline of local students to our technical colleges and give them exposure at the high school level to how rewarding a career in diesel technology can be," stated Mike Wollschlager, RDO Equipment Co. Moorhead Store Manager. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of topics throughout the diesel technology course including: diesel engine operation and components, hydraulics, brakes/suspension, and electrical. This course will integrate technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading, and science throughout the curriculum. Currently, 37 students are enrolled in the Diesel I class for the first year. A Diesel II class will be added for the school year and has the potential to include additional high schools in the area. This course is the first of its kind in the state of North Dakota. Learn More about Employee Referrals One of the best ways that we can hire new team members is through employee referrals. Studies show that referral hires have greater job satisfaction and stay longer at companies. A couple more interesting stats from our organization: Employee referrals make up for 10-13% of all applicants In 2014, 112 positions were filled by employee referrals In 2014, nearly $135,000 was paid in employee referral bonuses (over 90 day / 180 day timeframes) Do you know someone who would be interested in our Access Your Future Program? You could be eligible for a $500 referral bonus! So, how does it work? $250 paid to referring employee after 90 days of employment $250 paid to referring employee once AYF employee begins full time employment