Rusty McGuire fixes a tractor at Vernon Dell Tractor Sales on Tuesday. The company bought the former Smardt Equipment business in Prospect.

PROSPECT — The new owners of a tractor store bring optimism and new product lines to the business.

“We're excited. We see that as a growing area,” said Robert Scott, sales manager of Vernon Dell Tractor Sales. “We see that as a huge opportunity for Vernon Dell Tractor Sales.”

Bob Scott, who owns the Ohio-based Vernon Dell Tractor Sales, purchased Smardt Equipment, 1165 New Castle Road, in January from Ken Hardt, the company's previous owner.

With both selling New Holland farm equipment, Robert Scott, sales manager, said the companies shared a good working relationship for many years before the sale.

“We traded equipment back and forth for years,” he said. “In this industry, it is basically about expansion. The manufacturer's want expansion within their own dealerships.”

Vernon Dell has two other locations in Calcutta, Ohio, and Carrollton, Ohio, and the company continues a tradition of family ownership with Bob Scott's sons, Robert and Carl Scott, the company's general manager, heavily involved in operations.

In addition to expanded territory, he said the partnership will bring new lines to the Prospect location, including a Toro line which specializes in lawn care of both personal home and commercial sizes.

The new ownership retained the staff at the Prospect store. Vernon Dell employs 30 people in full-time positions.

“(The Prospect employees) are an awesome fantastic bunch of individuals,” Robert Scott said. “They have a great knowledge in the industry. They're very personable. They show a desire to help the consumer.”