How Rudolph Small Engine Repair Found Efficiency Beyond QuickBooks with IDEAL
Nestled in the heart of Tomsbrook, Virginia, Rudolph Small Engine Repair has been a trusted resource for outdoor power equipment in its community for over a decade. As the only dedicated outdoor power equipment dealer in a 50-mile radius, the family-operated dealership has built a reputation for quality service and expertise.
Today, the dealership represents top brands such as Echo, Red Max, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Kawasaki, offering a full range of products and services to meet the needs of its customers. For owner Wesley Rudolph, who has spent 26 years in the industry, Rudolph Small Engine Repair is a culmination of his experience and a commitment to elevating the customer experience in a rapidly evolving market.
The Drive to Improve Efficiency
Before IDEAL, Wesley relied on QuickBooks to manage operations. While it worked for basic accounting, it lacked the features necessary to support dealership processes. Wesley knew they needed a more robust system tailored to the unique demands of outdoor power equipment dealerships.
“I knew that’s what we really needed—a true dealer management system,” Wesley explains.
Leveraging his years of industry experience, Wesley began researching solutions that could support the specific demands of an outdoor power equipment dealership. He consulted with peers and explored several options but encountered challenges, including one system that surprised him with hidden upfront costs after weeks of discussions.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
Wesley had witnessed system transitions at other dealerships and knew they could be disruptive. This made him hesitant to commit to a new system at first.
“I’ve been through changes before, and it’s not always the easiest thing in the world,” he admits.
However, Wesley approached the challenge with the same thoughtful determination that has defined his dealership’s success. By partnering with IDEAL, he found a team that worked alongside him every step of the way.
“When I struggled with formatting spreadsheets for inventory, they told me, ‘Stop what you’re doing. Send us what you have. We’ll take care of it.’ That level of support is incredible.”
The decision to move forward with IDEAL also brought a sense of relief.
“We have abandoned QuickBooks and are very happy to be rid of QuickBooks,” Wesley says.
Driving Efficiency with Tools That Work
One of the most significant changes for Rudolph’s Small Engine Repair has been the ability to manage inventory with greater precision and ease. Tracking whole goods and managing floor plans was a time-consuming process with QuickBooks. Now, those tasks are not only easier but also far more accurate.
“The trackability on whole goods is making us much more efficient,” Wesley says.
IDEAL’s Parts Locator also proved invaluable for Wesley’s secondary business of reselling power equipment parts. The tool eliminated the need to manually market individual items, connecting his inventory directly with other dealers in the network.
“Instead of having to market part by part, it opens it up to all those dealers that have that locator available,” he explains.
Looking Toward the Future
Wesley is optimistic about the future and plans to integrate TargetWeb and TargetCRM, two tools within IDEAL that he believes perfectly align with his long-term vision of running an efficient and customer-focused dealership.
For dealerships considering a DMS, Wesley’s advice is simple:
“Really explore your options, but spend a lot of time looking at IDEAL. There’s so much value in the product—it’s user-friendly, cost-effective, and backed by an amazing team.”
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group to work with,” Wesley concluded. “The whole experience has been fantastic.”
