Hegemann, Kruger open new buildingby Stephanie Iwan Flamme Old roots, strong roots, and young roots are what 200 customers saw at the Kruger Feed and Seed and Hegemann Agri-Services open house. A customer appreciation barbecue was held Friday at the new site west of North Bend on Highway 30. After moving the offices two weeks ago, Jason Hegemann knew that the challenges of finding a location, working with local contractors, and meeting deadlines were worth the effort. “Farmers will appreciate the effort and the addition Jason has made,” Jerry Kruger said. The two businesses, Kruger’s and Hegemann’s, will share space in the new building and partner together in the seed business. The new building has a reception area, three offices, and a second floor conference room which is still under construction. It will be used for agronomy meetings. Hegemann, originally from Howells, has studied agronomy and grew up on a farm. He wants to see the business continue to grow. “The best part of being in North Bend is getting to meet everyone,” Hegemann said, “because it is all still so new.” Hegemann and Kruger have been working together for the past three years. Although Herman Kruger and his wife Mayme salvaged very little money from the sale, they were able to finance a truck to begin a business named North Bend Transfer. In 1945 Herman’s son Gerald returned from World War II and they formed a partnership. Jerry Kruger, Gerald’s son, worked part time after high school along with his brother Bill Giddings. After finishing a stint in the Navy, Jerry was in California. “I had run out of money and wanted to come home,” Kruger said. Kruger got as far as Hastings when he ran out of gas and money. He called his father for help, and Gerald called a friend to help his son get back to North Bend. The transfer business evolved and grew into seed, fertilizer, and chemicals in the 1980s and ‘90s. It has now been a part of the North Bend community for over 80 years. “It’s been important for us to help accommodate farmers so that they are successful,” Jerry Kruger said. “Otherwise, we won’t be successful.” There have been many changes for the business over the years since Gerald was in charge. Kruger felt that farming technology made them change they way they do business. “It’s been the relationships that made me love this job,” Kruger said, “It’s been easy to work with Jason. I’ve also really appreciated working with Jennifer Eckmann and Bill Giddings Jr. I know we wouldn’t want to be without them.” Kruger learned from his father that to be fair and honest are the best components of growing a successful business and with Hegemann’s goal of growth for the local community, business they should have strong roots at their new location.
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