Cheers to 50 Years: Celebrating Fritz Weisenberger’s Legacy at Gooseneck Implement
Some milestones don’t just mark time—they tell a story. And Fritz Weisenberger’s 50-year journey with John Deere is one worth celebrating.
This past Friday, we honored an incredible achievement: Fritz’s 50th anniversary with Gooseneck Implement. If you’ve ever stopped by our Stanley location, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Fritz—and chances are even better that he left a lasting impression.
Fritz’s journey began in the early 1970s, when his first day on the job involved setting up 8-foot press drills for a local farmer. “We had to do the setup outside,” he recalls, “because the shop door wasn’t big enough for the 14-footers.” It was a different time in farming—but that same roll-up-your-sleeves attitude has carried Fritz through every role since.
Over the past five decades, Fritz has worn many hats: mechanic, truck driver, parts specialist, store manager, and now Aftermarket Account Manager. He’s a familiar face to customers across the region and a steady presence for our team—a teammate who leads with fairness, shows up every day with purpose, and treats people the way he wants to be treated.
While the roles have changed, so has the industry. Fritz has had a front-row seat to some of the biggest shifts in agriculture—from the days of dusty summer fallow to the rise of no-till farming, and from flashing light bars to fully autonomous equipment. “Back in the ‘90s, we sold Outback light bars for $4,200,” he says. “That was the fanciest guidance at the time. Just some lights telling you which way to steer.”
But while the technology has advanced, one thing has stayed the same: Fritz’s passion for people. Whether helping a customer in the yard or mentoring a new teammate, he’s always believed in showing up, doing your best, and finding a little fun in the work. “You can still have fun and get the job done,” he says. “I’ve been lucky to work with some great people and call many of them good friends.”
His deep respect for farmers and ranchers has only grown stronger over the years. “They put a lot of money in the ground and hope for a return,” he says. “That takes a lot of optimism. With prices always changing, it’s a gamble many years—but they keep going.”
That farm-kid spirit runs deep. Fritz grew up just a few miles northwest of Stanley on a rented farm with nine siblings. “I’ve always been tied to farming,” he says. “Working in the implement business kept me close to it. I also farmed with my brother-in-law for 30 years, so I stayed connected to what was actually happening on the ground.”
Today, as an Aftermarket Account Manager, Fritz spends his time on the road visiting customers, checking in, sharing a few laughs, and offering the kind of trusted support that only comes with experience. “These days, I get to visit with folks on the farm and talk shop—and they actually pay me to do it,” he jokes. Fritz, thank you for 50 years of wisdom, honesty, and dedication. You'll leave a legacy built on hard work, heart, and a whole lot of green paint—and we’re better because of it.
