Interview: CEO of the Schenex Machinery

From its base in Albany, New York, Schenex Machinery has quietly built a presence in the used heavy equipment space by focusing on process, inspection, and realistic expectations. We sat down with CEO Sam Larry to discuss how the company operates, what buyers often misunderstand about pre owned equipment, and why structure matters more than speed in this industry.

Q: Sam, can you tell us how the company got started and what problem you wanted to solve?

When we started, I saw a big gap between what buyers were promised and what they actually received. Used equipment listings often looked good on paper but didn’t match reality on site. The goal was simple. Reduce uncertainty. If a machine is listed, it should work the way it’s described, without surprises.

Q: Many people see used heavy equipment as risky. How do you address that concern?

The risk usually comes from missing information. If you don’t know how a machine was checked or what condition it’s truly in, you’re guessing. We focus on inspection and documentation. Every machine is reviewed before it’s offered. That process helps both sides. Buyers know what they’re getting, and we stand behind accurate descriptions.

Q: What role does inspection play in your daily operations?

Inspection is the foundation. We don’t treat it as a checklist you rush through. It’s mechanical systems, hydraulics, controls, and real operation tests. If something doesn’t meet our internal standards, it doesn’t move forward. That approach shapes how people experience Schenex Machinery, even if they never see the work that happens before delivery.

Q: How do you decide what equipment to stock?

We look at real demand. Construction, agriculture, and material handling all have different needs. We try to maintain a balanced inventory so buyers aren’t forced into compromises. And if we don’t have the right fit, we source it. That flexibility matters more than having a massive list of machines sitting idle.

Q: Custom sourcing seems to be a key part of your process. Why is that important?

Because no two job sites are the same. One buyer might need a compact machine for tight spaces, another needs power for heavy lifting. Custom sourcing lets us match equipment to real use cases. It also shows buyers we’re listening. That’s something people often mention when they talk about their experience with Schenex Machinery.

Q: Delivery is another challenge in this industry. How do you handle logistics?

Logistics can make or break a project timeline. We plan deliveries carefully and communicate early. Buyers need to know when equipment will arrive so they can prepare crews and space. We don’t promise impossible timelines. We promise realistic ones and then work to meet them.

Q: What happens once the equipment arrives at the buyer’s location?

Buyers get time to inspect and test the machine on site. That step is important. It gives them confidence before the equipment is fully accepted. It also keeps us accountable. Transparency doesn’t stop when the truck arrives.

Q: How do you approach customer communication overall?

Direct and honest. No scripts. No pressure. People are making serious investments, even when buying used. They deserve clear answers. If something isn’t a good fit, we say so. That approach has helped build long term relationships, which matter more than one time sales.

Q: What feedback stands out to you the most?

When buyers say the machine performed the way it was described. That tells me the system is working. Reviews aren’t about hype. They’re about consistency. When people talk about Schenex Machinery, I want them to mention clarity and reliability, not flashy promises.

Q: Looking ahead, what’s the focus for the future?

Staying disciplined. Growth is good, but only if standards stay intact. We’ll keep refining inspections, sourcing smarter, and improving communication. Being based in Albany helps us stay hands on. We don’t want to lose that.

Q: Final thoughts for businesses considering used equipment?

Ask questions. Look beyond photos. Choose suppliers who explain their process, not just their prices. Used equipment can be a smart move if it’s handled the right way. That belief guides how we run Schenex Machinery every day.