Lance Tschetter
Lance Tschetter is an integral part of the Lankota manufacturing company, known for producing parts for combines and tractors. They supply these parts to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Kibble and Titan. Lankota's reach extends across the US, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Australia, and China.
What began as a family business operating out of their grandparents' garage has since flourished into a 50-employee enterprise nestled in Huron, South Dakota. The first Lankota part was born out of necessity; as Lance recalls, "My father had to make the parts due to limited kit availability from John Deere." This ingenuity laid the foundation for their business. The following year, a friend approached them, requesting a kit. This marked the birth of the Lankota Manufacturing company.
As their reputation and popularity grew, the family collectively decided to transition to an urban setting, expanding their horizons. Lance's deep-rooted farming background provides him with a unique connection to customers, as he states, "We understand what they are asking for and know how best to provide this service for them."
However, it's not just their products that set Lankota apart; it's their unwavering commitment to their employees. In Lance's words, "Once you begin working with Lankota, you are not seen as a statistic; rather, you become a member of the Lankota family." They take immense pride in their family values and small-town ethics, striving to foster a workplace culture where people genuinely want to work.
Reflecting on the challenges of entrepreneurship, Lance shares a personal story. He recounts, "We once tried to open a new business in Sioux Falls, and despite meticulous preparation, it did not succeed." This experience taught him the importance of finding and sticking with your niche, acknowledging that discovering your strengths may involve trial and error. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is uplifting: "Don't dwell on the negatives; there's no better time than now to work and start something new."
