Meet Heather!
General Manager, Rugby
For Heather Drader, John Deere and Gooseneck Implement have always been part of her story. Her family’s loyalty to the brand runs deep—so much so that when her family purchased a non-green swather in the early 2000s, she remembers being very confused. Growing up, she admired the experience her family received from Tige Engelhard and the Gooseneck team, and it became a place she always hoped to work. After graduating college, that dream became reality when she joined Gooseneck’s marketing department. Though she loved telling the company’s story, she soon realized she wanted to play a more hands-on role in shaping the customer experience. That realization eventually led her to where she is today—serving as General Manager in Rugby, where she helps her team deliver the same outstanding service that inspired her years ago.
For Heather, Genuine Passion means supporting employees so they can support customers. “Nothing brings me more joy than seeing an employee grow and do what they love,” she shares. Her approach centers on empowering her team and fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and motivated to go above and beyond.
She also sees Genuine Gratitude every day—in the little moments that make a big impact. From technicians braving 100-degree heat to get a combine back in the field, to salesmen helping customers start up a new baler, to the many behind-the-scenes tasks like restocking parts or washing equipment—Heather appreciates how each person plays a vital role in keeping the dealership running smoothly. “It takes everyone doing their part every single day,” she says, “and that’s what makes the experience seamless for our customers.”
Heather takes pride in the strong, dedicated team at Rugby and looks forward to continuing to build on the solid foundation established by those before her. “Andrew built a very good team here,” she notes, “and I’m proud to see how our group continues to grow and support our customers.”
What she enjoys most about working with Gooseneck customers is learning about their operations. “Every farm has a unique story and its own way of finding success,” she says. “It’s rewarding to be part of that and to help them in whatever way we can.”
Outside of work, Heather’s creativity shines through her hobbies—many inspired by time spent with her grandparents. She enjoys upholstery, refinishing antiques, sewing, and gardening. At home near Towner, she and her husband Matthew stay busy with their Red Angus cows and their son Gus, who brings plenty of joy to their days. And if she weren’t in the ag equipment world? Heather says she’d likely be farming full-time on her family’s sixth-generation farm and running a small antique shop on the side—filled with her beautifully restored pieces.
