Construction Equipment Co. (Sault) Inc. in Sault Ste. Marie, has seen a few trends in their 55 years of business.
Supplying new builds, home renovations, and backyard projects are part of the ebb and flow of the local economy and Construction Equipment Co., as a supplier of heavy equipment and lawn and garden gear, has been a key supplier in that cycle.
Christopher Maltais, a Sales Consultant, says it’s not just about the gear they sell – there’s a wide range of equipment in the shop, from easy-to-use battery operated leaf blowers to heavy-duty mowers and trimmers – he says the team always strives for an exemplary level of customer service. “When that customer walks into our store, the first thing we do is make sure we acknowledge them,” he says. “We make sure they know we’re here to help.” It goes a long way in establishing a rapport with the customer.
“The best feedback I can get is when a customer comes in and says that they have enjoyed our service or equipment they’ve bought, or that it’s working really well. That really makes my day. When people come in here, my goal personally, is to give them a good experience.”
“I always tell people, if I don’t have the answer to your question, I'll find it for you.” Sometimes that means calling a vendor or a supplier to get the bottom of it, or consulting one of Construction Equipment Co.’s service team for a mechanical issue. Maltais says every customer gets the help they need to finish their project.
“On occasion, we have clients come in from out of town, right at closing time” Maltais says, “They’re usually trying to get back on the road right away to make the trip back home. We have no problem waiting with them to make sure that they are finished up and are good to go. We are thankful for the business, so staying a little late to help a customer is something we are willing to do.
People in the Soo can credit owner Dan Valiquette for that approach. Valiquette has been in the business for 30 years and has kept up to date on what consumers are after, and the kinds of projects home improvement-types are looking to work on next.
That also extends to the service side of things. Construction Equipment Co. has a full-service repair shop, for both small engines and heavy equipment. Mechanics do everything from putting together small lawn and garden equipment and seasonal changeovers from grass to snow, to doing inspections, repairs and annuals on tractors, excavators and boom lifts.
The staff at Construction Equipment Co. have been gradually easing people into giving the new brands – and some of the more established ones a try. “When we bring on a new product, we research it to see if we think it will work for us” Maltais says, “We’ve had success with the equipment that we carry. People enjoy the products, and they work well.”
Take, for example, the recent change to battery-driven equipment. It took more than a few years for tradespeople, construction companies and homeowners to get used to electric tools.
“Our whole world is slowly going to battery-powered, whether it's a car or a lawnmower,” Maltais said. “This summer approximately half of our lawnmowers sold were battery powered. Every year it's getting a bit more popular and more people are seeing it out there.”
The tools have become a good addition for people who might not want to deal with pulling gas engines, or want to deal with their servicing. There are also people who just want lighter, more agile equipment. “It's hard to predict where we will be in another five years but we will continue to move forward with the brands that we know and trust.
It’s all part of what keeps the city moving forward.
As a community driven small business, Construction Equipment Co. believes in giving back to the community. They have sponsored numerous youth groups, non-profit groups, charities and other community events. This approach sets the tone for the staff, especially when it comes to keeping customers feeling like they’re part of the community. As well, some staff members are directly involved with community groups in the area.
Sault Ste. Marie is a special community and as we adapt to new preferences and a changing marketplace, Maltais says that customer service will always be at the center of what the company does. The Construction Equipment team takes a particular pride in knowing that their services have helped build dreams.
Looking forward, the team at Construction Equipment Co. hopes to build a future where their commitment to exceptional service continues to be the driving force behind their success.
The company stands poised to embrace new challenges, technologies, and community endeavours, with a dedication to helping the community achieve its potential.
As the sun sets on their first 55 years, the team at Construction Equipment Co. looks ahead to the next chapter, fueled by the same passion, integrity, and community spirit that has made it one of the Sault’s most trusted and reliable sources.