Brothers accidentally start John Deere Dealership in Maryland

2012 marks the 175th anniversary of John Deere — a true American institution. Equally impressive is Gladhill Brothers’ 75 Anniversary as a John Deere dealer — a Damascus, Maryland institution. At the NRA’s 3rd Annual Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show last weekend, I sat down with Tessie Gladhill to hear this Maryland success story.

“We come to these events to show off John Deere’s latest products,” said Tessie. “They’re very popular with the outdoor crowd.”

Tessie’s grandfather saw that John Deere was very popular with the farming crowd back in the 1930s. Making trips from Damascus to Baltimore a few times a year to sell livestock, he was constantly asked by neighbors to pick up parts and equipment from Deere & Company.

“Really by accident, they established themselves as dealer for John Deere,” explained Tessie. “First one was in Damascus and then they expanded into Frederick in the 1960s.”

John Deere for kids of all ages

With dozens of John Deere hats, gloves, shirts and license plates roaming around Maryland's Frederick Fairgrounds, there was a question as to what product (except for the tractors of course) really drew in the crowd.

“Well it depends,” started Tessie. “The kids really love the toys. We usually bring out a John Deere wagon or two filled with little matchbox style John Deere tractors and equipment. They just love it.

“For adults there’s been a great reaction to the new Gator. Traditionally Gator was a two-seater, but now there’s a four-seater version. That’s why we came to the NRA (Great American Hunting & Outdoor) Show.“

To be a part of next year's Great American Hunting & Outdoor show, visit their website at www.nrahuntingshow.org or contact Rebecca Peak at rpeak@nrahq.org ... they're always looking for more.

Gladhill Brothers display a John Deere XUV 550 S4 Gator to the NRA Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show.