Birkey’s Construction Equipment, with dealerships in Bloomington, Galesburg, Mattoon, and Urbana, Ill., has been awarded Diamond Dealer status by Case Construction Equipment for the second consecutive year. The partnership program encompasses parts, service, sales and training aspects of the business, and requires dealers to meet more than 45 specific criteria.
“Being a Diamond Dealer for Case exhibits our commitment to live up to the Case brand promise in all aspects of our dealership. For us, this means hiring the right people, delivering a differentiated level of service in the market, and building enduring relationships with our customers,” said Jeff Hedge, Birkey’s vice president and regional manager.
Birkey’s achievement makes central Illinois one of the best places to own Case equipment in North America, according to the company. Across the continent, there are approximately 110 Case Construction dealer complexes; only 11 dealers have made Diamond status. Of those eleven, only three have continued Diamond status from last year to this year. Birkey’s is one of them.
“To be one of three dealers who have achieved this award two years in a row is recognition of Birkey’s commitment to doing things right,” said Michael Bergstrom, CNH territory sales manager.
The most extensive guidelines for receiving the Diamond Dealer award pertain to product support and training protocols. To maintain the status, Birkey’s is required to provide employees with the best training available in the industry and to support all the specialized tools that Case offers, including diagnostic and repair tools. The company also must have well-equipped service vehicles at each location.
“The training and the tooling that Birkey’s invests in to care for their customer base, as well as the [employees’] dedication, are really what drives this partnership,” said George Preocanin, senior sales director of Case Construction.
Another primary component of the award is market share. Case representatives attribute Birkey’s success in this area to its ability to get deals done for customers.
An awards ceremony took place at each of the company’s construction locations, where Case territory representatives spoke about their relationship with Birkey’s.
“Birkey’s employees are professionals from the top down — from the guys who have been there for four years, to the guys who have been with the company less than a year. It all cascades down from the top management, who believe in the commitment to and partnership with Case Construction,” said Preocanin.
