The AEM Hall of Fame has honored pioneering individuals who have invented, managed, built, and led the off-road equipment industry. Individually and collectively, they represent some of the best, brightest, and most influential minds in the history of the off-road equipment industry.
Last year, the AEM Hall of Fame proudly inducted two remarkable individuals: Roy Applequist, Founder and Former President and CEO of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc., and Al McQuinn, Founder and Former CEO and Chairman of Ag-Chem Equipment. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the equipment manufacturing industry, setting a high standard for innovation, leadership, and corporate citizenship.
AEM is looking for its next innovators to be added to the list. Do you have someone in mind? Nominate them by June 6, 2025.
To help your nomination stand out to the panel of judges consider these tips and tricks while crafting your submission:
1. Choose the Right Nominee
- Career Stage: Ensure your nominee's entire career is considered, from their early contributions to their pinnacle achievements.
- Marquee Accomplishment: Highlight a significant, industry-defining achievement that sets your nominee apart.
- Highlight Four Key Principles: Your nominee should excel in Innovation, Industry Contributions, Leadership, and Corporate Citizenship/Social Responsibility. Innovation is the principle holding the most potential points. Make sure your submission clearly outlines your nominees’ innovations, so judges understand their impact.
2. Tell the Full Story
-
Comprehensive Information: Provide detailed information about your nominee's achievements and contributions. The judges can only consider what you present, so make sure your submission is robust and includes a full picture of your nominee.
3. Focus Beyond Business Metrics
-
Impactful Contributions: Emphasize how your nominee has genuinely changed the industry, rather than just their business success. While business metrics matter, judges are looking for leaders and innovators who went above and beyond to create a positive culture or equipment and services that revolutionized the industry.
4. Highlight Personal Stories
-
Overcoming Challenges: Include personal anecdotes that showcase your nominee's resilience and commitment to the industry. Allow judges the chance to get to know your nominee and their determination to leave this legacy on the industry.
5. Embrace Technological Contributions
-
Tech Innovations: Consider nominees who have made significant contributions to the technology and software behind equipment manufacturing. As this industry continues to advance and adapt, we want to honor those who are helping to pioneer this change for future generations.
If you have someone you think deserves to join the ranks of the AEM Hall of Fame, nominate them by June 6, 2025. Winner(s) will be announced during a special celebration at the 2025 AEM Annual Conference, Nov. 19-21, 2025, in Miami, Florida.
If you have any questions about your nomination, email AEM’s Mary Stratton at mstratton@aem.org.
