Mark Kimmell - "Combine King" in Pasco
Posted 11/04/2009 —"Mark is always willing to work on anything or do anything that is asked of him," says Pat Fluit, Pasco Service Manager.
Mark Kimmell, Service Technician in Pasco, has worked on John Deere equipment for over 22 years. His father, an electrician, had wanted Mark to follow in his footsteps. Mark, however, after getting involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA) while in high school, chose a different path. After working at the local John Deere dealership in Pasco, Wash., he moved back after completing his diesel technician degree in Phoenix, Ariz.
Mark is known in Pasco - by customers and fellow team members - as the combine expert. "All of our customers with combine questions know that he is the guy to talk to," adds Pat.
Mark attributes his "perfectionism trait" as the driving force behind always wanting to do a good job. "When I work on a combine, or any piece of equipment, in the back of my head, I'm always treating it as if it's mine," he says.
Mark's positive attitude and willingness to help is apparent to those around him. A few weeks ago, Mark was sick at home with an ear infection. A new customer was having some combine troubles, so Mark talked him through field adjustments on a cell phone from home.
"Mark always keeps the big picture in mind," Pat says. "Many times during a setup or re-con, he has come to me with an idea to make things go quicker or to make the customer's delivery and startup experience smoother. Sometimes these ideas actually take work away from the Service Department, but Mark is capable of thinking bigger than just our department to look at what the total cost is to RDO Equipment Co. and what the total benefit is to our customers, rather than individual department revenue," he adds. "I really appreciate that big picture thinking."
Mark is also known for his love of the outdoors. In fact, it's one of the reasons he enjoys his job. "Any time of the year - in extreme cold or heat - you will find Mark outside working on equipment," says Pete Lantz, General Manager Northwest. Mark recalls a time right before Christmas when the shop was full, and he was working on a winter overhaul on a 9500 combine. "There was at least two inches of snow outside, but I didn't mind it," he says.
When asked what makes RDO Equipment Co. in Pasco stand out among the competition, Mark says, "I think we're a family here, and it shows to our customers." He pauses, and then adds with a chuckle, "But I guess I haven't really worked anywhere else."
And the fact that Mark has only worked for RDO Equipment Co. has been our customers and fellow team members' gain.
