At Lakeland, we have a proud history: Lakeland was incorporated in 1983, when two former John Deere employees, Marty Phillippe and Gene Roling, purchased Dickens Bros., an active John Deere dealership from Charlie Dickens. The two partners expanded the facility to provide additional office and showroom space. The trade area was also expanded to include most of Wayne County, including its fruit producing area, on the shores of Lake Ontario. In order to provide parts, service and sales to the northern region a customer service representative was hired. The achievements of the “VanMan” operation prompted Deere to encourage similar operations across the nation.
The success of the Savannah store enabled Lakeland to expand in 1990. Two more former employees of John Deere, Bob McNamara and Mike Wilson, Joined the team and simultaneously added dealerships in the Hall, NY and Henrietta, NY trade areas.
Since 1990, Lakeland has experienced vast growth in sales. The Savannah store has been totally renovated and expanded and additional area has been added to the Hall store. In December of 1999, Lakeland moved into a new facility in East Avon, NY. Marty Phillippe, Bob McNamara and Mike Wilson comprise the owner group.
At Lakeland, we have a bright future: Lakeland’s vast trade area provides for a diversified market. The agricultural market includes corn, grain, muck farming, dairy, vegetable cropping, orchards and vineyards, as well as other niche markets. The commercial and consumer product markets are among the nations largest. Lakeland is a John Deere “Gold Star” dealer. Only dealerships with strong commitments to facilities, trained personnel and asset management qualify for the “Gold Star” status. Lakeland is poised to become even stronger in its endeavor to serve the consumer customers, the commercial customers as well as the farmer customers in our trade areas. Lakeland has and will continue to add new equipment lines when customer demand dictates a necessity to do so.
We welcome you to come to the Lakeland dealership nearest you. At Lakeland, we’re confident about our future! Our products are second to none. When you choose Lakeland for your equipment requirements, you’ll find that we are practical, competitive and down right eager to serve you!
