LOOSBROCK RETIRES FROM C&B

By Crystal Reith As Mike Loosbrock leaves his parts position at C&B, the relationships are what he will remember most.

“I have really enjoyed my time at C&B over the years,” said Loosbrock, who spent time working in both Slayton and Edgerton. “I have been fortunate to have worked with a lot of great people in Southwest Minnesota. When you work in a business like this, you build relationships with farmers. Some have become good friends.”

Loosbrock, who grew up on a family farm between Lismore and Luverne, graduated with a business management degree from Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota, in 1989. Upon college graduation, he accepted a position in Sioux Falls but was looking for something different so he could return to the agricultural field. When Loosbrock’s wife Brenda took a teaching position in Slayton, he decided to pursue a position at C&B in Slayton.

“When I started, I was hired as a salesman,” said Loosbrock, who started in January of 1992. “When the computer system came into play, I was asked if I was interested in switching to parts. I helped out as a service writer in the shop, then ended up back in sales for a few years. I’ve done a little bit of everything over the years.”

As his role and machinery technology changed over the years, Loosbrock continually attended trainings to learn more about the technology within the systems and machinery.

“The technology has changed over the years, and you really have to stay up-to-date on that, You have to be able to explain the products to people,” said Loosbrock, who noted that it can be a challenge to stay caught up with changes and that parts availability can also be frustrating. “You want to get your customers going as fast as you can.”

As Loosbrock officially rounded out his 33-year career at C&B on Friday, Aug. 1, he encourages others interested in the agricultural industry to keep an open mind and be ready to work.

“If you’re interested in ag, C&B would be a great company to work for if you are interested in working for a John Deere dealership,” said Loosbrock. “You sell great equipment and work with some of the best in Southwest Minnesota.”

Loosbrock looks forward to traveling and retiring in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During retirement, the couple plans to spend more time with their two kids and daughter-in-law. Ben and wife Haydn live in Omaha, Nebraska, and Mallory resides in the Twin Cities. He also looks forward to spending more time with grandkids Reece and Brooks.

“I worked with great coworkers and customers over the years,” said Loosbrock. “We now will have time to plan our days, enjoy things and take it easy.”