INSTRUCTORS
INDUSTRY EXPERTS
ABOUT
instructors
The Dealer Institute is committed to recruiting top-notch instructors with deep expertise in the equipment dealership business or specific field of expertise. Our instructors often have hands-on experience as owner-operators or specialize in specific departments within the industry. Their extensive tenure and knowledge in the equipment industry are testament to their dedication. They continually contribute by sharing their expertise with others.
LARRY COLE, PHD
INSTRUCTOR
Larry Cole earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. Larry was on the faculty of Arkansas Tech University and served as CEO of a Comprehensive Mental Health Center before founding his consulting company, TeamMax®, in 1989.
Since then, Larry has specialized in improving leadership effectiveness and teamwork while fostering the fact that frustration is your best friend. He created the TeamMax® Advantage methodologies to measure behavior change in realtime. In addition to the books and manuscripts listed below, he has written numerous articles for professional, business, and trade magazines, and written several unpublished manuscripts that he offers. He has worked in the agriculture industry for over fifteen years.
SPECIALTIES: LEADERSHIP | MANAGEMENT | CULTURE | CUSTOMER SERVICE
KELLY MATHISON
INSTRUCTOR
Kelly started as a sales rep in the 1980s, then spent a decade in sales and marketing with Flexi Coil across Canada, Australia, and the U.S. In 1996, he co-founded a John Deere dealership in Manitoba, which grew from 1 to 7 stores before merging with Enns Brothers in 2008. With roles including Sales Manager and General Manager, Kelly brings extensive experience. He later became Group Product Support Manager with Chesterfield Australia.
In 2014, he founded Kayzen Management and joined the North American Equipment Dealers Association’s Dealer Institute in 2015 as a consultant and trainer, advocating continuous improvement across dealership departments.
SPECIALTIES: AFTERMARKET | PARTS | SERVICE
TRENT HUMMEL
INSTRUCTOR
Trent is a lead management consultant and trainer at the North American Equipment Dealers Association’s Dealer Institute. With over 30 years of experience as a fourth-generation equipment dealer, Trent brings invaluable expertise in managing dealership operations. He specializes in inventory management, particularly in used equipment, and is renowned for his innovative strategies that have revitalized wholegoods departments across North America.
Since 2011, Trent has been actively involved in curriculum-based training, onsite consulting, and guiding dealer peer groups. NAEDA’s Dealer Institute offers tailored solutions and resources to help dealerships enhance business growth, employee training, and operational efficiency. With a focus on affordable training programs and consulting services, Trent ensures dealers have access to the support they need to thrive.
SPECIALTIES: WHOLEGOODS | OPERATIONS | SALES | FINANCIALS
SCOTT BRIGDEN
INSTRUCTOR
Scott, raised on a Manitoba farm, gained early work experience at a local furniture shop before pursuing business studies at Brandon University. His career journey led him through various roles, from managing a furniture store to overseeing hospitality establishments. Transitioning to the John Deere dealership, Countryside Equipment, he honed skills in customer service and management, eventually becoming a service manager at Enns Brothers. There, he delved into strategic analysis and team coaching. Scott’s passion for improvement led him to a project coordinator role, refining processes across multiple locations.
Recently, he transitioned to a Truck and Trailer Repair shop, eager to tackle new challenges. Now a Dealer Institute trainer, he aims to empower dealers in enhancing their parts and service operations.
SPECIALTIES: AFTERMARKET | PARTS | SERVICE
DANN OLESEN
INSTRUCTOR
Dann began his career at his family’s farm equipment dealership, eventually becoming a partner and serving as Parts Manager. Transitioning to equipment sales, he later became CEO, driving double-digit growth and expansion. Dann’s comprehensive understanding of all departments was cultivated through hands-on experience. He participated in industry groups and held various positions, including Chairman of CEEDA. Joining a larger dealership group in 2012 as VP-Aftermarket, he led Parts and Service teams to consistent growth and profitability. Dann spearheaded a comprehensive Leadership Development program and contributed to long-term strategic planning.
In 2021, he joined the Dealer Institute to continue sharing his expertise within the industry.
SPECIALTIES: LEADERSHIP | OPERATIONS | FINANCIALS
JIM KELLEY
INSTRUCTOR
Jim is a seasoned agricultural industry professional, who hails from a long line of farmers in Weyburn, Saskatchewan.
With over 30 years of experience, he’s navigated various roles within equipment dealerships, including sales management and regional leadership positions. Drawing from his extensive background, Jim has crafted a hands-on sales training program focused on cultivating strong client relationships and driving sales growth. Through practical and relatable methods, he empowers sales teams to boost customer loyalty, revenue, and profitability.
SPECIALTIES: WHOLEGOODS | OPERATIONS | SALES
GORD THOMPSON
INSTRUCTOR
Gord began his career with a national accounting firm prior to joining his family’s CIH dealership in 1986. He was dealer principal and general manager of the two store dealership in Saskatchewan until 2014 when he sold it to Redhead Equipment and In 2015 retired from
Redhead.
As a dealer, he served on the board and as president of the Canada West Dealers Association, now part of WEDA. His dealership also belonged to a 20 group throughout that time. In 2016 he joined the Dealer Institute as a trainer, specializing in dealership financial management and training dealer staff on understanding and utilizing financial information.
SPECIALTIES: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT | MERGER & ACQUISITIONS
