Longtime Illinois Dealer Ron Birkey Inducted into Farm Equipment Dealer Hall of Fame

Birkey's Farm Store leader oversaw 6-fold revenue growth and successful multi-generational transition

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Ron Birkey, the former president and CEO of Illinois-based Birkey's Farm Store, has been inducted into the Farm Equipment Dealer Hall of Fame. Over his 36-year career, Birkey led the company's growth from 7 stores and $56 million in revenue to 13 stores and $346 million by 2012, a more than 1000% increase in value. He oversaw a successful multi-generational transition, with two subsequent CEOs taking over the business after his retirement.

Why it matters

Birkey's story highlights how a leader can build a thriving, multi-generational dealership by empowering a team of entrepreneurs, embracing open-book management, and prioritizing financial discipline over rapid growth. His approach to leadership and succession planning provides a model for other family-owned businesses looking to sustain success across decades.

The details

Birkey joined the family business in 1978 and was named president and CEO in 2000. During his tenure, he oversaw a series of mergers that brought in additional owners and grew the company's footprint. Birkey emphasized financial management, inventory turns, and cashflow over just chasing revenue growth. He also demonstrated a willingness to make personal sacrifices, such as relocating to oversee the opening of a remote store location. Birkey built a collaborative leadership team and board structure that allowed the company to thrive even after his retirement.

  • Birkey joined the family business in 1978.
  • Birkey was named president and CEO in 2000.
  • Birkey retired from day-to-day operations in 2012.
  • Birkey remained as board chairman until 2018.
  • Birkey's Farm Store has grown to 19 locations since his retirement.

The players

Ron Birkey

The former president and CEO of Illinois-based Birkey's Farm Store, who led the company's growth from 7 stores and $56 million in revenue to 13 stores and $346 million by 2012.

Mike Hedge

The CFO who took over as president and CEO of Birkey's Farm Store after Birkey's retirement, continuing the company's focus on financial discipline.

Mark Foster

The retired VP of Ag who played a key role in Birkey's expansion, including overseeing the opening of a remote store location.

Dr. Jim Weber

Birkey's longtime mentor who challenged him to deeply understand all financial variables, preparing him for the company's growth.

Jim Irwin

The renowned VP at Case IH who collaborated closely with Birkey.

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What they’re saying

“What Ron lacked in finance or operations proficiencies of talents he worked along side, he more than made up for in his thorough understanding of the big picture & the strategic decisions needed to achieve the vision he foresaw.”

— Dr. Jim Weber, consultant

“When we went to Galesburg, he rented an apartment and was onsite for almost a year while we got the store up and running. This move got us on the road to 5 more stores. Without him at Galesburg, I don't know if we would have made all those next moves as well as we did.”

— Mark Foster, retired VP of Ag

What’s next

The Farm Equipment Dealer Hall of Fame will formally induct Ron Birkey at its annual ceremony in February 2026.

The takeaway

Birkey's story demonstrates how a leader can build a thriving, multi-generational dealership by empowering a team of entrepreneurs, embracing open-book management, and prioritizing financial discipline over rapid growth. His approach to leadership and succession planning provides a model for other family-owned businesses looking to sustain success across decades.