Through Training.
This week G FIVE Feed & Outdoor hosted a regional dealer meeting and training seminar for Textron Off Road vehicles, featuring Rick Stokke – Textron’s Global Training Manager. The day started with a meet and greet in the G FIVE Community Room, where the attendees from five dealerships throughout the state briefly shared a little about themselves and their locations, before Rick started the training. In a classroom like setting, Rick presented a brief history of the Textron family of companies, then continued to instruct everyone on the features of each All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Recreational Off-road Vehicle (ROV) – or side by side – that Textron makes. What sets Textron Off Road (TOR) apart from other motorsport and powersport manufacturers? Specifically, it’s the level of quality craftsmanship and precision engineering that goes into every ATV and ROV they make. From the use of high-strength steel frames in each model, to the selection of component manufacturers that produce the best designed, most durable products on the market. After all, Textron is a world renowned company known for its innovation and expertise in aerospace technologies, specialized vehicle production and electronics integration for training, support and advance design for the U.S. and international armed forces.
The day of training continued with hands-on learning, as Rick showcased the different models we have at G FIVE for the group. His focus – the reasons TOR stands tall above the rest. More spacious cab configurations. Functional dashboards and ample storage options. Rick noted such features as the placement of the gas tank and filling port on the Textron Alterra ATV, in regard to its ease of use for filling, and how it provides better weight distribution for the rider. These examples illustrate the thought that goes into designing, manufacturing and testing each TOR vehicle with one goal in mind – a quality experience for the consumer. But consumer’s aren’t the only ones who benefit from this level of craftsmanship. Service centers and do-it-yourselfers also gain value from the sensible and functional design. For example, the brand new Wildcat XX engine placement is easily accessed by removing the four thumb screws in the rear cargo box. Simple.
But great design and quality construction mean little unless you have a quality company that stands behind the products they make. Here too, TOR stands tall with a fully engaged customer service department that puts customers first. Textron operates with the belief, that satisfied customer is one that will purchase from you again, as well as share their story with others. The G FIVE family shares this philosophy.
Our training seminar concluded with a short question and answer session, and group photo of everyone together. It was a great opportunity for each dealer and their team members to share experiences and collectively move forward in providing better quality sales and service of Textron Off Road vehicles to our growing customer base.
Again, we felt very fortunate to have Rick as join us for this enlightening and fun training session. Rick Stokke is a sales, marketing and training professional with 20 years of experience within the powersports industry. He has held several positions while employed with Arctic Cat, from being a Regional Manager to sitting at the helm of International accounts, before Textron purchased the franchise and integrated even more focus on the off road market. His witty demeanor and friendly disposition make him a natural with groups, and his wealth of knowledge is surpassed only by his love of people and things that move.
The G FIVE team would like to give special thanks to everyone that participated in the training day for their assistance, including Sonny’s Barbecue for the great food enjoyed by all and to our local Textron reps and the G FIVE Feed & Outdoor team. Dealers in attendance included Halo Autosports, Hawthorne’s Equipment Company, Gilbert Outdoors and MoraMoto.