Mansfield Ag Power’s newest sales staff member, Shannon White is loving his tree-change and the opportunity to share his extensive experience as a Kubota sales representative.

“I essentially grew up in the Yarra Valley and grew up as a child going up to Goughs Bay and later years to Bonnie Doon,” said Shannon.

While Shannon confesses, he is not into skiing on the mountain or on Lake Eildon, he enjoys getting out in his boat for a spot of fishing.

His other passion is Australian Rules having just retired from playing with Yarra Junction as a full-forward.

He also used to play darts in a team at the Buxton Hotel.

“The job opportunity and timing was just right for me and my family,” said Shannon who began his new role in January.

Together with his partner Eden and their three boys 13, 10 and six, he said they were keen to swap the city for the country life.

“I have been in this industry since 2001,” said Shannon.

His association with Kubota began 13 years ago at Yarra Glen Tractors, but the business closed when the owners decided to retire.

Shannon then worked for another dealership in Lilydale which was followed by a stint selling Kubota construction equipment in Hallam.

“I wanted a tree change because I missed the country lifestyle, it was either here or near the beach in Gippsland,” he said.

"The sales position at Mansfield Power Ag came about via word of mouth through my Kubota contacts," said Shannon.

He knew the owner Mark Cronin through a family friendship, so he made the trip to the high country to have a chat.

Shannon boasts 24 years’ experience in the agricultural equipment industry, leaving year 12 at Mooroolbark Secondary College to commence a spare parts apprenticeship.

Mansfield clients will have the benefit of Shannon’s vast knowledge built over many years as well as his “hands on approach” and telling it how it is.

“I am happy to chat with anyone who wants to know more about our range, “ he said.

“We are the only tractor dealership in town with the nearest other one more than an hour away, if you buy local, you get local service and back up.

“I have always worked in agricultural dealerships, and the Mansfield dealership now is very similar to that in the Yarra Valley.”

He is used to dealing with traditional farmers on large properties through to lifestyle owners on smaller acreage.

As Shannon said, it is about matching individual needs of clients to the right product for them.

The Kubota story began in Japan in 1890 and for more than 40 years Kubota Australia has been Australia’s leading supplier of agriculture, construction, and power equipment.

It’s extensive product range is renowned for its high performance, durability, and reliability, and is specifically engineered to excel in Australia’s tough and diverse conditions.

All Kubota equipment is distributed and serviced through an authorised dealer network with more than 140 dealers Australia-wide including Mansfield.

“Kubota is quite often referred to as the Toyota of the tractor world,” said Shannon.

The local business offers 18 to 170 horse power tractors suitable for a range of applications.

Other agricultural equipment available includes extensive mower range, side-by-side vehicles, and a massive choice of implements including rotary hoes and planters.

Shannon said, “Kubota is about quality and reliability” and was a good fit with the other products available at Mansfield Power Ag.

“Sales is about building relationships, and I am looking forward to getting to know the locals."