Don Rudolph-Smith Imp Kirkwood Il

451 CUBES

Member
Don,

I posted a dealer decal a few days ago of Smith Implement in Kirkwood Illinois. It wasn't the best picture. Here are a couple better ones. They are a bit worn. Never been there or had dealings there. Got the tractor at auction north of Kirkwood. I like to see these old stickers too. Little reminders of a past that is gone. My grandpa had a green dealership when I was a boy.
Take Care
a247166.jpg
 
Worked there from 1980 till they closed due to ih buying Case w/Tenneco's money. Owner, Bob Smith was a very nice man and was at the shop we opened up, running parts, making coffee, entertaining customers, giving free advice(lol) till he passed Feb, 2008. Really miss him.
 
No decent jobs in 1985. Rented a 40x60, bought the majority of Smith Imp. tools at their auction and opened as a partnership w/other mechanic. Owners of Martin and Clark, local ih dealer that won the contract paid their help, and offered me "peanuts" to join their team. Gave us 2 yrs. tops to survive but we ended up putting them out of business. Our partnership dissolved after 13 yrs.(only ship that won't sail is a partnership) reopened from scratch by Wife and I, still plugging away. Bob Smith was in every day couple hours morning and afternoon. Were it not for health insurance costs we'd be on easy street and at 59 retirement isn't an option.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top