After more than four decades in the world of Farm, Industrial, Construction, and Outdoor Power Equipment Association management, the time has come for me to step into retirement.
As I reflect on these 42 years, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible journey, the lessons learned, and, most importantly, the people who have made this experience so meaningful.
To the association staff—the backbone of every success we have achieved together, you have been the driving force behind our ability to serve the industry with integrity and excellence. Your commitment, expertise, and passion have been the foundation upon which our work has stood. I have been truly blessed with FANTASTIC staff in each of the association’s I have been fortunate to manage. Thank you for your dedication and for making every challenge an opportunity to grow.
To our member dealers, your trust and collaboration have fueled our mission. You have been the heart and soul of our industry, leading with vision and resilience. It has been an absolute honor to work alongside you, navigating the evolving landscapes of the industry and ensuring that our collective efforts support your success. As I have told many in our industry, I will never apologize for advocating for our dealers and making certain they have the best opportunities to represent their manufacturers professionally and profitably. To the member dealers serving as association board members and officers, thank you for your confidence in me. Your leadership and willingness to serve all your fellow dealers, giving of your precious time to the association to ensure success for not only your dealership but for all the other member dealers. It is special people who sacrifice their most important asset of time to serve for the greater good of all members. Those ladies and gentlemen I have served are some of the best folks in the world in my eyes. Thank you so much for the great opportunities you have provided me with.
To my association colleagues, the friendships built over the years have been nothing short of extraordinary. The shared visions, the hard-fought battles, and the victories—both big and small—have been what make our time together so rewarding. Your wisdom, encouragement, and camaraderie have made every moment a pleasure. At the risk of missing someone, names like Lucy, Lamp, Flora, Caraway, Manke, Kost, and Goodman had a significant impact on my career in this world of association management. Each were unique, but all were great.
To our collaborating industry professionals, the partnerships we have forged over the years have been instrumental in driving progress and innovation. It has been inspiring to see how, through teamwork and mutual respect, we have strengthened the industry and advanced our shared goals. The list is long for both manufacturer staff and industry partners.
A special thank you to Federated Insurance for the opportunity to start my career after college and for exposing me to the association world in a way that could not have worked out better for me. I have so many thanks for that company and the lasting friendships formed there.
Thank you to all of those that serve our dealer members and the partnerships we have made to serve them.
Above all, I want to express my deep personal gratitude to those who have not only been colleagues but dear friends. The relationships built over years of collaboration and shared purpose mean more than words can express. I leave this chapter knowing that the friendships forged will endure far beyond the confines of the workplace. I would name individuals who are special to me, but there are many, and I know I would forget someone. I just want to acknowledge that I feel fortunate to have had the career I’ve had and to have been associated with so many wonderful people.
It has been my greatest privilege to work with and for such an exceptional group of individuals and organizations. As I step into retirement, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and confidence that the industry will continue to thrive with the dedication and leadership of those I leave behind. Thank you all for the incredible journey. I will forever cherish the memories and friendships that have made these 42 years so remarkable.
Article Written By: Kim Rominger
