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U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc.
We Harvest The Crops That Feed The World
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The U.S. Custom Harvesters Hall of Fame

INDUCTEES OF USCHI HALL OF FAME

Kevin Bien - (2016)

Kevin Bien began his career with Allis Chalmers Corporation right out of college over forty years ago. A University of Wisconsin graduate, Bien paid his way through college working in a factory stamping metal and as an artillerist in the US Army.

Kevin's work with Allis Chalmers took him to assignments in the upper Midwest, the western United States and in Kansas City where AC built it's Gleaner combines. Kevin helped hold the company strong through the purchase of Allis's agricultural assets by Deutz and he was one of the original 35 people invited by Robert Ratliff to join Ratliff in Atlanta for the inception of AGCO Corporation.

Kevin led several crucial divisions for AGCO with his trademark passion, humility and hard work. He was Ratliff's go-to-man leading sales, national accounts and new acquisitions including an amazing invigoration of the Fendt brand in North America.

In 2005, Kevin was called to reinvigorate the Gleaner brand that he quickly began with the introduction of the R6 series. Despite many odds and detractors, Bien drove the launch of the Gleaner Super Series in 2010, propelling the brand to set company records for growth, profitability, sales and customer loyalty.

In 2013, Bien led the team to introduce the S8 series on live television and in front of an audience of 1500 dealers, customers and fans. The S8 series, which included the worlds first class 8 transverse combine, won the 2013 AE50 award, the 2013 Finovation award and was named Product of the Year by AgriMarketing magazine. Kevin was recognized for professional excellence by the National Agricultural Marketing Association in 2012 and he received AGCO Chairmen's award shortly after.

Today Kevin focuses on leading and mentoring the next generation of skilled marketers for AGCO and he continues to be the steward of Gleaner combines for the Great Silver Fleet. Most importantly, Kevin is the proud husband to Judy for 40 years and a devoted father of four daughters. He has a growing list of grandchildren that call him papa.

 

Kevin Bien