Built on Iron, A Brilliant Harvest Podcast

Technology is transforming equipment dealerships, but successful change starts with people. After more than two decades helping lead technology strategy at Titan Machinery, Nathan Johnson joins Remi Schmaltz to share what he's learned about scaling innovation across a growing dealership organization while keeping employees and customers at the center of every decision.

Nathan explains why the most successful technology initiatives follow a simple formula: people, process, and technology—in that order. From dealership staffing and technician retention to AI adoption and digital transformation, he discusses the importance of earning employee buy-in, running effective pilot programs, and selecting technology that genuinely helps teams serve customers faster and more effectively. The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in reducing administrative work, the importance of data strategy, and why open integrations are becoming critical for modern dealerships.

As customer expectations continue to rise, dealerships face increasing pressure to deliver faster service, greater uptime, and a more connected experience. Nathan shares his perspective on how dealers, OEMs, and technology providers can work together to meet those demands while preparing for the next generation of equipment service and support.

To learn more about building an AI-powered customer experience, download The Equipment Dealer's Guide to Creating an AI-Powered Customer Experience at BrilliantPowered.com.

About Nathan Johnson
Nathan Johnson is a technology leader and entrepreneur with more than 21 years of experience in the equipment dealership industry. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Information Technology at Titan Machinery, where he helped guide technology strategy, digital transformation initiatives, and operational growth across one of the world's largest agricultural and construction equipment dealership networks.

During his tenure, Titan expanded significantly while navigating major shifts in cloud computing, SaaS platforms, data management, and emerging AI technologies. Having grown up around the dealership business, Nathan developed a unique perspective that connects the realities of the shop floor with the opportunities created by modern technology.

Today, he is focused on entrepreneurship and business ownership while remaining closely connected to the equipment industry. His experience leading large-scale technology initiatives, evaluating software ecosystems, and helping dealerships adapt to changing customer expectations gives him a practical perspective on the future of dealership operations and technology.

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