Bratruds - 4th Generation Owners
Bratrud's in Kensett was founded in 1946 by Tom and Harold Bratrud. They called it Bratrud Implement and specialized in the repair of tractors and other farm vehicles and implements. The business evolved over the years, adding retail sales of Oliver tractors and implements in 1951, Yamaha motorcycles when Allan joined the company in 1961, and Yamaha golf cars in 1980. Allen then took over the business in 1971.
Besides adding new products over the years, the firm expanded geographically by opening a Bratrud Yamaha motorcycle dealership in Mason City in 1974. That arm of the business closed in 1987, and the company sold its last new motorcycle in 1988.
Randy, a 1979 Northwood-Kensett High School graduate returned to Kensett following a four-year stint in western Iowa and eastern Nebraska that included three years of teaching and one year as a sales representative in Omaha. He enjoyed teaching high school art in Orchard, NE and in Logan, IA, but decided that there just isn't a lot of money in it.
He made good money as an account representative for an Omaha wholesale wine and beer company, but decided it was just time to do something different. So he and his wife Sheila and daughter Tessa moved back to his old stomping grounds to take over the Yamaha-White-Rebel dealership.
He bought out his dad, so Allen could devote more time to the auction business and to his grandchildren. As Sheila and Randys took over the business, Allen was able to continue with his auction business which he shared with Northwood businessman, Dan Reeder. Allen Bratrud has gotten into the auction business by joining forces with the late Maynard Jaspers. When he first got into auctioneering, him and Maynard would do a couple auctions a week, but then they slowed down and then decided to do it more on a full-time basis when Randy took over the business in 1996.
Today Randy specializes in Yamaha and Club Car golf cars and will customize your car to any needs. Be sure to check out what is available or call with any questions.
Besides adding new products over the years, the firm expanded geographically by opening a Bratrud Yamaha motorcycle dealership in Mason City in 1974. That arm of the business closed in 1987, and the company sold its last new motorcycle in 1988.
Randy, a 1979 Northwood-Kensett High School graduate returned to Kensett following a four-year stint in western Iowa and eastern Nebraska that included three years of teaching and one year as a sales representative in Omaha. He enjoyed teaching high school art in Orchard, NE and in Logan, IA, but decided that there just isn't a lot of money in it.
He made good money as an account representative for an Omaha wholesale wine and beer company, but decided it was just time to do something different. So he and his wife Sheila and daughter Tessa moved back to his old stomping grounds to take over the Yamaha-White-Rebel dealership.
He bought out his dad, so Allen could devote more time to the auction business and to his grandchildren. As Sheila and Randys took over the business, Allen was able to continue with his auction business which he shared with Northwood businessman, Dan Reeder. Allen Bratrud has gotten into the auction business by joining forces with the late Maynard Jaspers. When he first got into auctioneering, him and Maynard would do a couple auctions a week, but then they slowed down and then decided to do it more on a full-time basis when Randy took over the business in 1996.
Today Randy specializes in Yamaha and Club Car golf cars and will customize your car to any needs. Be sure to check out what is available or call with any questions.