The AEM Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and impactful contributions of the leaders in the off-road equipment industry. Since its inception, 69 industry leaders have been inducted to the AEM Hall of Fame for their innovations, industry contributions, leadership, and social responsibility.
These 69 visionaries and their groundbreaking work can be traced across the United States, Canada, and abroad. Sixty inductees are from the U.S., with three states claiming a total of 28. Here are the top three states and their leaders:
#3 Ohio (7 inductees)
Susanne Cobey – CEO, Eagle Crusher - Inducted 2023
Koop Ferwerda – Inventor, Gradall Excavator – Inducted 2020
Ray Ferwerda – Inventor, Gradall Excavator – Inducted 2020
Rollin Henry White – Founder, Cleveland Tractor Company (Cletrac) – Inducted 2014
Jim Gorman – Chairman of the Board, The Gorman-Rupp Company – Inducted 2010
John Heltzel – Founder, Heltzel Steel Form & Iron – Inducted 1999
Robert H. Studebaker – Founder, Laserplane – Inducted 1999
#2 Iowa (9 inductees)
Mary Andringa – Chair of the Board, Vermeer Corporation – Inducted 2019
Ray Hagie – Founder, Hagie Manufacturing, LLC – Inducted 2016
Robert Vermeer – Chair Emeritus, Vermeer Corporation – Inducted 2016
Jon Kinzenbaw – Founder, President & CEO, Kinze Manufacturing – Inducted 2015
Elton Long – Vice President, Construction Equipment Engineering, Case Construction Equipment, Inducted 2011
Gary Vermeer – Founder, Chairman Emeritus, Vermeer Manufacturing – Inducted 1996
William Dana Ewart – Founder, Link-Belt Machinery Company – Inducted 1996
Gary Godbersen – Co-Founder, GOMACO Corporation – Inducted 1993
Howard Hall – Founder, Iowa Manufacturing – Inducted 1993
#1 Illinois (12 inductees)
John Deere – Founder, Deere & Company – Inducted 2012
Keith Wood – Co-Founder, Woods Equipment Company – Inducted 2012
Leonard Wood – Co-Founder, Woods Equipment Company – Inducted 2012
Mervel Wood – Co-Founder, Woods Equipment Company – Inducted 2012
Donald Fites – Chairman & CEO, Caterpillar Inc. – Inducted 2008
LeRoy G. Hagenbuch – Co-Founder & President, Phillipi-Hagenbuch Inc. – Inducted 2008
Edward Etnyre – Founder, E.D. Etnyre & Company – Inducted 1999
Frank G. Hough – Founder, Frank G. Hough Company – Inducted 1994
H. Ashley Barber – CEO, Barber-Greene Company – Inducted 1994
William B. Greene – Co-Founder, Barber-Greene Company – Inducted 1994
Charles Johnson * – Founder, C.S. Johnson Company – Inducted 1993
Harry H. Barber – Co-Founder, Barber-Greene Company – Inducted 1993
*There is little information on where C.S. Johnson Company was founded. Charles was a civil engineer from the University of Illinois
Outside of the U.S., Germany leads as the county with the second most inductees.
Friedrich W. Schwing, Sr. – Founder, Schwing GmbH – Inducted 2013
Helmut Claas – Chairman of the Shareholder’s Committee, CLAAS KGaA mbH – Inducted 2013
Dr. Hans Liebherr – Founder, Liebherr Company – Inducted 2010
Reinhard Wirtgen – Founder, Wirtgen GmbH – Inducted 1999
The AEM Hall of Fame does not just look back; it also looks forward. It serves as a catalyst for ongoing innovation, encouraging today's leaders to push boundaries and explore new horizons. It's a reminder that the equipment and technologies that build, feed, and power our world are the results of bold ideas and daring ventures. As we honor the past, we also pave the way for the future, inspiring new generations to carry the torch of innovation and leadership.
The AEM Hall of Fame continues to grow and is accepting nominations for the 2024 class until Friday, June 14th. To submit a nomination for consideration, click here to fill out the form. Looking for tips on how to make your nomination stand out? Read How to Submit a Better Nomination.
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