When Kirby-Smith added five branch locations in Texas, the search began for highly qualified managers who could bring equipment and product support leadership that would best serve customers in those regions. That search resulted in the appointment of three experienced managers to lead the Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene, Amarillo and Lubbock branches.

Dallas Branch Manager Ron Jacobson has been in the heavy equipment business in north Texas since graduating from college in 1972. With more than 35 years experience, he has served as a PSSR and a sales representative for a major heavy equipment dealer, worked with used equipment companies and started an equipment company where he served as general manager.

“What I bring to the table is a knowledge of what makes the customer and the distributorship successful and profitable,” he said. “I’m a problem-solver — from minor issues to bigger ones — and I can make decisions that benefit both parties.

“We’re going to put a great deal of emphasis on rentals, both short-term and rental-purchase options,” he added. “In today’s construction economy where money is tight, there are real tax and cash-flow advantages for customers who rent.”

Mike Wenske, new branch manager for Fort Worth and Abilene, is excited about the opportunities in those two locations.

“We’re expanding in Abilene now and are adding people in sales and product support to better serve customers,” he said. “The Fort Worth branch is fully staffed with 27 people experienced in all areas — sales, parts, service, rental and field service.”

Wenske’s experience includes working both as a shop and field service technician, a service manager, and PSSR, as well as positions in governmental and mining sales, sales management and branch management — all with leading heavy equipment companies.

“Through the years, I’ve learned how important product support is to this business,” he said. “Regardless of the size of the customer, they all depend on product support so that’s a special area of emphasis for me.”

As branch manager in Amarillo and Lubbock, Chuck Thompson brings 30 years of experience to Kirby-Smith in Texas. He worked in sales and served as a branch manager for 15 years.

“I’ve seen many changes in ownership and name, but Ed Kirby’s philosophy of giving the customer what he wants is what makes the difference,” Thompson said. “We will do whatever the customer wants and needs when it comes to sales, rentals and service.

“We now have an extensive inventory of machines for sale and rent, fully-stocked parts departments and we’re adding staff and updating and remodeling our facilities to better serve customers. I look forward to ushering in a new era of equipment leadership in north and west Texas with Kirby-Smith,” he concluded. CEG

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