Stu Graham is the new owner of Bobcat of Connecticut, effective Feb. 1. He purchased the company from founder Michael Bernard, who decided to retire after 20 years.

Graham, who has been in the construction industry his entire career, has extensive experience with all construction equipment, including compact. Prior to purchasing Bobcat of Connecticut, he worked for a heavy infrastructure contractor in New England as the project manager and superintendent.

“I was looking for an opportunity to own and operate my own business,” said Graham of the decision to purchase the company. “I always believed in the Bobcat line as a leader in the construction industry.

“My plan is to not change anything that we do. I would like to continue to improve customer service, expand the company when the market allows and always look for innovative ways to better service customers,” he said.

“Bobcat of Connecticut has a tremendous reputation. I do not have any intentions of changing anything … just enhancing it.”

The company has 35 employees, which includes five sales representatives, 14 service technicians, parts and service specialists, general and branch managers. The staff will remain in place at all locations led by Ed Reeves, general manager of all locations, who helped start the company with Bernard 20 years ago.

Two additional employees also have been hired: a new sales representative out of East Hartford, who will cover eastern Connecticut and eastern Hartford County and a technician at the Stratford, Conn., location.

Graham plans to grow the business as the market recovers, including hiring new/more people and taking on additional lines.

“The overall idea is that the customer shouldn’t notice any extreme changes within Bobcat of Connecticut, unless they are modifications done within the company to better serve current and prospective customers in any way we can,” Graham said.

Bobcat of Connecticut is planning an open house on June 4, in East Hartford, Conn. The event will feature the newest Bobcat M-Series loaders and excavators, demo areas, food, prizes, manufacturer representatives available to answer questions and a meet and greet with Graham.

“Bobcat of Connecticut prides ourselves in rental inventory, attachments, parts availability, etc. so we can service our customers quickly whenever they are in need of equipment,” Graham added.

“This new ownership will bring fresh ideas related to improving customer service and new energy,” said Reeves. “Stu [Graham] is an experienced industry professional and young owner looking to create long lasting relationships with a growing customer base.”

About Bobcat

of Connecticut

Bobcat of Connecticut is a fully licensed Bobcat dealer for Connecticut and western Massachusetts. It sells attachments, skid steers, loaders, compact track loaders and compact excavators.

Bobcat of Connecticut has three locations:

• Bobcat of Connecticut in E. Hartford, Conn. (headquarters)

• Bobcat of Stratford in Stratford, Conn.

• Bobcat of Greater Springfield in W. Springfield, Mass.

All three locations also are dealers for Towmaster, Fecon (forestry), Protech Snowpusher, and Buffalo Turbine Blowers. Bobcat of Stratford also is the dealer of Fisher Plows.

For more information, visit www.bobcatct.com.

(This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s Web site at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.) CEG

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