2005 — Fred Haar Co. (Freeman, S.D.)

Approaching its 125th anniversary, Fred Haar Co. was recognized as Farm Equipment’s first small-store operation Dealership of the Year in 2005. This family’s hard work was continually upheld throughout 5 generations. The dealership saw the importance of embracing change and demonstrated it through two shop expansions, a new warehouse, increasing emphasis on used equipment sales, facility renovations and young technician sponsorships. The changes resulted in exceeding industry benchmarks with a 15.7% return on assets, high consecutive revenue growth of 27% and 21%, a 54% market share and a 92% John Deere customer satisfaction score. C&B Operations acquired Fred Haar Co. in 2012.

“There was always a strict philosophy that when it came to used equipment, we’d only sell what we took in on a trade. But the 1980s brought an exception to that rule … We either had to change or none of us were going to make a living...” — Jim Haar, President