In today’s dealership environment — shifting markets, aging inventory, tighter margins, and rising expenses — “no surprises” isn’t just a goal. It’s a survival strategy. Leo Johnson’s latest piece breaks down why a thoughtful, realistic budget is one of the most powerful tools a dealership can have heading into 2026. From revenue expectations to margin pressures to the real cost of ignoring expense control, this article gives leaders a clear-eyed look at what’s ahead and how

"Some things never change.” “It is what it is.” “A penny saved is a penny earned.” “Money can’t buy happiness.” Why do we use these common, everyday phrases that are so obvious they are almost not worth saying? And what are similar truisms that have been used for a long time in a dealership? Here are some other common examples of everyday truisms:  “The apple never falls far from the tree.” “Patience is a virtue.” “Time is a great healer.” “Everyone makes mistakes.” Truisms a

In the world of equipment dealerships, economic downturns are inevitable. Whether from fluctuating commodity prices, changes in demand or...