Brilliant Harvest, a new player in the agritech space, has officially emerged from stealth mode after securing a pivotal partnership with Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME), the largest agricultural equipment dealer in Canada. Founded by Remi Schmaltz, an industry veteran with a track record of building successful agtech companies, Brilliant Harvest aims to revolutionize the customer experience for agricultural equipment dealers through an AI-powered helpdesk.
The Calgary-based startup, which raised $1.3 million in pre-seed funding last fall, is set to provide RME’s 43 stores with a dealer-branded mobile app. This innovative platform is designed to streamline communication between customers and dealers, as well as enhance internal team collaboration. Schmaltz, who previously founded ag retailer DynAgra and farm management software company Decisive Farming, was inspired to create Brilliant Harvest after witnessing the challenges faced by farmers and equipment dealers during the purchasing and support processes.
At the core of Brilliant Harvest’s mission is the need to address a significant talent gap in the agricultural sector. “At peak times, such as spring planting, there’s not enough quality support for farmers, both on the sales side and in tech support,” Schmaltz explained. The app aims to provide a superior, scalable customer experience by capturing and sharing expertise across dealerships. For example, if a technician at one store resolves a complex issue, that knowledge can be instantly shared with colleagues at other locations, enhancing overall service quality.
The white label app, available for download by both dealership employees and customers, not only facilitates communication but also processes extensive manuals and service documents. This allows the AI assistant to provide immediate answers to customer inquiries, pulling from both the manuals and the dealer’s proprietary knowledge. “We’re providing answers right away,” Schmaltz noted. This capability is particularly valuable for farmers who may need troubleshooting assistance at any hour, eliminating the frustration of long wait times or sifting through lengthy PDFs.
While human interaction remains important, the AI assistant can often deliver information more quickly and accurately than a human representative, especially when it comes to technical specifications or operational questions. “This isn’t about eliminating humans,” Schmaltz emphasized. “It’s about enabling them to do more in a less stressful environment, while customers are happier because they’re getting what they need faster.”
Brilliant Harvest also recognizes the shifting expectations of younger generations in agriculture. With 41% of farmers in North America identifying as Gen X or Millennials, there’s a growing demand for online self-service options and multi-channel communication. “These farmers don’t necessarily want to sit in a dealer’s office; they want convenience,” Schmaltz stated.
Despite the apparent simplicity of the solution, Schmaltz explained that the larger equipment manufacturers and dealers have struggled to implement similar systems. Many lack the software development expertise necessary to create effective AI solutions tailored to their diverse brand offerings. Brilliant Harvest aims to fill this gap by providing a customizable yet standardized platform that can adapt to the unique needs of each dealer while remaining scalable.
The implications of Brilliant Harvest’s technology extend beyond just improving customer service. The agricultural sector faces high turnover rates among employees, which can lead to lost relationships and valuable knowledge. By capturing and retaining this information through conversations and interactions, Brilliant Harvest helps dealerships maintain continuity and enhance employee training. “When you lose an employee, you lose their relationships with the farmers and the knowledge they have,” Schmaltz explained.
As Brilliant Harvest begins its partnership with RME, discussions are already underway with other dealers interested in implementing the technology. The startup’s innovative approach has the potential to transform the agricultural equipment dealer landscape, making it easier for farmers to access information and support while empowering dealers to provide better service and retain critical knowledge. With the agricultural industry increasingly reliant on technology, Brilliant Harvest is poised to lead the charge in enhancing the customer experience and addressing the sector’s talent challenges.