December 5, 2025 (Kansas City, MO) – The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) is proud to announce Paul T. Combs, President of Baker Implement Company, as the 2025 Dealer Advocate of the Year. The award was presented Tuesday, November 18th at the North American Dealer Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Government affairs, both federal and state, remain a cornerstone of NAEDA’s mission. While the association works daily to represent equipment dealers’ interests, the most impactful advocacy happens when dealers themselves step forward to testify before legislative committees, explain how proposed laws affect their businesses, and build relationships with policymakers.
The Dealer Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a dealer whose efforts have significantly contributed to positive policy outcomes for the equipment industry. It honors those who not only participate in advocacy, but who go well beyond expectations. This year’s recipient, Mr. Paul T. Combs, exemplifies that commitment.
As President of Baker Implement Company, a family-owned dealership with fourteen locations across Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, Mr. Combs brings firsthand insight from the agricultural frontlines. His leadership extends well beyond the dealership: he also serves as President of Combs Farming Company and Sunrise Land Company, overseeing farmland operations in three Missouri counties producing rice, cotton, soybeans, corn, and peanuts. He is also a shareholder of 4-Way Gin Company and a Director of the First Missouri Bank of SEMO.
Mr. Combs’ extensive service record includes leadership roles across key regional organizations. He serves as President of the Board of Supervisors of The Little River Drainage District, Vice President of the Board of Supervisors of The Elk Chute Drainage District, and a member of the Board of Supervisors for the Varney River Drainage District. An Eagle Scout, he serves on the Executive Board of the Greater St. Louis Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and he is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. In the equipment sector, he serves on the Case IH North America Dealer Advisory Board.
Nationally, Mr. Combs previously served two terms as a Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. He is a past board member and Executive Committee member of the USA Rice Federation and served as Chairman of USA Rice Farmers. His expertise in agriculture has led to multiple invitations to testify before the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and the Missouri Legislature.
In 1995, Governor Mel Carnahan appointed Mr. Combs to a six-year term on the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri System, where he served as both Vice President and President of the Board. His community leadership also includes serving as President of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Delta Children’s Home, Chairman of the Trustees and Finance Committee of the First United Methodist Church of Kennett, and Director of the SouthEastern Equipment Dealers Association.
Paul T. and his wife, Holly, are also known for their philanthropic impact, becoming Principal Benefactors of the Mayo Clinic after establishing the Paul T. and Holly A. Combs Endowed Fund for Breast Cancer Research.
Mr. Combs earned his B.S. in Accountancy from the University of Missouri–Columbia and began his career as a tax associate at Price Waterhouse in St. Louis before returning to his family business. He and Holly have two children and three grandchildren.
Despite this extraordinary résumé, Mr. Combs has remained an unwavering advocate for NAEDA and the equipment dealer industry. From providing critical testimony in the Missouri Legislature to defeat harmful Right to Repair legislation, to being an early supporter of the NAEDA PAC, to joining NAEDA’s D.C. fly-ins, his commitment has strengthened the association’s influence at all levels of government.
His decades-long relationships with key policymakers have been invaluable. During NAEDA’s recent fly-in, Mr. Combs was instrumental in securing a meeting with Rep. Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. In that meeting, NAEDA successfully reinforced the importance of protecting the floor plan interest deduction and extending critical business provisions Section 199A and bonus depreciation. These priorities were ultimately included in the final legislation passed by Congress.
“Paul T. Combs is a tremendous asset to NAEDA and to the entire equipment dealer industry,” said NAEDA leadership. “His dedication, influence, and tireless advocacy ensure that dealers’ voices are heard where it matters most.”
