Inside, the showroom smelled of new tires, hydraulic oil, and warm grease.

Brad stood by the main parts counter at the back wall with a metal hydraulic fitting in one hand.

Next to him was Vance Fiske, the lawyer from Eau Claire, in a dark blue suit jacket and pricey brown leather cowboy boots.

Vance rocked his weight from one foot to the other on the slick linoleum, his boot heels clicking on the tile.

Brad was pointing at a catalog spread open on the counter, talking fast to the parts manager.