The presentation began with an introduction to Arizona Machinery and its leadership since 1947, highlighting Doctor Farence Rostelski’s community contributions and the company’s educational support. Tom Rostelski provided a historical overview of the business, discussing key figures like Fred Elder and the formation of the company post-World War II.
The presentation detailed global and local challenges faced by John Deere and Caterpillar during the 1930s, the impact of WWII, andpost-war developments. Significant technological advancements, particularly in agricultural machinery, were reviewed, including mechanical cotton harvesting and John Deere’s tractor technology from the 1960s. The company’s growth, community involvement, and the implementation of preventive maintenance programs were discussed, along with economic challenges and diversification efforts in the 1980s and beyond.
Lastly, personal stories, especially Ferenc Rostelski’s escape from Hungary, and the involvement of family members in the business were shared, with actions items addressed at the end
- Introduction and Company Background(00:00-02:22)
- Historical Overview(02:23-11:04)
- Global and Local Challenges(11:05-17:57)
- Technological Advancements(17:58-27:17)
- Company Growth and Community Involvement(27:18-36:53)
- Economic Challenges and Diversification(36:54-44:50)
- Family and Personal Stories(44:51-56:02