By Tony Huppert, CEO, Team Oil Inc.
My dad passed away when I was 11 years old. There are a number of memories I have that have stayed with me my whole life. I thought I would share a few.
I remember being picked on in school because Dad had John Deere tractors and my classmates had Internationals. When we played with our toy tractors, John Deere sounds were PUTT PUTT, while International had more of a purr sound. My classmates said John Deere will be history and Internationals are here to stay. They were wrong, Dad was right.
Dad was the first person in our area to buy a combine. My classmates said the combine will not make straw like the trashing machine. They were wrong, Dad was right.
Dad was the first to buy a Meyers hay crusher in our area. My classmates said breaking up the hay like that will be bad and will hurt the cows. Once again, my classmates were wrong and Dad was right.
One knows my classmates were just echoing what they heard at home. I think my short years of knowing my dad has helped me more than anyone can and will ever know. His willingness and foresight to go ahead and against the norm has given me the courage to push forward.
Dad always seemed to be ahead of his time. He certainly was when he passed away. I know it has been 51 years, but I still miss him. Treasure your moments with your Dad, they are short.
Tony Huppert is a Wisconsin businessman of 40 years and CEO of Team Oil Inc., the family-owned and operated Team Oil Travel Center, and Subway in Spring Valley, Wis.