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Oldest continuous John Deere dealer in Illinois celebrates 100 years

The oldest continuous John Deere dealership in Illinois is celebrating 100 years of business.

Bill Riechmann, CEO of Riechmann Bros. LLC based in Okawville tells Brownfield the company has been in his family for three generations and counting.

“My grandfather started in 1922 and now we have younger generations coming in. Both of my sons are in the business and my brothers and cousins all have children coming up into the business.”

The company has also been named the 2022 North American Dealership of the Year by Farm Equipment, for which Riechmann credits their loyal customers and talented employees.  

“The people make the business. The building is just a building and name is just a name. The people in the business are the ones that make it go.”

The company brought in more than $120 million in revenue in 2021, a nearly 30% increase over 2020. They also produced a ROA (Return on Assets) of 15.79%, achieved a parts and service absorption rate of 90.96% and reached 71% market share in 2021. With four stores, Riechmann says they have fewer locations than other area dealers who have consolidated, but that allows them to better focus on customer relationships.

As for the next 100 years, Riechmann says, “We are just going to keep doing what we are doing, because evidently it is working.”

Hundreds of customers, employees and community members gathered to celebrate the company’s centennial anniversary in Okawville Saturday.

Interview with Bill Riechmann

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