In 1931, what would later be known as Sloan Implement planted roots in Assumption, Ill. and would eventually spread into 19 locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. Four generations later, Jeff Sloan, is helping market equipment in new ways to his customers.
While the John Deere dealership sells new Deeres, Sloan said he needs to be innovative in how he markets used equipment, like including a 100 hour warrantee to reassure the buyer and offer a no-charge loaner tractor to get the job done.
In the early 1990s, Sloan and his family created Sloan Express, an online, mail-order, after-market parts business. Also headquartered in Assumption, Sloan Express caters to all brands, makes and models, and industries that have to do with agriculture.
In 2016, Sloan said the biggest surprise was the ease he was able to work through the used combine inventory because he found the “sweet spot” on prices for 60 and 70 series machines.
Greg Peterson of Machinery Pete echoed Sloan, saying the end of a year is a good time to buy late-model used machines because used values have been stabilizing.
Tune into U.S. Farm Report in December for a feature on Sloan Implements and the farmers in the area.
Watch U.S. Farm Report host Tyne Morgan and Machinery Pete talk to Sloan on the Facebook Live video above. You can like USFR on Facebook for more.
