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Episode 3 | Dorhouts

Ivan and Brandon Dorhout: Developing Your Workforce and Planning for Succession

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In this conversation, Ivan and Brandon Dorhout share their experience as owners and managers of a two-store Case IH and Kubota dealership in Northwest Iowa (Rock Valley and Orange City). They talk about the challenges they faced in the past, such as high interest rates and recessions, and how it influenced their current business philosophy. They also discuss the importance of carving out a niche in the parts and precision ag departments, as well as their approach to succession planning and hiring the right people for their dealership.

The Dorhouts also talk about their approach to managing and leading their employees, including their perspective on hiring and firing (or as Ivan prefers to positively think of it, “freeing up the future” of an employee that’s not the right fit for a role) and the importance of treating people who work for you with respect. Ivan and Brandon discuss the value of mentorship and how it has aided in their personal and professional growth. Finally, they explain the significance of protecting time and the need to prioritize the main things in business and life.

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▶ Key Takeaways

Succession planning should start early and involve open communication and financial planning.
Using training programs like the Dale Carnegie course, providing mentorship, and seeking advice from experienced peers can improve employee skills and help shape a team.
Finding the right role for each employee and helping them grow and develop leads to positive outcomes and buy-in from the team.

▶ This episode's guests

Ivan Dorhout is the owner and general manager of Town & Country Implement, a Case IH, New Holland, and Kubota dealership with stores in Northwest Iowa. He has owned the dealership since 1979 and has grown a single location with three employees into two locations with over 40 employees. Ivan has previously served on the Board of Directors and as Chairman for the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association before taking the reins as President of North American Equipment Dealers Association in 2022.

Brandon Dorhout (son of Ivan) is a second-generation dealer of Case IH, New Holland, and Kubota farm equipment, and the president of Town & Country Implement, with two current locations in Northwest Iowa. After attending college, Jason returned to the family business, taking up various roles in marketing, warranty, precision farming, sales, and location manager. He has been with Town and Country Implement for 13 years and began buying into the business in 2017.