(Harlan)---Honors abound for Ol' Roger at Sorensen Equipment in Harlan. By Ol' Roger we're referring to Roger Sorensen, who started his implement business in 1977 and now after 35 years the accolades continue to come in.

Roger and his wife, Bev, have four children, Todd (and his wife, Rochelle), Barry (and his wife, Emily), Corey (and his wife, Michelle) and one daughter, Tammy. They enjoy spending time with their eleven grandchildren.

Roger, originally from the Walnut area, was in the bulk fuel business before he "took the plunge" and started his own Ford implement dealership the same year "Star Wars" first graced the silver screen. As Ford evolved into New Holland, Roger's business grew and when the Kinze line of equipment was added in the early 80's, things really took off as Roger went from selling the popular, rugged Kinze grain carts to the now super-popular line of Kinze planters.

Now, after all these years, Roger (right in photo) continues to work with Bev, Barry and Corey (left in photo) in the family business. They were recently give the "Market Share Leader" award from Kinze, the only dealership in Iowa to receive the designation, making it their 11th year in a row they've received the honor. The "Market Share Leader" award is given to Kinze dealers who have earned the greatest market share in their region throughout the previous year.

Sorensen Equipment also received the prestigious honor of being the largest Kinze dealer in North America for the last 10 years running, selling around 200 new and used planters annually. Due to the interest in no-till residue management, about 85% of the planters Roger sells are set up for no-till.

Roger thanks his family and his faithful employees and really appreciates his loyal customers as well. Roger sums it up best as he says, "Without family support, the cooperation of a great group of employees and our customers, it wouldn't be possible."





   

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