Stan Houston Equipment Company had a humble beginning in 1948 when Stan and Harriet Houston started in the equipment business with a few wheelbarrows, several dozen shovels, and a large desire to succeed. The two employee operation started in a small rented location on West 12th Street, then moved to another small rented location on East 12th Street. The Houstons were joined in business by Paul Ries, a lifelong friend, who had just been discharged from the service after WWII. Stan Houston Equipment were incorporated in 1950 and started to grow as the company took on larger equipment. In the early days of the company the major lines were Case Industrial, Austin-Wester, and Littleford Bros. Soon the company needed more room and moved its headquarters to 34th and Minnesota Avenue, where the business remained until 1961.

   In the early 1960's the business shifted away from large equipment and began specializing in light equipment and supplies. Darwin Beeninga, President, began his association with Stan Houston Equipment in 1959. Jerry Moen, Vice President and Secretary, joined the firm in 1961, the same year that Stan Houston Equipment Co. moved to 400 S. Marion Road.

   In 1961 Stan and Harriet Houston moved to Rapid City to open a branch office to serve the Minute Man Missile Sites. Stan found Rapid City to his liking, became active in civic affairs and remained in the Black Hills until 1969 when he suffered a fatal heart attack, and died at age 55. 1969 was also the year that Jim Wheeldreyer, the Treasurer of the company began his association with the firm. The company continued to grow while Paul Ries served as president from 1965 until 1974.

   In 1977 Darwin Beeninga and Jerry Moen bought the controlling interest in the company. The Fall of 1978, after several years of wishing and planning, Paul, Darwin and Jerry broke ground across the street for the new building at 501 S. Marion Rd. The 18,000 square foot facility opened for business in July of 1979. In December, 1979, Paul Ries died after a short illness at the age of 65; he had retired in January of that year.

   In 1989 a new 6600 Sq. Ft. warehouse addition was added. This is used to accommodate the woodworking and industrial equipment lines which were acquired to compliment the existing inventories for general construction.

   In addition to their company responsibilities, both Darwin and Jerry were active in the community. In the 1980's and 90's Darwin assumed many leadership roles with the Sertoma club. He was president of the Noon Sertoma Club and was honored as Sertoman of the year twice...in 1991 and 1992. In 1995 he was diagnosed with cancer and he died in 1997. Jerry's community activities included Board positions on both the United Way and the YMCA. In 1990, he was elected Potentate of EL Riad Shrine.

   Jerry was president of the company from 1996 until his retirement January 1, 2000. The Houston family was involved in the company for 51 years; Jerry Moen's wife, Mary K. was Stan Houston's daughter. Upon Jerry's retirement, the company was sold to David Bozied of Brookings, ending the Houston family association with Stan Houston Equipment.

   In 2000, Dave Bozied added a new 16,000 Sq. Ft. warehouse to accommodate the expanding storage needs of the business. He also expanded the sales lines with the addition of Gehl Skid Steer Loaders and Excavators.

   Dave continues the practice of a family owned business and has retained all of the employees from Jerry Moen's period of ownership.

   We all look forward to continuing and expanding our business relationships with our current and new customers. Stan Houston Equipment thanks you, our loyal customers, for your continued support and confidence allowing our growth from a humble beginning to the largest light equipment and supply house in the tri-state area. We pledge to you our continued obligation of quality products at competitive prices.

Stan Houston Equipment Co., Inc.