News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Don’s Tractor and Equipment Sales owners Deanna and Don Thomas are celebrating the business’ 50th anniversary this month. The business was started with a $500 investment from the couple’s income tax check. Today it sells New Holland products around the world.

ALPENA — What started out as a $500 business investment from a tax return has turned into a worldwide respected business for Don and Deanna Thomas.

The couple are the owners of Don’s Tractor and Equipment Sales in Alpena and are celebrating the business’ 50th anniversary. The store is one of the largest New Holland dealers in the world, and it also is a carrier of Honda motorcycles.

Deanna Thomas said when they decided to take their income tax and open their own business little did they know five decades would pass and the business would be running as strong as it is today.

“We never planned on getting as big as we are. It just happened,” she said. “I think it is because we are so service oriented and customer focused. Because of that I think word of mouth spread and it helped to grow this business.”

Don Thomas said he began selling Ford tractors early on, along with motorcycles, used cars and parts. He said there also used to be a gas station. Thomas said things really began to take off when they became a dealer for New Holland tractors and farm machines and picked up speed from there.

“We deal everywhere now,” he said.

Deanna Thomas said someday the business will be taken over by their two sons, Dean and Dennis, as well as grandson Tyler. She said they have worked in the store since they were children and know the ins and outs, especially when it comes to providing the customer service the business prides itself on.

“The boys were raised here and so was Tyler,” she said. They are very, very good at what they do, and I think the store will be around for many more years.”

Even though there is a succession plan in place, Deanna said she has no intention of retiring any time soon. She said the store is a large part of her life and one that she loves, so it would be difficult for her to step away for too long.

“If I have a couple days off, I begin to get bored. I can’t sit and do nothing,” Thomas said. “When you have a business you really don’t ever retire. It is your baby and you watched it grow up. You have raised it from being an infant to it being an adult. You love it almost like a child, because it is yours.”

Don Thomas said he owes the people in Alpena for supporting the business over the years.

“It was a big struggle in the early years, but everyone was very supportive,” he said. “Everyone has been very good to us.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.