Last month, Tim Kunz traveled to Moline, Illinois—home of John Deere—to be recognized as one of John Deere’s Technicians of the Year. Out of an estimated 14,000–16,000 technicians, Tim earned a spot among the top in the region, a recognition that reflects not only his technical skill, but his commitment to learning, problem-solving, and customer relationships.

We visited with Tim to talk about his journey, what this award means to him, and what drives him every day as a Remote Service Technician at Gooseneck Implement.

From Turning Wrenches to Building a Career
Tim’s mechanical background started early. Growing up, his dad owned a construction company, and Tim spent a lot of time working on equipment. While that hands-on exposure sparked his interest in mechanics, it also helped him realize construction itself wasn’t the path he wanted to pursue. Instead, he started working at a dealership at just 17 or 18 years old.

From there, Tim’s career took him through several roles that expanded his experience—from working at Butler and attending college, to working for a farmer running all John Deere equipment. He also spent time at Freightliner in Bismarck, managed a fleet of tow trucks, and gained hands-on experience operating and maintaining cranes. Each stop along the way added to the broad mechanical background he brings to Gooseneck Implement today.

In 2022, all of that experience came together when he joined Gooseneck Implement as a Remote Service Technician.

Looking back, Tim credits the people he worked with early on—especially during his time in Oakes—for shaping his mindset. “Don’t get cornered into one thing—learn as much as you can,” Tim shared. “The broader your horizon, the more valuable you become.” That philosophy continues to guide how he approaches his work today.

Life as a Remote Service Technician
What Tim enjoys most about his job is the variety. No two days look the same. During the winter months, things slow down a bit. Once summer and fall hit, priorities are clear: whoever breaks down with the hottest fire gets help first.

Tim regularly covers a 150-mile radius, working with customers from Glen Ullin and Beulah to Bismarck and even into South Dakota. That range has helped him build long-standing relationships with customers who know they can count on him when it matters most.

“About 95% of customers are happy to see you,” Tim said. “It’s the interaction and the relationships that make the job.”

When asked what makes a great technician, Tim pointed to a few key traits:

• A willingness to learn every day
• Wanting to stay ahead of the learning curve
• Thinking outside the box
• Truly understanding the needs of customers, teammates, and the situation at hand

Technician of the Year: A Big Honor

Being named a John Deere Technician of the Year was both exciting and humbling for Tim. “It’s an honor to know I earned something the last three people in our dealership also achieved,” he said.

When he first found out, Tim was thrilled to reach the top regional level—but didn’t fully grasp just how large the pool of technicians was until later. That recognition in Moline wasn’t just a personal milestone; it also reflected the high standards upheld by Gooseneck Implement technicians every day.

What Sets Gooseneck Technicians Apart
Tim credits Gooseneck’s technicians for their adaptability, broad skill sets, and dedication to learning. To him, it’s about more than fixing equipment—it’s about showing up prepared, thinking critically, and supporting customers when it matters most. That mindset is what builds trust and long-term relationships in the field.

Beyond the Shop
Outside of work, Tim stays busy following his kids to shooting sports and activities. He’s involved as an archery and trap shooting coach and enjoys spending time hunting and fishing whenever he can. When asked what advice he’d give new technicians, Tim keeps it simple: “Don’t get frustrated. Be willing to learn every day.”

Proud to Have Tim on the Gooseneck Team
Tim Kunz’s recognition as a 2025 John Deere Technician of the Year is something we’re incredibly proud of—not just because of the award, but because it represents the passion, dedication, and customer-first mindset we strive for every day at Gooseneck Implement.

Congratulations, Tim—and thank you for representing Gooseneck Implement so well in Moline and beyond.