FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Business has been booming for Bobcat of Fort Wayne, with certain types of equipment drawing interest from the company’s agricultural customers, according to the dealership’s sales operations and marketing manager.

“As always, our faithful ag customers have continued to purchase the Bobcat skid steer loader,” Abby Reuille said. “The compact track loaders have seen a rise in popularity among ag customers as well. Since introducing the Bobcat Zero Turn mowers, ag customers will often get their hands on one of them when making a machine purchase as well.”

In addition to skid steer and compact track loaders, Bobcat of Fort Wayne sells other core products agricultural customers use every day such as mini excavators and numerous versatile Bobcat attachments, she said. The Bobcat product line has expanded greatly over the last few years to include compact tractors, zero-turn mowers, an articulating tractor, Toolcats, utility vehicles and light compaction equipment, Reuille added.

Bobcat of Fort Wayne was founded in 1964 by Blankenbaker and Maier under the name of B&M Equipment, she noted. “After many years, a location change, and a name change, Mr. Maier retired in 1999, and Wyatt and Sherry Akers bought the business.

“July 2013 brought another change as Buddy and Audra Funk purchased Bobcat of Fort Wayne, allowing Wyatt and Sherry to enjoy their well-deserved retirement. Since the Funks took ownership 10 years ago, Bobcat of Fort Wayne has expanded from a single location to four locations across northeastern Indiana to serve our customers most conveniently.”

Bobcat of Fort Wayne’s original store is on Goshen Road in Fort Wayne. It also has stores in Angola, Bluffton and Grabill. All locations are full line dealers offering sales, service, parts and rental, Reuille said.

“Bobcat is the original tried and true skid steer loader, dating back to its creation by the Keller brothers in 1960,” she explained. “Since then, innovation has been the goal and the realization.

“Bobcat of Fort Wayne as a dealership is dedicated to providing exceptional service while maintaining a personal touch – we’ll remember your name, your equipment and ask about your vacation last summer,” Reuille said. “Our customers are No. 1.”

Bobcat of Fort Wayne has been an exhibitor at the Fort Wayne Farm Show since its beginning. “Agriculture customers are a huge part of our business,” she said. “Bobcat of Fort Wayne could see the value that the Fort Wayne Farm Show had to offer right from the start. We knew we had to be there, and were proven right year after year. We will always return.”

Reuille said the show is important and a great way to kick off the new year for the company’s sales team.

“The show allows us to connect with customers who know they will see us there and seek us out at our usual spot,” she said. “We also always meet new customers who, naturally, have heard of Bobcat equipment but might not know just how they can benefit from a specific machine or attachment. The farm show provides us with ample leads for weeks to come.”

Reuille said Bobcat of Fort Wayne offers special farm show discounts for visitors to its booth. For more information, visit www.bobcatoffortwayne.net.