Celebrating 49 Years of Dedication: Bill Burger’s Retirement

After nearly five decades of service, we’re proud to celebrate the retirement of Bill Burger, Complete Goods Representative from our Manteno location. Bill’s career with John Deere began in 1976, sparked by the encouragement of a very special person—his grandma. When Bill was just 17 years old, she spotted an ad in the newspaper for a lawnmower technician position at Hogan Implement in Dwight. She clipped it out and handed it to him, setting the course for what would become a remarkable 49-year journey. With a background in small engines (and a love for racing motorcycles), Bill applied and was hired. 

Bill started his career as a technician working on lawnmowers and snowmobiles, and over the first decade did a little bit of everything. He was originally hired by Mike Hogan to make his snowmobile “the fastest around,” which kicked off a legacy of technical excellence and customer service that never wavered. 

In 1986, driven by a desire to connect more directly with customers, Bill transitioned to sales at the County Line store in Peotone. That same year, he sold his very first tractor—and fun fact: the first combine he sold wasn’t even green, it was red! Bill moved to the Manteno location when the store was established in 1998 and has proudly worked there ever since. Over the years, he’s built relationships across three generations of customers, becoming a trusted advisor to farm families throughout the area. One of his proudest achievements? Selling seven combines in a single day—on Halloween night. 

As Bill prepares to trade sales calls for well-earned relaxation, he reflects on what he’ll miss the most: “Our team is fantastic—the employees at AHW are top notch. And the customers are awesome.” Bill, your dedication, integrity, and sense of humor will be missed more than words can say. Thank you for 49 years of hard work, wisdom, and heart. We wish you all the best in your next chapter—you’ve certainly earned it. Be sure to stop by the Manteno store before the end of July to congratulate Bill and help us send him off in style!