Gary J. Vermeer

Gary J. Vermeer was the founder and chairman emeritus of Vermeer Manufacturing Co., located in Pella, Iowa.^[1] He is known for his contributions to the agricultural industry and for his philanthropic efforts.^[2]

[edit] History

[edit] From Birth to Marriage

Gary Vermeer was born on September 29, 1918 in Pella, Iowa to Jacob and Anna; he was the first of four sons. With his brothers Elmer, John, and Harry, Gary Vermeer grew up on a farm in a Dutch community east of Pella.

Gary Vermeer began his primary education at Plainview Country Grade School, and then graduated from Pella Public High School in 1935.

Vermeer married Matilda van Gorp on February 14, 1941. In 1953 they set up their home on a 120-acre (49-ha) plot of land. Their property line was extended throughout their marriage as they continued to accumulate farmland.

[edit] Vermeer Manufacturing

In 1948, five years after he invented a wagon hoist to unload corn with more ease, Gary Vermeer opened a manufacturing factory, Vermeer Manufacturing Co. with his cousin.^[3]

Through the years, the company grew into an international organization, spanning every continent except Antarctica. It grew to comprise dealerships in more than 60 countries, and hundreds of agricultural equipment dealers all over the United States.^[4]

As demand grew and Vermeer acquired more land, he had to hire farm managers to oversee daily operations. Despite this, he is said to have been active on the farm, often taking time to operate equipment, such as cultivators and [[combines].^[5]

Gary Vermeer made several contributions to the agricultural industry, including a tree spade and stump cutter. His most significant development was perhaps the large round hay baler, introduced in 1971.^[6] The operation of this baler required only one person, saving workers time and effort.

Vermeer’s business model for Vermeer Manufacturing was built around the “four Ps of philosophy”: principles, which specifically refers to strong biblical principles; people, encompassing self-motivated employees who learn through experience; product, meaning that if there is a need for something, a lasting product should be built; and finally profit, signifying the importance of keeping the company in a financially strong position.

[edit] Vermeer and the Community

Gary Vermeer’s interests were not only business-focused. He established the Vermeer Charitable Foundation in 1958 by setting aside a portion of his company’s profits to alleviate poverty, make strides in education, emphasize health, and, as he was a devoutly religious man, spread the influence of religion. The foundation’s reach was not only local; it extended throughout the world. The foundation has sponsored college scholarship programs, construction projects at various schools, and disaster relief.

Also in 1958 Vermeer helped raise $450,000 to build the Pella Community Hospital by leading a fund-raising drive.^[7]

Vermeer is said to have been generous to those around him. An avid outdoorsman with a passion for flying, he often flew friends, employees, and acquaintances to a wilderness camp in Canada.

[edit] Awards and Recognition

Through his life, Gary Vermeer received numerous awards, including the Pella Community Service Award in 1977 and the Iowa Inventor of the Year Award in 1984. He was inducted into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame in 1986; the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame in 1992; and the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame in 1996.^[8]

[edit] Death

On February 2, 2009, at the age of 90, Gary Vermeer passed away at his home in Pella, Iowa. He was survived by his wife Matilda, three children Stanley James, Robert Lee, and Mary Ann, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

[edit] References

1. ↑ Industry mourns the loss of Vermeer and Mueller Company founders. Pipeline News. March 2009.
2. ↑ Industry mourns the loss of Vermeer and Mueller Company founders. Pipeline News. March 2009.
3. ↑ Industry mourns the loss of Vermeer and Mueller Company founders. Pipeline News. March 2009.
4. ↑ Industry mourns the loss of Vermeer and Mueller Company founders. Pipeline News. March 2009.
5. ↑ Industry mourns the loss of Vermeer and Mueller Company founders. Pipeline News. March 2009.
6. ↑ Obituaries. The Pella Chronicle. 02-20-2009.
7. ↑ Industry mourns the loss of Vermeer and Mueller Company founders. Pipeline News. March 2009.
8. ↑ Press Release. Gary Vermeer tribute website. 02-02-2009.