PHOTO PROVIDED Marking the new ownership of Jo’s Equipment recently were, from left, Joseph and Heidi Hoover; Amber Bierly of Mifflinburg Bank & Trust; Erin and Trent Muthler and Jeremiah Runkle of AxRunkle, P.C.

FRANCES GUNN VIA UNSPLASH
A farm is pictured in early fall. Gov. Shapiro wants to use $10.3 million to create a grant program that would promote savings throughout the agriculture sector by giving companies access to better equipment, technology, and state resources.

JERSEY SHORE — From family to family.

That’s the cornerstone of an agreement that makes Trent Muthler the new, sole owner of Jo’s Equipment in Jersey Shore and Winfield.

Actually, it was a year ago when Jo’s Equipment minority owner Joseph Hoover came to a mutual agreement with majority owner Trent Muthler to transfer Hoover’s share to Muthler.

But Jan. 1, 2024 marked the first official day the transfer went into effect, according to the two businessmen.

“Great consideration for the business and its valuable customers was put into this decision to ensure long term product support,” the two said in a prepared statement.

Hoover said it has been a smooth transition and he is excited for Trent and the future of the business.

He also mentioned that spending more time with his family was one of the reasons for stepping away from ownership. Hoover is looking forward to helping his father with some farming, as well as staying involved with Jo’s Equipment LLC and its customers.

“Trent quickly gained the trust of our customers after he came aboard in January of 2021 as parts manager,” said Hoover.

In April of 2022, Muthler bought into the company and became majority owner and president. Muthler is a resident of Williamsport and has a passion for tractors, equipment and family.

His wife, Erin; his father, Don Muthler, along with Trent’s stepson and daughter-in-law, Seth and Ellie Kendall, are all employed by the company.

That’s family.

Muthler gained experience working in the chemical Industry as a purchasing agent, and later became vice president of an oil and gas service company.

He said he believes putting his employees and customers ahead of himself is an important part of success.

“I have been a part of success and failure” Muthler said. “I have felt neglect from employers and colleagues, and that’s what pushes me to help people succeed.”

Muthler also remarked that the world of retail sales is vastly different from his past experiences, but it is a very rewarding area to work in.

“Being a part of the community that we do business in is something that makes you proud,” he said.

Both Muthler and Hoover agreed that they expect very few changes in the way business will be conducted at Jo’s and they look forward to continuing to serve the community and their customers.

Jo’s Equipment LLC is a Central Pennsylvania equipment dealer that offers several large brands of agricultural tractors, compact tractors, construction equipment, logging equipment, lawn mowers and turf equipment.

The stores carry popular brands such as Deutz-Fahr, TYM, STIHL, Wacker Neuson, SCAG, Husqvarna and many other brands from two locations.

The Jersey Shore area location is visible along Route 220; it’s on the north side at the Main Street exit. The Winfield operation is just off and visible from Route 15, in the village of Winfield south of Lewisburg.

The two operations sell on consignment, and typically conduct an online auction on their social media page.

“We try to do it weekly,” Seth Kendall said.

The business’ web page can be found online at www.josequipment.com.

“We sell TYM Tractors, Deutz Fahr tractors, Scag zero turn mowers, Spartan zero turn mowers, Country Clipper zero turn mowers, Wright zero turn mowers, Husqvarna and Stihl chainsaws, Troy Bilt snow blowers, Dewalt tools, Carhartt clothing, Hydro Flask items and more,” Seth added.

“Our commitment to servicing the items we sell (and the ones we don’t) and keeping our customers happy is our main objective,” Muthler said.