Deere : The Other Side of the Fence | John Deere US

INTERIM INSPECTOR

'I've been out here every day taking pictures and documenting the progress,' resident Russ Hefel gladly tells us. 'From the time they tore up the streets to when they put in the water main, I probably have 75-80 pictures. Just about every guy has seen me watching, interested in how they're gonna do it and how long it takes. Being an old supervisor, I thought they might need some prying or to be poked along, but they worked hard and kept busy. It's been fun for me.'

'I don't think we've ever had someone so interested in what we're doing,' says Horsfield. 'We even asked Russ if he wanted to connect the final main - I mean he had been with us pretty much through everything else!' The passion is somewhat expected, as Hefel comes from a family steeped in John Deere. He and his four brothers and sister have all dedicated at least 30 years each to the company, some on the management side and others union. 'Over the years we've had some colorful conversations. In the end, we all agree it was a great place that gave back. The reward was worth the work you put in.'

SUPPORT FROM THE SIDELINES

Another retired neighbor who is finding new rewards is Ron Bensink, who most recently worked in the Dealer Technical Assistance Center and focused on excavators. If a mechanical issue could not be addressed on the phone, he traveled onsite to troubleshoot and correct whatever the problem was. 'Having contributed so much time to the machines' development, it's been a real treat seeing all the Deere equipment Horsfield has out here. Being able to watch them closely on this job gives me a real appreciation for some of the advances made over the years.'

Most of what Bensink appreciates isn't too surprising. 'The quietness of the machines, especially when they are working right in my front yard. Diesel engines have evolved tremendously over the last 15 years. Typically, diesels were known as dirty, smoky, smelly engines that made a lot of noise. The modern engine is so technically advanced you can hardly hear them run, and emissions have been decreased dramatically.' What is a little surprising is how selfless Bensink is about another aspect: 'A reliable machine puts a guy like me out of work,' he openly admits. 'But a reliable product is a marketable product, and that means the company can make money, and the customer can, too. It's been gratifying seeing all the work being done and knowing I've contributed in some small way.'