A Long Drive, a Rough Tractor, and a Good Reminder

Yesterday we decided to take a break from the usual routine and drive across the state to look at a piece of machinery we were thinking about adding to the business. It felt like a fun little adventure — a chance to stretch our legs, talk shop, and maybe bring home something useful.

But once we got there, it was pretty clear the ad had left out a few… important details.

The tractor had an aftermarket in-line fuel pump (usually a sign the original pricey one gave up), a bucket that was rotted, bent, and previously “repaired” but giving out again, and a glow plug switch that didn’t even work. None of this was mentioned ahead of time, and it definitely wasn’t where the salesman tried to direct our attention.

We just kind of stood there like, “Well… that’s not what was in the pictures.”

And on the long drive back, it got us talking about how different that experience felt compared to the way we try to treat people.

At 27 Contracting, we really do try to keep things simple:

• If something’s broken, we tell you.

• If something doesn’t make sense, we explain it.

• If there’s a better solution, we bring it up.

• And we’d rather lose a job than hide problems just to get the “yes.”

That little road trip wasn’t a waste, though. Sometimes seeing what not to do makes you appreciate how you want to show up for people even more.

It was a good reminder that honesty and clarity go a long way — whether you’re buying a tractor or fixing someone’s home.

At least we got a good road trip out of it — and a reminder of why we do things the way we do.