Madalyn Edwards
Author
Mt. Airy Equipment Company is a family-owned business that offers a wide variety of new and used construction, farming, and commercial equipment. Although the inventory features multiple brands, it is one of the largest Kubota dealerships on the East Coast according to Liz Vargas, general manager of Mt. Airy Equipment Company.
Current owners, Richard Hartsog and Donna Stewart, bought the business in 2000. Hartsog, who previously owned tractor dealerships in Statesville and Wilkesboro, decided to buy the business with his wife because of his experience in the field. He started buying, selling, and trading equipment straight out of high school.
“It’s all I ever done,” he said.
Today, the family-run business, employs about 30 people and five Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs) whose primary role is greeting incoming customers.
Among the brands sold at the dealership are Kubota, Land Pride, and Bush Hog. Vargas said the company sells a wide range of equipment, from commercial mowers to construction equipment. Smaller compact tractors, ATVs, and additional farming machinery are all available on site.
Hartsog said the majority of his customers are local businesses and individuals. Vargas added that the store also sells to larger commercial buyers. They see a high rate of returning customers.
“Our community is pretty much what keeps us in business,” Vargas said. “We’re very well known in the area.”
Although located on the outskirts of the city, Mt. Airy Equipment Company stays involved with the community by participating in downtown festivals and parades featuring its inventory.
It also offers a trade-in program where customers can get credit for used equipment that can then be purchased by other buyers. Hartsog said the majority of used inventory comes from trade-ins. The company posts a selection of used inventory on its website.
Customers can also find a wide variety of parts for their equipment in the parts department. Vargas said the department keeps a wide selection of parts on hand but can always aid customers in ordering parts for direct shipment to their home or business. Customers can also place orders through the Kubota website for pickup in the store. Once parts are delivered, the service department can help customers get their machinery up and running.
“Just give us a call,” Vargas said. “We’ll schedule you to bring it in.”
Mt. Airy Equipment Company is located at 1431 West Pine Street and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday. Note that the service department is only open Monday through Friday.
To learn more visit Mt. Airy Equipment Company
