About Us
Fresh out of high school in 1975, Bill Bagley wasn’t much interested in going to college. But knowing it was the right thing to do, he began to look at a local community college for degree programs that interested him. With his grandparents (who he admired dearly) retiring and purchasing acreage along with some farm equipment a couple of years earlier, Bagley immediately became excited when he discovered Agricultural Machinery Technology as a degree option. Soon after enrolling, Bagley found a part-time job at a local Kubota tractor dealership and worked as a technician in exchange for the lab hours required by the college degree program. While working at the dealership, one of its customers (a natural gas pipeline superintendent) approached Bagley and convinced him to schedule an interview for an equipment maintenance position. He was awarded the job during the interview and asked to report for work the week following graduation. Twenty-three years went by and the experience was invaluable; particularly after moving so quickly through the ranks and having held numerous asset and people management positions. Still, Bagley’s passion for farm equipment that began over twenty-five years ago led him to leave the natural gas transportation industry and pursue the American dream, business ownership.
Following a brief search for the right business, Mr. Bagley was offered the opportunity to purchase an existing Kubota dealership/outdoor power equipment establishment in need of some fresh energy. Knowing up front that the business needed a new image, a search for a new location began immediately after taking ownership in December 2000. Thanks to his wife of 30 years and business partner in this new venture, she located a rather non-obvious vacant building. After further investigation, six months of due diligence and negotiating, four different property owners and one buyer sat together at one time and signed all the necessary closing documents. By January 2003, a newly renovated location was ready for occupancy.
Bagley Tractor & Equipment of 3709 S. Eastman Road in Longview recently celebrated its tenth year in business. Using smart reinvestment strategies and asset management techniques learned from his prior career, Bagley has grown his business every year and sustained above average annual growth. Recognition from each of the manufacturers who supply products that Bagley sells has become an annual event. Even after the economic downturn, Bagley stands well prepared for the business management challenges that persist today. "We’re stronger through those experiences and will continue to be here to meet our customers’ needs well into the future."
