By: Rick Lindemann, Dakota Fluid Power President It was October 4th, 1991, day number one for DFP (back then it was Midwest Jack & R&L small engine ). We had just quit our steady jobs, signed a bunch of loan papers, used our houses and personal belongings as collateral, and cut our pay in half. Exciting times for sure!
As I think back to our humble beginnings, I don’t think I would want to do it any other way. Oh sure, back then I wouldn’t have said that, but having survived it, it has provided many unforgettable memories.
Ask Mike Nelson (DFP Secretary/Treasurer) about working in the office with gloves and a hat on to stay warm :-)..... Or shoveling snow off of the roof so it would not leak through the ceiling as it melted...... Or blowing up (literally) a 36” cylinder in a scrapyard in Aberdeen, SD.
We have had countless experiences of triumph and tragedy in the last 29 years. Every time we ask ourselves, how are we going to recover from this? And every time, we come out usually stronger and always wiser than before.
Over the years, we have developed so many relationships, and each one has developed us into who we are today.
We often say that the key to our success is due to three things:- Our dedicated employees who carry out the mission every day, upholding our values and principles.
- Our loyal customers who reward us with their business year over year.
- Our great suppliers whom provide us the products we need to serve our customers.
We could not have done it without any of them. At the end of the day, we are thankful to have experienced them all.
Yes, 29 years at DFP! Where does the time go? As the old saying goes: "Time flies when you are having fun!"
Pictured: Michael Nelson (Left) & Rick Lindemann (Right)