Bronson Koffer of LK & Sons Excavating receiving keys to his first Cat machine
Bronson Koffer of LK & Sons Excavating receiving keys to his first Cat machine

Cat® Firsts: Best-in-Class Support for a First-Time Owner

Bronson Koffer’s Cat® dealer helped him realize his goal of owning a piece of yellow iron. His only regret? Not buying a Cat sooner. 

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By Caterpillar

Published: Jul 11, 2024

At a young age, Bronson Koffer of LK & Sons Excavating was impressed by the big, yellow iron machines he saw around town. His dad, Lonnie Koffer, started their family business in 1985. They dug plumbing ditches and hooked up sewer, water, and gas lines. Bronson and his brothers began to dig and grade driveways and septic systems when they were older. 

In the beginning, they worked with old equipment. Over the years, they upgraded to newer used models when they could. Bronson remembers the grunt work his father put in to purchase a new mini excavator and the big difference it made to have new and better machines. He made it a goal to one day own a Cat® machine. 

 

A Strong Connection: The Key to Success

Even before his first Cat purchase, Bronson had a great relationship with his local dealer, Ohio Cat. For his sales rep Nate Nichols, it was essential to let Bronson know he was there to support him, not pressure him into a purchase.

"For small businesses, I try to make sure that the customer is in the right machine," Nate says. "What I don't want to do is put them in a machine that they can't afford and then later on being out of business."

This attitude made it easy for Bronson to take a big step and own a Cat 299. After decades of dreaming about big, yellow iron machines, Bronson's dream finally became a reality. 

After he completed a quality check at the dealer site, Nate scheduled the compact track loader delivery on a spring day at Bronson's job site. When the 299 arrived, Nate was there for the special moment. Bronson felt a massive sense of pride when he held the keys and wondered how long he could go without getting the machine dirty. He didn't waste a moment and put the 299 straight to work. 

For small business, I try to make sure the customer is in the right machine. They're comfortable and they can afford it. What I don't want to do is put them in a machine that they can't afford and then putting them out of business.

Nate Nichols

Sales Representative

Ohio Cat

A Family Legacy and Big Dreams

Other machines might do the same job, but Bronson insists that service will keep him returning and investing further in Cat equipment. If something goes wrong or a part needs replacing, Bronson is confident he can call Nate and the Ohio Cat team to address the problem promptly. LK & Sons has only three employees, but Nate makes them feel as important as a business with 3,000 employees. It makes all the difference to him because it’s not just a compact track loader. It’s his legacy. 

Today, Bronson thrives in his work, which allows him to support his family. Bronson's kids now learn about excavating and what it means to excel at a trade. Bronson knows his dad is proud of this family legacy, too. 

Bronson dreams of owning an entire Cat fleet one day. He says Nate and the Cat team will be the first phone call for his next purchase to help his business grow. When asked if it was all worth it, Bronson doesn't hesitate to say, "Oh yeah. It's worth it." 

 

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Small business owner Bronson Koffer finally achieved his goal of owning a Cat machine. With help from his Cat dealer rep Nate, he bought a brand-new Cat 299D3 and immediately put it to the test. See why he says his only mistake is not buying Cat sooner.

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Bronson Koffer remembers everything about the day his Cat dealer delivered his new Cat 299D3. He wasn't just buying a machine for himself but for his family's legacy. The equipment upgrade has helped him take his work to the next level and prepare his small business for future success.

Bronson Koffer of LK & Sons Excavating and his dealer rep, Nate Nichols of Ohio Cat, standing next to Bronson's first Cat machine — a 299D3.
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Bronson Koffer of LK & Sons Excavating and his dealer rep, Nate Nichols of Ohio Cat, standing next to Bronson's first Cat machine — a 299D3. After decades of dreaming about big, yellow iron machines, Bronson's dream finally became a reality.

Bronson Koffer of LK & Sons Excavating and his kids next to his Cat 299D3.
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Bronson's kids now learn about excavating and what it means to excel at a trade.

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Cat customer and dealer rep standing in front of Cat machines at a Cat dealership
Cat customer and dealer rep standing in front of Cat machines at a Cat dealership

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