Owner: Mike Wiles
Location: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/tractormike
Website URL: http://asktractormike.com/
History: Mike was store manager at S&H Farm Supply in Rogersville, MO from 2003 to 2014, but also assisted his sales department when needed. “When working in sales, I saw a need to educate weekend farmers who were moving to the country and shopping for a tractor and basically knew nothing about them,” Mike said. “About that time, I was trying to repair my asphalt driveway and found a YouTube video from Lowes. It gave me the idea to start a YouTube channel to teach people about basic tractor education, like how to hook up a 3-point, attach a PTO and especially, be safe when operating a tractor.” Mike had previous media experience at KTTS radio, which helped him create the Tractor Mike YouTube channel. He posted his first video in 2012 on how to hook up a 3-point implement. “I went back and checked on that video a few weeks later and it had over 15,000 views so I knew I was on to something”.
Products and Services: In 2014 Mike left S&H and devoted his full focus to his YouTube channel and his website asktractormike.com. Mike’s first idea for an online product to sell came about because he needed a place to store his chainsaw on his tractor. “I wanted a tray that could be mounted on the roll bar, so I reached out to a local company to see if they could build it, and that was the beginning of the Tractor Caddy in 2017.” His website then grew to offer products that solve problems of tractor owners, many of which require a bit of explanation, which can be done with a YouTube video. “If you were to walk into a dealership and a person was there to tell you about each product that they offered that could make you more efficient or make your life easier, many times you would buy that product. On my YouTube channel, I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each product, show them in action, and direct customers to the website to place orders. I don’t stock any products; they’re all shipped directly from manufacturers.”
Business Philosophy: “I sell products that I use, and they are of high quality. My products won’t be the cheapest, but they’re all items that come from companies with excellent product support that are built to last.” Mike has over 125,000 YouTube subscribers that includes folks from Australia, the UK and Greece, as well as many other English-speaking countries. “I’m here to help people with tractors and share my experience as a small way of giving back to the industry that has been good to me. I have had a very fulfilling career, and I like to help my viewers solve problems and be safe when operating their equipment.” The Tractor Mike Team includes Brian Hesterlee, who worked with Mike at S & H and corresponds with customers. Also, Mike’s daughter Jessa, who does accounting work and assists with technical issues.
Future Plans: Mike is always thinking about new products that will solve tractor owner’s problems to add to his website portfolio.
