About Us
Our Beginning,
Nelson Equipment's story began with Leo Nelson and Leonard Furseth teaming up in 1970. They called it Furseth-Nelson. They had worked together at Consumers Coop in downtown Thief River Falls.
Leonard had left the Coop to manufacture the Furseth Harvester, the first mechanized Wild Rice Harvester.
Oliver was their main brand until they landed Massey Ferguson in 1972. We've always had multiple lines to service the area farmers. Leonard and Leo had a motto; if it's difficult we can do it immediately, if it's impossible it just takes a little longer!
Our Growth
After several prosperous years Leonard decided to pursue other interests and sold his half of the business to Leo on January 1st, 1978 and the business has been family-owned ever since! Our original building was 5,000 sqft, and now we're up to 15,000 sqft!
Our Team
Since the inception of the business, we have strived to provide excellent Sales, Parts, and Service at competitive prices! Our biggest asset is our dedicated employees, with multiple employees having 30 plus years service! We also have amazing customers who realize that by doing business with us it keeps us a competitive and convenient local dealership!
The Team
Joel
Cheryl
Joel
Owner
I started here at Nelson Equipment in 1976 in our parts department. After a while I moved into sales then into my current position as Owner/Manager. In my free time, I enjoy lighting off fireworks to entertain my friends and family!
Jay
Cheryl
Joel
Parts Manager
My time at Nelson started back in 1978, and I've loved my job ever since! As the Parts Manager, I've really gotten to know the community here and enjoy seeing familiar faces every day. What I love about our company is the team I get to work with every day. When I'm not on the clock I love getting to spend time with my family, relaxing, and mowing the lawn.
Cheryl
Cheryl
Cheryl
Parts Department
My time at Nelson starts in the summer of 2010. I'm originally from TRF and am in charge of shipping and receiving here. My favorite part about my job is the fun and laid back atmosphere I get to be apart of every day! When I'm not at work I love hanging out with my dogs!
Bobbi
Bobbi
Cheryl
Office Manager
I started working at Nelson Equipment in May 2019. I am originally from Warroad and moved to TRF in 1992. My main role here is Office Manager, so I'm usually the first voice you hear on the phones at Nelson! So far I love my job as I am learning a lot about business from Joel, as he’s been a mentor to me for years.
When I
Office Manager
I started working at Nelson Equipment in May 2019. I am originally from Warroad and moved to TRF in 1992. My main role here is Office Manager, so I'm usually the first voice you hear on the phones at Nelson! So far I love my job as I am learning a lot about business from Joel, as he’s been a mentor to me for years.
When I’m not at work I like to spend my time hanging out with family and friends!
Darin
Bobbi
Darin
Service Manager
I started working here at Nelson Equipment in April of 2006. I'm originally from Goodridge, and my role here at Nelson in our Service Department is the Service Manager. I love my coworkers and the job atmosphere that I get to be apart of every day. In my off time, I enjoy hunting and fishing.
Rick
Bobbi
Darin
Mechanic
I've been a Mechanic here at Nelson Equipment since 1978. I'm originally from TRF. When I'm off the clock, I love being able to be home and work on my farm. My job here at Nelson is great because of my ability to see new things every day, and how no day is ever the same!
Rod
Rod
Rod
Mechanic
Originally from Lancaster, MN, I started here at Nelson in January of 2020. I am one of the Mechanics here, and one of the reasons I love what I do is because of the people I get to work with every day. When I'm not here on the clock I love to do a little farming at home or work on some of my old cars.