Kroeker History
In the early 1970’s, Ed and Joyce Kroeker started out on their own. They had
one small tractor with a disc. By grading lots and land for home builders,
they kept the tractor busy. They called this new business “Kroeker Custom
Tractor”.
When the winter came, they had very little work since it was simply “too
muddy” to work. They needed some tractor work to do in the off-season since
they simply could not pay their bills.
The railroad needed some weed clearing done along their right of way from Fresno to Riverbank, some 120 miles one way. It was a perfect fit for Kroeker Custom Tractor. Now, the tractor could keep busy nearly year round while working for contractors in the spring and summer and the railroad in the winter.
An associate needed a barn torn down. Willing to tackle any project, the tractor business did its first demolition project. The word spread, and over time more and more requests came to tear down structures of all types.
In the summers, while not in school, their two children, Jeff and Jill would help out in the business. Their involvement in those summers helped form the foundation for what is now a large and growing business concern.
The recession of the 80’s would take its toll and work had all but vanished
in the
construction industry. Kroeker Custom Tractor, not afraid to gamble,
ventured into the agriculture business. They decided to try custom
harvesting and had several combines they would run during the cotton season.
As the economy improved, they took their first dump truck and trailer and their first crawler tractor and went to work. Working from home, their 2 acres became very small. For years, they worked with little room, one small shop, and a home office. Kroeker Custom Tractor had outgrown its property.
More equipment and more trucks were added to just meet the demand of loyal customers. Employees were hired and the company took on all sorts of responsibilities.
The family has taken these responsibilities very seriously. One of the
reasons for the growth and success has been in the employee area. Ed and
Joyce have said that we have a responsibility to our employees. “We want
them to succeed, raise their families, pay their bills, and have a good
place to work”. This belief has been a mainstay for the business.
Now, son, Jeff runs the business on 47 acres with a huge fleet of equipment and trucks. In 30 plus years in the business, Jeff has taken the expansion to a whole new level. With sister, Jill, on board and “doing the books”, the company retains the family atmosphere. Customers, the community, and the employees are all included in the “responsibility” of the business.
Work is now done in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii. It’s amazing what hard work, honesty, and one small tractor can do.
