Clarkes of Cavan, an independent Kubota dealer in Ireland, is a real success story. The company, part of the Clarke Machinery Group, provide a wide range of products for all types of customers, from lawnmowers and utility vehicles, to tools and all things cycling.
When Philip Treacy joined Clarkes of Cavan in 1997 as a stores person, the business only had three staff. Fast forward 20 years and the business has grown significantly. Philip, who has been the manager since 2000, now boasts a local workforce that is 25 strong.
Philip Treacy said: “We are extremely proud of what we do here and our success over the years is largely down to the people we employ and the service we provide our customers. There’s a wealth of experience in store from our staff, allowing us to provide our customers with expert advice. It’s this friendly and knowledgeable approach that enables us to put our customers at the heart of everything we do.”
Another critical reason for the growth of Clarkes of Cavan is the partnerships it has developed with its supply chain. The business has been working with machinery manufacturer Kubota for example for years, a relationship that has gone from strength to strength based on the quality and reliability of Kubota’s products, backed up with a first class service from Philip and his team.
“In this part of Ireland, grass growth is rapid, and can sometimes grow up to six inches in a few weeks,” continued Philip. “Our typical customers have approximately one acre of lawn to cut, so they require a mowing solution that is efficient, effective and can get the job done. Competitor solutions on the market just don’t make the grade over here, they are not designed for our conditions, that’s why we recommend and stock Kubota, there’s no other machines on the market that cut as well as the Kubota.”
Clarkes of Cavan stock Kubota’s full range of groundcare solutions, from walk behind mowers, to ride-on mowers, compact tractors and RTV utility vehicles. The business, under its parent company (Clarke Machinery Group), is also a dealer for Kubota’s agricultural tractor range, including its recently launched M5001 Series, MGX-III Series and its flagship M7001 Series.
Sam Thompson, Kubota’s dealer manager in Ireland for groundcare and construction machinery, commented: “We have developed an excellent relationship with Clarke Machinery Group over the years and the success of the Clarkes of Cavan superstore in particular is testament to the hard work and commitment of Philip and his team.
“One of the areas that really sets them apart is the relationship they have with their local customers. People come back time and again because they know that the team here will ask the right questions and ensure the machines they recommend are fit for purpose and won’t let them down.”
Clarkes of Cavan’s commitment to customer service is another core value it shares with its supplier – Kubota. The Japanese machinery giant launched it’s own ‘Customer First’ initiative last year in the UK and Ireland. The exciting new initiative is all about Kubota maintaining and enhancing its service and ensuring Kubota is a great company to do business with.
Karen Tipping, Kubota UK’s marketing manager, said: “Our customers are the pivot point around which our business revolves. In order for Kubota to continue to be successful, it is essential that our staff and dealer customers embrace the Customer First approach as part of our brand values and provide outstanding service. Clarkes of Cavan is an excellent example of how this is being brought to life by Philip and his team.”
