Location: Pierce City, Mo.
Owner: Ed Velten
Manager: John Velten
History: Velten Machinery began 69 years ago when Ed Velten’s his parents, Charles and Anna Velten, began selling used farm equipment.
“Back in the 1940s, Dad would travel from Texas to Minnesota combining and driving a truck on a threshing crew,” Ed said. “When he was doing that, he would find a piece of equipment of two and bring it back home. My mom would sell it and it grew from that.”
Today, Ed and his son John continue the family business in Pierce City, Mo.
Products and Services: Velten Machinery continues to find quality used farming equipment for producers in the Ozarks.
“We also so some repairs on equipment as well,” Ed said. “We aren’t particular about the brand. I like the name-brand equipment, but you can’t always find it.”
Ed said the inventory changes often, and just about everything related to farm equipment can be found at Velten Machinery, including tractors, cutters, sprayers, haying equipment, box blades, plows and disks.
“We don’t carry combines,” Ed said. “They are too seasonal.”
Titan bush hogs and skid steers, and gardening equipment are the current top-selling items for Velten Machinery.
“I’ve noticed a lot of the farmers can’t find bigger tractors at the dealerships that are affordable,” Ed said. “That’s where we come in.”
Future plans: Ed said he plans to keep the business rolling, and his 10-year-old grandson is hoping one day to be a part of the family’s legacy.
“As long as we can go, we are going to hang on as long as we can,” Ed said.
Business philosophy: Ed said treating customers with respect and being truthful are the keys for success.
“My dad always said to tell the truth, even if it hurts,” Ed said. “Don’t lie about something because if you get caught in that, you will lose several customers.”
