WAUPUN, Wis. — Nearly 400 people attended a celebration of 40 years of business for Ballweg Implement Co. of Waupun on Aug. 26, according to a Aug. 29 report in the Wisconsin State Farmer.

Tom and Joan Ballweg opened Ballweg Implement, a John Deere agricultural dealership, in Markesan on Dec. 1, 1976 with 7 employees. Today, Ballweg Implement employs 45 people and operates a John Deere agriculture and consumer products store in Waupun, and a consumer products store in Beaver Dam. 

"In 1976, my wife Joan and I were 25 years old, had sold all of our possessions, borrowed some money from my parents and had been married for just over two years when we bought Ahrens Equipment in Markesan," said Tom Ballweg. "I had no idea what I was getting my wife and I into at that time, but I'm proud to say that I wouldn't have done it differently. I'm blessed to have had the chance to celebrate 40 years with customers and employees that have been by our side for so long."