Name: Jeff Ebeling
Hometown: Hanover, KS
Service Technician
Years at PVE: 12
Jeff didn’t grow up around farm equipment. He didn’t have much experience working on heavy machinery. But he did know how to work hard, take direction, and commit to success. That’s made all the difference in his career as service technician in Wahoo.
Jeff grew up just across the border in Hanover, Kansas. In high school, he wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted as a career. He knew he eventually wanted a college degree, but he wasn’t interested in spending a lot of money to figure out his calling. Instead, he joined the Navy.
After three years and two deployments, Jeff was honorably discharged and returned to civilian life. He completed his degree in law enforcement, but found the work wasn’t exactly what he wanted. He decided to try out some other jobs while also enlisting in the Nebraska Air National Guard. While the jobs brought in some income, they weren’t sustainable. Enter, Platte Valley Equipment.
“I was looking for something different, something challenging,” Jeff recalled. “I saw a career fair flyer at the National Guard base so I figured I would go. That’s where I saw Platte Valley.”
During his interview, Jeff brought up continuing education. After hearing about the John Deere Tech program in Milford, he decided to join.
“It wasn’t just the opportunity for a free college degree,” Jeff explained. “It was the fact that I had a job to do, and I wanted to learn as much as I could to do my best at the job. The JD Tech program was the best way to do that.”
“I also liked how Platte Valley was military friendly. I’ve seen lots of employers who weren’t really supportive of their employees going back to drill,” Jeff recalled. “They let them because they had to, but they weren’t happy about it. Not here. I’d walk into the service office saying I’ve got some bad news and they’d just say, where ya going and for how long? They’ve always been very supportive.”
Working hard and being his best are lessons Jeff learned in the military. He brings that attitude to work every day to better serve customers.
“Service is the word that defines Jeff,” said Ross Miller, Wahoo store lead. “Jeff is always ready and willing to serve. He’s proven that in his military commitments and in all that he does inside and outside of Platte Valley. Not only will he do what is asked of him on the job, he’ll also be the guy that shows up at other events with a guaranteed smile.”
“Jeff will do pretty much anything you need,” said Andy Arps, Wahoo service manager. “He’s easy to get along with and has a spectacular, can-do attitude. Jeff is a great addition to Platte Valley.”
Jeff recently retired from the military with 20 years of service. He’s currently looking for new hobbies to keep him busy outside of work.
Congratulations on your nomination as Wahoo’s Pride of Platte Valley!