Location: Harrison, Ark.
Owners: Justin and Jennifer Wilson
Branch manager: Kenny Villines (pictured)
History: “Midwest Equipment was founded by Justin and Jennifer Wilson in 2016 in Green Forest, Ark. At the time, they not only sold equipment but also rented out tractors and construction equipment. In 2018, they eliminated the rental business because sales and service took over the business,” said Harrison branch manager Kenny Villines.The company’s driving force is personalized customer service, including quickly returning phone calls and prompt response to service needs. In April, the Wilson’s opened up a new branch in Bentonville. I began working for Midwest Equipment at the Green Forest branch in 2017, but moved to Harrison to serve as branch manager. I hired a staff who is made up of one salesperson, two mechanics, one parts person, a service technician and a secretary.”
Products and Services: “We sell 23 hp to 130 hp Massey Ferguson tractors, as well as Hesston haying equipment. The Hesston line includes equipment for small and large square bales, round bales from 3-foot-by-4-foot to 5-by-6-foot, tedders, disc mowers and mower conditioners. We also sell U.S.-made Spartan and Gravely zero-turn mowers ranging from a residential 34-inch size to commercial 72-inch mowers. We also carry AGCO fluids and parts. Woods implements rounds out our equipment inventory. These implements include, brush hogs, box blades and rototillers. We do maintain a small inventory of preowned equipment for farmers wanting to go that route. We service what we sell and keep a full line of parts, with our service technician ready to help determine what is needed. Our inventory meets most customers’ needs. However, if something needs to be ordered, delivery takes one to five days. Some customers have us pick up their equipment and bring it in, while others bring equipment in themselves. Because of the coronavirus, a growing number prefer having parts drop-shipped to their location and then complete the repairs themselves. Others prefer for us to complete the repair on site. Therefore, we have a service truck and one full-time mechanic who travels within the area to complete repairs. Finally, some fixes, such as splitting a tractor apart, need to be done here. Consequently, our second mechanic stays here and completes equipment repairs in our shop. Those who bring equipment in can pick it up themselves or have us deliver.”
Philosophy and future: “Customer service is our highest priority so we pride ourselves on being reliable and prompt. Farming is time-sensitive, and customers don’t have the time to wait for lengthy repairs or slow responses to queries. We also believe in selling American – made products as much as possible. We have been very successful here in Harrison with space already a pressing issue, which means facility expansion is likely in our near future.”
