Our Clients
For Runnion Equipment, based in Lyons, Ill., timing for beginning the National Crane marketing program couldn’t have
been worse. Soon after the dealership launched the program with marketing partner Winsby Inc. toward the end of
2009, the housing market fell off a cliff. At that time, more than 70 percent of the company’s business was
housing-related. “We have had to change our direction and focus on the customers that are buying,” said Pat Runnion,
CEO of Runnion Equipment.
Sales Are Up
Since launching the program, parts revenues have dramatically increased, along with service and rental sales. New
equipment sales have also recovered nicely.
Research conducted at the onset of the project ranked what was most important to National Crane customers and
prospects and gave focus to the dealer’s marketing efforts. “We were doing a good job, but we probably weren’t touting
it as much as we should,” added Runnion.
Messages Are Focused
Winsby helped focus Runnion’s message on customers and developed a methodical process to get messages out via
email marketing. Prior to hiring Winsby, Runnion’s marketing efforts had been fragmented, with responsibility falling on
the company president and vice president. “They help keep the ball moving and take things off our plate that we don’t
enjoy doing,” said Runnion. He notes that the cost is far less than what it would be to hire a dedicated marketing
person.
Expanding into New Markets
Winsby has also helped the company go after new markets. “They put together targeted brochures and emails geared
to the market,” said Runnion. “They also obtain appropriate target lists that they call to identify decision makers for the
sales team to follow up with.”
A Partner that Understands the Business
Runnion feels there is an added benefit in working with an agency that understands the equipment industry. “You are
not paying for them to learn your business,” explained Runnion. “They know who we are. Really, they have become
more of an advisor to us.”
A New Facility Was Needed
Runnion Equipment is building a new location, scheduled to open late summer, 2016. They simply ran out of room and
needed more service bays to accommodate their growth.
