Leo Johnson, retired president of Johnson Tractor, a 5-store Case IH dealer with locations in Wisconsin and Illinois, speaks honestly about the dealership’s previous location in Rochelle, Ill.: It was old.

Fellow dealers and manufacturers know Leo Johnson's expertise in growing existing businesses, recognizing opportunities, and building value at the retail level to serve farmers, small contractors, and rural lifestylers.

Almost 8 years ago, as we were test-driving a singular themed concept for the 2nd Dealership Minds Summit — The Next Generation — the editors of Farm Equipment interviewed 8 up- and-coming dealership leaders who were being groomed to run the business.