Longtime Wisconsin Farm Equipment Dealer Alex Swiderski Inducted into Hall of Fame

Swiderski's grit, innovation, and community focus built a thriving family business over 50 years

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Alex Swiderski, the owner of Swiderski Equipment Inc. (SEI) in Mosinee, Wisconsin, has been inducted into the 2026 Farm Equipment Dealer Hall of Fame. Swiderski, who took over the family business in 1964, built SEI into a powerhouse farm equipment dealer in central Wisconsin through a combination of hard work, calculated risk-taking, and a commitment to customer service and innovation.

Why it matters

Swiderski's induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes his remarkable achievements in growing a small family business into a regional leader in farm equipment sales and service. His story highlights the importance of entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and a focus on community in building a successful, long-lasting business, even in the face of industry changes and challenges.

The details

Swiderski, a former boxer, brought his determination and work ethic to the family business when he took over in 1964. He quickly expanded the company's equipment offerings, grew its used inventory, and made a series of strategic acquisitions in the 1980s and 1990s that cemented SEI as the dominant farm equipment dealer in central Wisconsin. Swiderski also embraced new technologies, creating a dedicated precision agriculture division that has kept SEI at the forefront of industry innovations. His willingness to empower his employees and take calculated risks has been key to SEI's success over the decades.

  • Swiderski took over the family business in 1964.
  • SEI made four key acquisitions between 1987 and 1997.
  • SEI established its precision agriculture division around 2012.
  • SEI is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025.
  • Swiderski was inducted into the Farm Equipment Dealer Hall of Fame in 2026.

The players

Alex Swiderski

The owner of Swiderski Equipment Inc. (SEI), a leading farm equipment dealer in central Wisconsin. Swiderski took over the family business in 1964 and built it into a regional powerhouse through his hard work, business acumen, and willingness to innovate.

Joe Swiderski

Alex's brother, who was running the family business when Alex returned from California in the 1950s.

Joe Bloecher

A 47-year employee of SEI who collaborated with managers of acquired dealerships to ensure smooth transitions.

Sly Krautkramer

A nearly 40-year SEI employee who served in various roles, including COO, and helped drive key initiatives that propelled the company's growth.

Michael Butalla

The current vice president of operations at SEI, who joined the company during its early forays into precision agriculture technology.

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What they’re saying

“I could take a good punch as a boxer, but I wasn't all that fast or smooth. I was a brawler. I was rugged. That's how I approached business. The harder you work, the luckier you can get…”

— Alex Swiderski (farm-equipment.com)

“Once those [facility renovation and shop expansion] projects were completed, we started seeing another jump in growth.”

— Sly Krautkramer, Former COO, Swiderski Equipment Inc. (farm-equipment.com)

“Alex knew from the very beginning that it was our job as the dealer to educate farmers on what these technologies could do for them.”

— Sly Krautkramer, Former COO, Swiderski Equipment Inc. (farm-equipment.com)

“Alex is always engaged. He's got the pulse of the dealership and what's going on. He's very inquisitive. He's always probing and figuring things out. And he's blessed with a super strong intuition, which is key to running any business.”

— Michael Butalla, Vice President of Operations, Swiderski Equipment Inc. (farm-equipment.com)

“You could never stay in business as long as SEI if you didn't have a leader like Alex. It's easy to give up for a lot of reasons. But giving up simply isn't in Alex Swiderski's bones. He wants to win all the time. That's his style, and it's inspiring.”

— Sly Krautkramer, Former COO, Swiderski Equipment Inc. (farm-equipment.com)

What’s next

Swiderski Equipment Inc. will continue to build on its legacy of innovation and community focus as it looks to the future. The company plans to further expand its precision agriculture offerings and explore new ways to serve its customers in central Wisconsin.

The takeaway

Alex Swiderski's induction into the Farm Equipment Dealer Hall of Fame underscores the importance of entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and a commitment to community in building a successful, long-lasting business. His story serves as an inspiration for other family-owned businesses looking to navigate industry changes and challenges while maintaining a focus on customer service and innovation.