Agricultural technology and sales are close to the heart of this Head of Sales for Agricultural Machinery, as she grew up on the family business in Burgkirchen. Much
has changed over four generations – in the farming itself and the technology. “Today’s farms are very far removed from those we would have seen 50 years ago,” says Susanna. During her internship at Fendt in 2004, she was there for the introduction of the first guidance system – now it’s all about FendtONE and Fendt Connect. So the technology is new, but the questions remain the same: “What are the benefits, how complicated is it to use and how does it help my farm?” The business woman has no doubt, “Farmers are very pro gressive, and when new technology is shown to make their work easier, it is quickly accepted. Today, a guidance system is the norm on most farms.” In sales, sound professional advice and dealing with customers are crucial to Susanna: “Customer service and courtesy are our golden rules. We treat every customer equally, because the trust of our customers is our greatest asset.” The entire team regularly participates in training courses so they can always deliver the best quality advice. In early 2020, FendtONE training was on the agenda.

“Solutions like Fendt Connect will help us in the future. When our customers use Fendt Connect and share it with us, we can view the tractor status directly from the workshop and respond more quickly. The customer has no reason to go to our workshop first,” says the former business graduate. With Fendt Connect, customers can use an app to check the status of their tractor, including maintenance intervals, fill levels, and the tractor location. This is very helpful for non-local drivers. “If they lose their way, you can send them to the right field. Fendt Connect can also be used for anti-theft protection because its location is always visible,” says Susanna. The electronics is a challenge for mechatronics technicians. “Being good with a screwdriver is no longer enough. Reading circuit diagrams and error codes and having an understanding of electronics are just as crucial,” she explains.

When she is not working at the business, the mother-of three likes to spend time with her family. “It’s a great counter-balance,” she laughs. Her children Maximiliane, 9, Ferdinand, 7, and Leopold, 5, keep her on her toes. Like their mother, they get to grow up on the farm. “We’re such a close family that I can balance work and family life almost without compromise. It’s an enormous privilege,” says the Austrian. A few years ago, Marie Mauch, her sister, joined the family business and is now heading its special machinery division. In many instances this has strengthened the teamwork. “Fendt is the ideal carrier vehicle,” Susanna says with a smile. “Marie studied agriculture at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna and has always had a passion for organic farming. This and her dedicated talent for sales are a constant source of inspiration for me.”