By Zech Sindt
Harrington Enterprises is celebrating a milestone this year; 25 years of serving the community and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the mowing and equipment industry. Owners Chad and Camri Harrington, along with their son Carter, have built a business that exemplifies the values of hard work, family, and customer dedication.
Their journey began in 1999. It was fueled by a desire for independence and a passion for providing quality equipment and service. “I’d always worked for someone else,” Chad recalled, “but we finally decided to go on our own.” That decision has taken them from humble beginnings to a diverse operation.
Today, Harrington Enterprises offers a wide range of equipment, including mowers, trailers, hydraulic hoses and oil distribution. Their expansion over the years reflects their commitment to meeting the needs of their customer base.
Central to their success is a deep understanding of the industry and a dedication to staying ahead of the curve. Camri emphasizes their thoughtful approach to adopting new trends, including the latest trend towards electric equipment: “Electric handheld equipment has been in high demand, but nobody wants electric riding equipment.” She added, “We try to take things slow and easy,” emphasizing the need to focus on what the customers are going to want in the future. “We don’t just dive in. We try to focus on what our customers need.”
This customer-centric philosophy has been instrumental in building a loyal clientele. “It’s all about the customer,” Chad emphasized. “People want to be able to come in and get what they need… We know our equipment. We know what we’re selling.”
Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction have earned them industry recognition. “In 2021 and 2022 we were Country Clipper’s largest dealer in the United States. That was a big deal for us,” Camri shared. “We were competing against companies with eight to 10 employees, and we managed to achieve those sales with just the two of us.” This achievement underscores their ability to compete and thrive in a dynamic market.
Throughout their years in business, their road to success has been paved with dedication and perseverance. The Harringtons navigated the challenges of building a business from the ground up, relying on their own hard work and determination. “For a while, it was just Camri and I handling everything ourselves until Carter got old enough, graduated college and came back to help,” Chad recalled. They also faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand.
To enhance the customer experience, the Harringtons invested in a significant expansion, creating an impressive indoor showroom. “With all of our equipment, we’ve needed more space, and that’s been a big deal for us. We now have an indoor showroom,” Chad explained. “Now anyone can come in any time to see our equipment. It could be in the middle of a snowstorm in January, but someone can still come in to see our mowers. It’s just easier for us and the customers.”
Harrington Enterprises is more than just a business; it’s an integral part of the community. The family actively supports local initiatives, including the Chester Fire Department, where Carter volunteers. They also contribute to school programs and community events. “We donate things to sell at various raffles in Leroy, Spring Valley, and Chester,” said Chad.
“The schools buy equipment from us, and we occasionally sponsor some events,” Carter added.
Their connection to the industry runs deep, fostered through years of dedication and participation. Camri fondly remembers their early days as a Country Clipper dealer and the excitement of earning their first top 10 dealer award in 2007. These experiences solidified their commitment to the industry and their relationships with fellow professionals.
Looking to the future, Harrington Enterprises is focused on continued growth and adaptation. “To continue growing, we’re possibly adding new lines, we’ll need more space in the near future. We need another shop expansion,” Carter revealed. “There’s always room to expand more on our current lines, and explore more opportunities in our current lines as well.”
Chad added, “We’ve almost tripled our space recently, but with everything we’ve got going on, we still need more.”
To maintain their competitive edge, the Harringtons prioritize education and staying informed about the latest technological advancements. “Carter and I usually attend classes. With so much of it online now, we don’t get to see our friends in the industry anymore like we used to, but staying current on the latest tech is important,” Chad explained.
Camri added, “Not all the options that come out are the best. We do our best to pick what we think will work best for our customers.”
With a strong foundation built on customer service, community involvement, and a passion for the industry, Harrington Enterprises is poised for continued success. Their story is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to serving others.
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