Employee Spotlight: Allen Harlan

Want to know what it’s like to be a parts and equipment expert at Cardinal? A seasoned pro at Cardinal Home Center, Allen Harlan shares his insights and experiences.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

In 2004, I started working for Blue Ridge Builders Supply in Crozet, VA. I worked there for 17 years (two of which MWP/Cardinal Home Center owned). I did everything from running tickets out in the yard and deliveries to building stairs for the stair department for 2-1/2 years, and I also worked in the paint department in the Crozet and Charlottesville locations. Then, I had the opportunity to work at Piedmont Power in Charlottesville for four years as their Parts and Service Manager. The opportunity to return to Cardinal presented itself when Cardinal purchased Lake Anna Tractor, and returning to Cardinal was the perfect way to combine my lumber, paint, parts, and sales experience.

How long have you worked for Cardinal Home Center?

18 years total if you count “time served” at Blue Ridge.

What connections do you have with Cardinal prior to coming back as a Parts Associate?

I remained friends with many of the folks that worked at Cardinal, and stayed up on the progression of the company.

What is your role at Cardinal Home Center?

I am a literal Jack-of-all-trades, but my current position is technically a parts associate. In this position, I research parts for customers and technicians, arrange equipment pickup and delivery, and service-write.

Can you describe your role as a Parts Manager and what a typical day looks like for you?

As described above, I do a little bit of everything. I take calls from customers who need specific parts, organize pickups and deliveries of equipment, and provide quotes for planned service on customer equipment. In addition, I serve as a resource to my coworkers who are learning The Cardinal Way at our Mineral location. I can assist in the paint, lumber, and hardware departments and am happy to provide insight as needed.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the challenge of finding the correct part for customers, and seeing all of the equipment that needs our help from warranty issues to catastrophic break-downs. I find pride in knowing what the customer is asking for when they are looking for parts because I’ve worked on my own equipment and am familiar with the “slang”/terminology for most situations.

Can you share a challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it?

As a parts associate/service writer, I often encounter customers with problems caused by “operator error.” Trying to adequately explain this without offending someone can be challenging. It is easier to speak from a place of personal experience with “operator error” and how to correct it when appropriate.

What is the most important thing you have learned working for Cardinal Home Center?

There are many opportunities in the Cardinal Family. All of the management team in place will help you achieve your goals. All you have to do is ask and open up the conversation.

What’s the most important thing to remember when managing parts for lawn equipment?

Please keep your hands away from the blades; we don’t stock extra hands here. It’s also important to keep “fast-moving” items necessary to service an engine readily available, such as air, oil, hydraulic, and fuel filters, spark plugs, fluids, primer bulbs for two-stroke equipment, starter solenoids, and fuel pumps.

How do you stay updated with changes or advancements in lawn equipment technology or parts?

Being Scag Gold Certified in both sales and as a technician, I have had extensive training and have been provided resources that are updated regularly with industry standards. I review these updates as they come in and apply them to my position daily.

What’s a common mistake customers make when ordering parts, and how can they avoid it?

It can be challenging to locate the proper part for a customer when both the unit’s and the engine’s model numbers are not provided.

Can you share any insider tips on maintaining lawn equipment to extend its life?

Servicing your equipment regularly by changing its engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and spark plugs every year or every one hundred hours (whichever comes first) can extend its life expectancy.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I play drums in a local band called SkyRocket Down whenever possible. In the summertime, you can find me floating around our backyard pool or beach-hopping with my family. I also spend quite a lot of time maintaining our home and acreage, depending on that season’s demands.

What would people never guess you do in your role?

I’m a pretty open book and the same person all the time, so most people already understand that what you see is what you get. I know a lot, and I can offer a lot of knowledge; all you have to do is ask. My time with BRBS/Cardinal has allowed me to bank a wide variety of knowledge and experience that can sometimes surprise my co-workers at Lake Anna because they may not know my background and history with the company.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.

I am an industry-recorded rock drummer. My music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Don’t let this calm exterior fool you.

You’re happiest when?

Hanging out with my family on the back porch and pool in the summertime or piddling with a project out in the yard.