The Tampa area is home to Everglades Equipment Group, central and south Florida’s premiere dealership of farm equipment, with a total of 18 locations, including in Largo, Odessa, Plant City, Palmetto, and the newest in the area, Brooksville.
Starting as a farming operation in 1963, Everglades has blossomed into the go-to source for John Deere, STIHL, Honda and farm equipment from dozens of manufacturers,
And the reviews are true — Everglades is consistently rated one of the top dealers nationwide for customer satisfaction, due to their highly-trained staff’s relentless commitment to customer service, which was ingrained in the company by its founders John and Eleanor Schlechter.
We spoke with Rick Miller, site manager of the Brooksville location, about his Everglades journey and what sets his company apart.
“I have been in the equipment industry for over 30 years, starting shortly after leaving the U.S. Navy in 1989,” Miller told us. When John Deere wanted a presence in Hernando County, they partnered with Everglades, and soon Miller was on board, helping to open the location in 2019.
We asked Miller what sets Everglades apart from other dealers. “Easy, the employees and the culture ingrained at the very core of the company — we take care of one another, and most importantly, take care of our customers!” he explained. “All our employees have the authority to do whatever it takes to address our customers’ needs and problems as they arise. They do not need to contact a corporate manager to solve a problem, they can get it done themselves. As the saying goes, the buck stops here, at the store.”
And, Miller added, “We also do not charge dealer fees and all the rest of those ridiculous fees you see added on to the price after you decide to purchase it.”
Beyond their world-class reputation as farm suppliers, Everglades is an active member in the community, supporting and donating to a wide range of organizations, including agricultural organizations like the local FFA, and those supporting veterans and first responders including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Plus they’re always looking for more ways to give back — “Not because it might win us more business, but because it is the right thing to do, and something the Schlechter family is very passionate
about,” Miller added.
Given their sterling reputation as a farm supplier, as well as their commitment to civic health, it’s clear why Everglades has been a valued and integral part of our community for over 60 years.
For more information about Everglades Equipment Group, visit EvergladesFarmEquipment.com.
