M & S Implement Company Inc. Receives Small Business Award

The Workforce & Illinois Small Business Development Center would like to congratulate M & S Implement Company Inc., owned by Roger and Donna Apple, and sons, Aaron and Austin, on being awarded the Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Small Business Award from the Small Business Administration.

The award was presented to Donna Apple and her son, Austin, on June 26, 2014 at the Illinois District Office Small Business Week Awards Luncheon held at the Union League Club in Chicago, Illinois.

The Workforce & Illinois Small Business Development Center (WISBDC) at Southeastern Illinois College nominated M & S Implement Company Inc. in December 2013 for the statewide award. This honor is awarded to one Illinois multi-generational small business each year.

M & S Implement Company Inc. has been a family owned business since 1959, when Roger’s father, Max Apple, opened the store in Carmi with business partner, Sam Storey. In 1964, the business expanded to open another location in Equality, Illinois. In 1985, Roger purchased Sam’s share of the partnership, making it a true family owned business. Roger’s wife, Donna, joined the business as an accountant in 1990. On December 30, 2013, Roger, his wife Donna, and their two sons, Aaron and Austin, purchased the remaining 50% of the stock from Roger’s father, Max, making it a third generation family owned small business.

Roger believed the only way for the dealership to survive and grow was to relocate to a bigger and better facility in a more visible location. He and Donna began searching for suitable properties. Donna contacted the WISBDC, who assisted her in preparing projections and a small business plan, to help obtain the necessary funding for the project. The project, consisting of the purchase of six acres of land in Harrisburg, Illinois and the construction of a 15,000 sq. ft. building, became a reality in December 2004. Total sales for the dealership have tripled since making the move to Harrisburg.

M & S Implement Company Inc. offers tractors, combines, planters, tillage equipment, hay equipment, loaders, rotary mowers and lawn equipment at their full -service dealership. They are also an authorized dealer for several brands, including New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Gleaner, Kinze, Bush Hog and Gravely, to name a few.

Roger and Donna Apple are natives of Enfield and presently live in Harrisburg. Roger is the son of Wanda (Biggerstaff) Apple and the late Max Apple of Harrisburg. Donna is the daughter of Bernard and Marie (Kohl) Mitchell of Enfield.

The Workforce & Illinois Small Business Development Center would like to again congratulate M & S Implement Company Inc. and wish them continued success for many years to come.

The Workforce & Illinois Small Business Development Center is designed to assist owners and managers of small businesses or anyone wanting to start a business. Many of the services of the Center are available at no charge. Call (618) 252-5001 to learn about upcoming events and training opportunities.

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