Our Story

The story of Vermeer High Plains is one of vision, hard work, family, and an unwavering commitment to serving customers.

In 1973, Kevin Klein began his career with Vermeer as a salesman in Findlay, Ohio. After three successful years with the Ohio dealership, he joined Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella, Iowa, as a Regional Sales Representative.

In 1979, Vermeer founder Gary Vermeer recognized Kevin’s leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging him to establish a Vermeer dealership in Nebraska. That same year, Kevin and his wife, Tomi, took a leap of faith, moving their family to Lincoln, Nebraska, to found Vermeer Equipment of Nebraska, Inc.

Through hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to customer support, Kevin and Tomi built a dealership that quickly earned a reputation for exceptional service and trusted relationships. Those relationships became the foundation on which the company would continue to grow.

As customer demand increased, so did the company’s footprint.

In 1989, Vermeer Equipment of South Dakota, Inc. opened in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, expanding the company’s presence into a growing market.

In 1997, a third location was established in Box Elder, South Dakota, providing better support for customers throughout western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.

Recognizing the strength of operating as one unified team, the Nebraska and South Dakota dealerships merged in 2006 to become Vermeer High Plains. This milestone created one company dedicated to delivering industry-leading equipment, parts, service, and customer support across the region.

By 2012, Vermeer High Plains had grown to a team of 25 employees across three locations. While the company expanded, it remained firmly rooted in the values on which it was founded—a family-first culture, exceptional customer service, and long-term relationships with both customers and employees.

Growth continued as customer needs evolved.

In 2018, Vermeer High Plains opened its fourth location in Omaha, Nebraska, strengthening its ability to support customers across eastern Nebraska.

In 2021, the company expanded again with the opening of its fifth location in Alda, Nebraska, enhancing service throughout central Nebraska.

In 2024, Vermeer High Plains proudly celebrated 45 years in business. From a single dealership in Lincoln, the company had grown into a trusted regional partner serving customers from five locations. The anniversary celebrated more than four decades of customer partnerships, dedicated employees, and the family values that continue to define the company.

In 2025, Vermeer High Plains introduced its first official Purpose Statement:

Building Relationships to Grow Our World

More than a statement, it reflects the company’s commitment to building meaningful relationships with customers, employees, manufacturing partners, and the communities it serves.

That same year, the company established its first official Core Values:

• Family
• Integrity
• Respect
• Dedication
• Service

These values serve as the foundation for every decision, every customer interaction, and every relationship built by the Vermeer High Plains team.

Later in 2026, Vermeer High Plains will continue investing in the future with the relocation of its Alda operation to a brand-new facility in Grand Island, Nebraska. The new facility represents the company’s ongoing commitment to providing customers with expanded capabilities, improved accessibility, and an even higher level of service.

As the company has grown, so has the next generation of leadership. Today, Kevin and Tomi Klein’s sons, Joe and Dusty Klein, lead the day-to-day operations of Vermeer High Plains, carrying forward the vision, values, and customer-first philosophy established by their parents more than four decades ago.

While Joe and Dusty oversee daily operations, Kevin remains an active and invaluable part of the business. Rarely one to sit behind a desk, he can often be found behind the wheel of the company’s semi, delivering equipment and parts between all five locations and directly to customers whenever needed. His willingness to do whatever it takes to support customers and employees alike continues to exemplify the servant leadership and work ethic that have defined Vermeer High Plains since its beginning.

Today, Vermeer High Plains proudly employs 50 dedicated team members serving customers throughout Nebraska, South Dakota, eastern Wyoming, and surrounding areas. The experience, loyalty, and dedication of its employees remain among the company’s greatest strengths. Many team members have spent decades with Vermeer High Plains, building lasting relationships with customers who have come to rely on familiar faces, trusted advice, and exceptional support.

Click here to learn more about the proud history of Vermeer Corporation.