Name: Phil Ruskamp
Hometown: Dodge, NE
Service Technician
Years at PVE: 20
Phil got started working on equipment while he was growing up on the family farm. After graduating high school, he knew it was something he enjoyed and wanted to do for the rest of his life. He enrolled in the John Deere Tech program in Milford and has been working at our Clarkson location ever since.
“Phil has been at the dealership for a long time, willing to help anybody that asks for help with molded slabs and has learned to do a lot on his own. Phil is just one of those techs you can count on when you need to get something done,” said Billy Indra, Clarkson Service Manager.
Phil is a firm believer in doing things the right way. He says he feels most successful when he gets equipment back out the door and working properly. His favorite piece of machinery to repair is a combine.
“They have lots of moving parts,” Phil explained. “But once you understand the purpose of each part, and their processes, it becomes easy to figure out the problem.”
In his twenty years of service, Phil has watched as the equipment has gotten larger and more complicated. The part of the job that has changed most, is also something he has grown to enjoy.
“I like the computer work. The electronic side of the machinery and the expanding diagnostics are really fun to learn and work with.”
Focusing on the customers is important to Phil. “I never know where I am going to be working, sometimes it’s in the shop, other times I’m out in the country, but working with the same customers every year and building a relationship with them is one of the best parts. Knowing that they trust you to work on their equipment because they know you will do a good job is great.”
“Phil is a long-time employee who is a hard worker and always willing to work on anything that is assigned to him,” said Darren Gall, Clarkson Store Lead. “Phil doesn’t say much and is a quiet individual but once in a while we can get him to smile.”
“I like to joke around,” Phil said. “Give the other guys grief. I have been working with some of them for a long time.”
Outside of work, Phil spends time working on his pickup. He also enjoys whitetail hunting and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Congratulations, Phil, on your nomination as Clarkson’s Pride of Platte Valley!
