Blue Ridge Tractor Co. celebrating 75 years of service and success
By Bob Oswald
Blue Ridge Tractor Co. owner James Motsinger is celebrating the company’s 75 years in
business, while honoring those who ran the business before him, his grandfather and his
father.
The dealership, at 176 Old NC-268 in Wilkesboro, originally opened as a Ford Tractor Dealership in
downtown Wilkesboro.
“My grandfather, Bob Transou, opened Blue Ridge Tractor in January of 1949,” Motsinger
said. “He was living in Elkin at the time. He drove from Elkin daily until in 1954 when he and my
father purchased a farm in Wilkes County.”
Motsinger’s father, Rowan Motsinger, who grew up on a tobacco farm in Yadkin County, was married
to Transou’s daughter Jenny.
“In 1952 (my father) was drafted for the Korean war,” Motsinger said. “He gave his
job at a tire store in Boonville to a friend when he left. He was turned down for service due to an
enlarged heart. No longer having a job, he joined my grandfather at the dealership.”
The business continued to grow, acquiring Bush Hog and New Idea equipment lines in the 1960s. In 1972,
Rowan Motsinger purchased property off Hwy. 268, built a new building, and moved the dealership to its
current location.
The focus of the dealership has always been its farm customers.
“Providing outstanding parts and service for the farm community established the reputation of the
dealership as a reliable supplier genuinely interested in the success of its customers,” Motsinger
said.
“I have been told on many occasions by customers in neighboring counties that they have driven by
their local dealer to come buy parts from us because they knew we would have what was needed, rather
than having to order it.”
Those customers appreciate the extra effort to fill their needs, Motsinger said.
“We are continually complimented on our parts stocking,” he said of the current inventory,
which includes $1.2 million in parts.
Work at the dealership varies, depending upon the season.
“Over 40% of our annual business happens in around 100 days, late April through June,”
Motsinger said. “This is hay season. It's hectic and demanding. It has no hours of operation. It
literally requires daylight till dark for many days.”
But his crew is up to the challenge.
“I am fortunate to have many employees that also are willing to work the hours required to get
the job done,” he said.
Motsinger, 63, who lives with his wife and son on the farm in Boomer that was purchased by his father
and grandfather, has been a part of the business most of his life.
“I have no idea what I would be doing if not for Blue Ridge Tractor,” he said.
During elementary school, Motsinger would ride the afternoon school bus to the dealership to stock
parts, assemble small equipment, and often tag along with his father.
“Many times, after closing, Dad would deliver equipment or go to fix equipment for a
customer,” he said. “Since he was my ride home, I was always along with him. He was an
excellent example for me of someone that truly cared for his customers.”
James moved to the parts department, “once I could see over the counter.”
Motsinger attended Wilkes Community College and Appalachian State University before he quit school in
1986 to join the dealership full time.
“Dad really needed full time help and I was certain that was my landing spot for life,” he
said.
Motsinger said his father had a tremendous influence on him.
“He was a great father and also my boss. He always encouraged me and never held me back from any
duties or responsibilities I wanted to pursue. At the same time, he offered great wisdom and
advice,” he said.
While the dealership was doing very well with business in Wilkes County and nearby, Motsinger asked his
father about traveling to neighboring counties to recruit new customers.
“He agreed,” Motsinger said. “After a few months I had gained us several customers.
He then made a simple statement that has been the motto I live by. After complimenting me on my success,
he said, ‘Just always remember it will be easier to keep the customers you have than to get new
ones.’”
“That one simple statement revealed so much to me. To me it meant take care of what you have
and more will come as a result. It has since been the mission of Blue Ridge Tractor to provide
dedicated customer service always, not just when it was convenient. It has resulted in 75 years of
growth and success that I am very proud of.”
Bob Transou retired from the dealership in 1982. Rowan Motsinger retired in 1990 and died in January
2012. James Motsinger said customers continue to relay stories of how his father helped them out.
“Following in his footsteps, I must say that the most joy and satisfaction I have is when I can
fix a customer's baler and see that smile come over their face,” he said. “A smile of mine
immediately follows.”
