By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Lawns need mowing and trees need trimming. But where can you go to find the equipment you need to get the job done?
Caron’s Equipment Sales & Service, located at 22 Caribou Road in Presque Isle, offers not only the equipment you need for such tasks but also offers service for machines you already own.
“We carry a wide selection of equipment, including brands such as Toro, Echo, Bearcat and Yamaha,” said Chad Caron, business manager. “We also do a lot of warranty work. If we warranty a product, we’ll do it.”
Caron’s is a certified Kohler dealer. The business also handles Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, Onah and Tecumseh, as well as White and Worldlawn.
“Toro is backed by excellent dealer support,” added Caron, noting that Caron’s does work through Toro’s warranty and parts program.
Whether you’re looking for a push or riding mower, a leaf blower, chainsaw, trimmer, hedge clippers or a chipper/shredder, Caron’s carries a wide selection of lawn tools to help you meet any need.
“We also offer parts and service for many makes and models. We have oils, mixers and much more available here at the store. We service the brands we sell, as well as brands sold elsewhere,” said Caron. “If the job requires a hand-held tool, we carry a full line of Echo hand-held products.”
With spring flooding affecting some residents in Aroostook County, Caron said he’s had some interest in the line of Yamaha water pumps and generators he has in stock.
Products aren’t limited to residential use only, according to Caron.
“We’re the only full-line Toro dealer selling to individual customers, as well as to municipalities and at the commercial level,” said Caron.
The business also carries commercial golf course equipment.
“We’re the only one in Maine selling this type of golf course equipment,” said Caron. “It creates a unique niche. We don’t just cover Aroostook County, we cover the entire state. Our market is all of Maine.”
Upon arrival, customers will find a variety of machines on display in the yard. Entering the showroom, more equipment is set up, with walls and shelves carrying parts and accessories. In back, the facility features a parts room and shop where staff do on-site repairs.
“We carry a full parts room – not just specific to Toro but all makes and models, although we primarily feature Toro products,” said Caron.
The state-of-the-art facility, according to Caron, was designed to, “make the customer feel warm and welcome.”
“When they walk in, the staff offers top customer service,” said Caron.
The business has two full-time certified mechanics, while Caron’s mother, Barbara Caron, serves as office manager. The business is a family venture, owned by Caron and several of his immediate family.
“I’m in business with my father, David Caron Sr., and brothers, David Jr. and Scott,” said Caron.
The idea to open a business was one of necessity, Caron explained.
“We built the building because we had a need of our own. Owning a lawn care business, we needed a place to work on our own equipment. It just made sense to extend that service to customers as well,” said Caron. “We had a need to service and supply parts and equipment for our own business. We also built it to give people another place to shop for good, professional service. That’s what we’ve built our business on since day one.”
The business officially opened its doors on Dec. 1, 2006. With 12 years in the lawn care business, the owners decided it was time to expand on what they knew. Since opening, the family has continued to broaden its market, opening Groundbreakers Group.
“That’s another venture of ours, owned by Scott, Dave and myself, with Matt Leavitt serving as the operations manager,” said Caron.
Caron said none of this would be possible without the support of loyal customers and vendors.
“We want to thank our dedicated customer base and vendors who, over the past 12 years, provided support. Without their ongoing, dedicated support, none of this would have been possible,” said Caron.
Caron expressed gratitude to his parents as well.
“We (he and his brothers) have to thank our parents who’ve backed us in any business venture. Our parents have always been there for us through all our little business schemes. We also want to thank the anonymous previous landowner who helped us get started,” said Caron.
A grand opening event is scheduled for June 7, 8 and 9, with door prizes offered on all three days.
“On the 9th, we’ll have a barbecue with hotdogs, chips and soda. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held that Friday at noon, with refreshments offered and free equipment demonstrations. Folks can come in and test out the equipment. We’ll also be having a storewide sale where customers can receive 10 percent off everything inside the store during the three-day event,” said Caron.
A grand-prize drawing will be held, with the winner receiving a $250 certificate good toward the purchase of any item valued at $2,500 or more at the store.
“The grand prize signup begins June 1, with the drawing scheduled for June 9,” said Caron.
Store hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.
“Or anytime by appointment,” added Caron.
For information, contact the store at 762-3200 or Caron’s cell, 769-9310.
Caron said the goal of the company is to provide the best service possible.
“We strive for customer satisfaction, offering quality service at a competitive price. We want our customers to enjoy their experience when they come here, whether they’re buying mixing oil for a trimmer or the trimmer itself,” said Caron.
