To support its addition of Bobcat’s non-core equipment, Triangle Equipment Group hired Sam Stark to head up sales for these products.

Bobcat’s non-core products include five models of backhoe loaders, compaction equipment, off-road utility loaders, air compressors and the new Bobcat Toolcat.

Stark, who was hired in early fall 2002, handles the sales of the new Bobcat products, plus Honda Power products and Multiquip’s full line.

“Sam was hired to take pressure off our core salesman. Bobcat skid steers, minis and compact track machines are still our core business. It was important for those guys to stay up with those products and not be so diluted that they don’t stay focused,” said Steve Mangum, president, Triangle Equipment Group. “We need to stay focused on our core products but also enhance the overall performance of the store by adding these new non-core items.”

Stark’s previous experience in the industry includes 10 years with Sunbelt Rentals. “Being in the rental business helped me a lot with background in dealing with all different types of equipment and knowing what customers’ needs are,” he noted.

Mangum added that since the products are out of the “core business, we are re-educating ourselves in how to market those particular products.”

So far the customer response to these items has been very positive, especially with the Toolcat, Mangum said.

“The customers have been really excited about it,” Stark commented.

And, it seems, customers are ready for an expanded Bobcat product line. “To a large extent, the customers actually understand the range that Bobcat is putting out. They have become a full line compact manufacturer. A customer can come to one dealer and meet a significant percentage of his equipment needs,” Mangum explained.

He continued, “Bobcat needed to diversify. With the competition today, it is hard for a dealer to survive with just skid steer loaders. Diversification was a key. Bobcat saw a need for product diversification in order for them and their dealers to stay as the leader in compact construction equipment. This diversification helped dealers stay with Bobcat.”

Mangum said he thinks the company is fortunate to be associated with Bobcat that has not stood still though an economic downturn. “They have continued to be aggressive in providing new products and staying ahead of the curve in technology. When things turn around, they will reap great rewards for continuing to put emphasis on new products and providing dealers with a product line that will keep them profitable.

“We know how tough it has been for an awful lot of companies over the past couple of years, and it probably hasn’t been easy for Bobcat, but they have continued to keep their eye on the future.”

Triangle Equipment Group’s territory covers eastern North Carolina and Myrtle Beach with four locations.

For more information, call 919/596-1995.