Condo Branch: Working Together To Serve The Customer

For close to 20 years, Hutcheon & Pearce has serviced the Condobolin community, not only providing John Deere machinery and parts but also an intrinsic understanding of what being part of a small farming community really means.

That’s what Spare Parts Interpreter Megan Henley likes best about the role.

Her early childhood spent on a farm in Condo, Megan travelled north after high school to work on a cattle station in Queensland. 

“I then moved over to Canada and worked on a mixed farming operation there for a year or so and then, came back and worked in Tullibigeal as a farm assistant. I then went into a completely different role, in sales outside the ag industry. But when this job came up, I jumped at it.”

That was five years ago, and Megan is loving her decision to join the Hutcheon & Pearce team.

“I like the diversity. It’s constantly changing, and I get to talk to different people every day. Our customers are grateful when you find solutions to their problems. We’re in the middle of New South Wales, and sometimes we have to drive all over to other branches to collect things and get the workshop orders out. Basically, we get going to get the customer going.

“I love the team that we have here too. It’s a really great team that we have at the Condo branch.”

Megan said the team – consisting of Manager Barry Reidy, Sales Representative Darren Keane, Workshop Foreman Darcy Munro, third year apprentice James Staniforth and Administration Officer Debbie Thornton – work well together to get the job done.

“We are only a small team and we all get along and help each other. In this branch, we really work together to make sure that the branch is successful, and the customers are happy and enjoy their experience.

“Our customer base is largely broadacre and summer crops, and then we have feed lots and livestock. Condo farmers have been greatly affected the last three years with dry conditions and below average broadacre cropping, but most of our customers still have a positive attitude when they come in the door, which is fantastic.”

Megan said the Hutcheon & Pearce team is acutely aware of the customer, what they’re going through and their needs, and puts them number one.

“Part of our service is being fully aware of what’s going on. Our team is all based in the community and we know personally what they are going through and we try and find the best ways to service them. Often that won’t mean selling them a top quality machine or genuine part. We now have an aftermarket parts business that allows us to find suitable items to meet their requirements in the time they need it.

“And in the workshop, Darcy works hard to make sure that if something goes wrong, he can get the customer up and going as soon as possible, servicing the older machines to keep them running.

“For us, it’s not about trying to push the latest machines. It’s about finding the right solution for the customer, because in the long run, what benefits the customer is going to be most beneficial to our business and the community broadly.”

Megan says Hutcheon & Pearce is a company that understands better than most the importance of putting people first – and not just the customer.

“Hutcheon & Pearce is focussed on their employees, not to just get the best from them but to make them the best that they can be. They are huge on training, and they are huge on the Hutcheon & Pearce community and everyone is exceptionally helpful and willing to help each out other people where possible. 

“It’s a very friendly community that is focused on the best benefits for their customers and I come to work being happy to be here.
No matter who you are along the chain, everyone is made to feel like they are worthwhile, and they are a worthwhile part of the team. I think that’s a really good thing.”