Celebrating 100 years of growth as a John Deere dealer
Treating you like family since 1926.
Martin Equipment is proudly celebrating 100 years as a John Deere dealer. This achievement is a testament to the sheer dedication and drive of our team, while earning and keeping the trust of our amazing customers for a century.
The legendary service our team is known for doesn’t happen overnight. It happens when you show up and deliver consistently – every day – for more than 100 years. Together with John Deere, one day at a time, we’ve built excellence through commitment and care. Now, we have a century of success to show for it.
To our devoted team and loyal customers: Thank you for choosing Martin Equipment to keep you running. Here’s to the next 100 years.
A century of legendary service, thanks to you.
From the shop floor to the jobsite, from customer service to leadership, our success has always been powered by people. Our team’s commitment to excellence, ability to adapt and innovate, and pride in the work we do have brought success to our team and the customers we serve.
We will always render more in the way of service to our customers than they expect, never less. – Bob Martin Jr.
History
1926
It all begins with a bold move: Sam F. Martin needed a tractor, drove to Moline to buy directly from Deere & Company, and instead was asked to become their dealer. He left home looking for equipment and returned home with a dealership - launching a century-long partnership.
1930s
Martin Implement Company grows into a well-respected John Deere agricultural dealer while also serving construction customers as a Case construction dealer.
1953
After proudly serving in the Korean War as a Marine, 22-year-old Bob Martin Sr. steps into leadership. Together with his brother Lewis, they carry forward the next chapter of the family business - the beginning of Martin Brothers Implement.
1959
Deere officially enters the construction market, and Martin Brothers Implement moves with them. The John Deere 830i, built specifically for industrial needs, marks the start of a new era.
1960s-1970s
Construction and forestry take off. Martin Equipment expands, strengthens its territory, and deepens relationships with the contractors and loggers who helped define our roots.
1980
Martin Equipment of Illinois, Inc. is incorporated, representing Goodfield, Springfield, and Tolono. These three original construction stores live on in our modern-day three-pillar logo.
1981
Martin Equipment becomes a construction-only John Deere dealer. Goodfield opens as the flagship location and corporate headquarters. The business officially separates its construction and agriculture operations - setting the stage for focused growth.
1992
Robert Martin Jr. becomes President, continuing the family legacy (12/10/1992).
1994
The company expands again, acquiring Ashland and Palmyra from Carol and David Romersberger (12/31/1994).
1998
Fresh out of college, DeLene returns to the family business and takes the reins of Human Resources, setting the tone for modern people and culture practices.
2018
DeLene becomes President, marking a new generation of leadership and strategic growth.
2019
After his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Bobby Martin III comes home to Martin Equipment, driving the Compact Construction Equipment strategy and later becoming General Manager of Goodfield.
2026
Martin Equipment celebrates 100 years of doing business with John Deere - a century of service, partnership, and progress.
