Roger has been a familiar face at the John Deere dealership in Falher for 39 years, and will be greatly missed by customers and staff as he enters retirement on March 31ST.
Read on to take a look back at Roger's career as a John Deere man, his advice for the next generation, and his plans for retirement.
In the spring of 1981, Roger was hired on by Dave Ross Equipment as the Parts Manager and completed his schooling to become a Journeyman Parts Technician. Six years later he was given the opportunity to become a Salesman and jumped at the chance to sell green equipment. He proved it was the right move as in 1990 he received a Grand Master award from John Deere for top combine sales in Western Canada.
In January 1991, Roger left Dave Ross Equipment to pursue a family business. But it did not come with the same excitement as selling combines and he returned to the dealership in 1992. Following the passing of Dave Ross in 1999, Roger became a partner in Ross Ag Equipment and was on the forefront of growing the business in the Peace Country. Roger recalls: “When I started, Dave Ross Equipment was the underdog in Falher, and now we are the main contender. I am proud to have been part of making that goal a reality.”
In 2013, Ross Ag was purchased by Martin Deerline which provided Roger with new sales opportunities, as he could pull equipment from a network of eight other locations. And over the last seven years Roger has continued to excel as an Ag Salesman going above and beyond year after year to keep his clients going.
When asked what he liked most about his time as a salesman Roger expressed his love of combines: “Combines have always been my passion, I loved doing combine demos, tweaking them to perform at their best!” And some of his best memories from his years in agriculture sales are from making combine deals, like when he sold 3 brand new 9860 combines to Lavoie Ventures Ltd in 2007 and got to deliver them with his wife Paulette at his side.
Over the years Roger has seen a lot of change in the equipment he sold, noting the biggest changes have come in the size of the machines and the technology that is now available in them. “The next generation of farmers is grasping the technology well, and it will help them to make proper farming decisions. My advice for upcoming farmers is to maintain the equipment you have and ensure you have good support from your dealership,” which is really sound advice for anyone in the agriculture industry.
When asked what he will miss most as he retires, Roger replied, “The people! I will miss the customers and my co-workers.”
But I am sure he will still be stopping by to visit as he doesn't plan on going far. Roger's initial plans for retirement include projects around home, camping, fishing, golfing and spending time with family - his wife Paulette, his kids and grandkids, and hopefully get to do some travelling!
As I wrapped up my conversation with Roger and asked for any final comments as he counts down his final days at Martin Deerline, Roger said, “I would like to thank Al Ross for taking a chance on me in 1981, he was not only a boss and a business partner but a mentor and a friend. I would also like to thank Dan and Dennis my partners that are still here at the dealership. And to my co-workers, thank you! Martin Deerline is a great place to work, and there is lots of opportunity for future growth. Some of the best salespeople come out of parts and service so you all have a great career ahead of you!”
And thank you Roger! For your dedication to selling equipment over the years and representing not only Martin Deerline but the brand of John Deere, we wish you all the best as you start your adventure into retirement.
Roger's last day is Tuesday, March 31ST so feel free to give him a call to wish him well!
