The Pink Tractor Story

When Mike Tews, founder of Rock Spreaders, was a very young boy, his role model was his grandfather. His grandfather taught him everything about life and becoming a man. He owned an old tractor, and Mike grew up riding on and driving it on a farm in Minnesota — learning about hard work, family values, and simple good times.

Mike’s Own Dream

As an adult, Mike had a dream of his own. He wanted an old tractor of his own, to give his grandchildren rides on just as his grandfather had given him. In 2010, Mike was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He battled this terrible disease with every ounce of energy he had. On August 13th, 2012, the good Lord took Mike home.

Not too long after Mike had been diagnosed, he realized there were a few things he still wanted to do. Soon after, he called his daughter Mandi out of the blue to ask if she wanted to “see his tractor.” Mandi said, “What are you talking about — your Bobcat?” She was thinking of the skid-steer tractors he used for Rock Spreaders. He was talking about an old 1946 International Farmall “A” — all original, and yes, faded “pink” from years in the sun. He was so proud of it, and Mandi could tell how much joy this Old Pink Tractor had already brought her father.

Several months later, Mike’s sister and brother-in-law came down from Minnesota to visit. Mike and his brother-in-law worked on the tractor a little, and the next thing you know, the Old Pink Tractor had come to life and was running! Mike hopped up on the old, rusty thing and started driving around the old horse arena with a smile larger than life. Immediately, all the grandchildren ran out and climbed aboard, laughing and having a blast riding around with Grandpa. Then Mandi and her sister hopped up and rode along with their dad, too.

A Christmas Bill of Sale

The one possession that meant the world to Mandi was this Old Pink Tractor. It was the one thing that had brought her father so much happiness, and everyone such great memories, during his battle with cancer. This old, rusty tractor was so simple — and to her, it symbolized her father. So, several days before Christmas 2011, her husband quietly went to Mike and her mother Joyce and asked if he could buy the Old Pink Tractor for Mandi as a Christmas gift. They agreed, and the purchase was done. Well… almost. One last detail had to be handled: a “Bill of Sale,” drawn up with ten personalized, family-based conditions. It began with one unforgettable line:

Mike gave it to Mandi in an envelope on Christmas, after all the other gifts had been opened. As you can imagine, it was an incredibly emotional moment.

One More Surprise

Not too long after Christmas, Mandi’s husband had a thought. What if he could pull off one more surprise — have the tractor fully restored, so Mandi and Mike could enjoy it together? So he did. With help from a friend in Queen Creek, AZ, the project was underway. Rich worked day and night to finish it in an unusually short amount of time, and before long it was complete. At a family dinner at Mandi’s parents’ house, the debut was set. Her husband called her mother to unlock the RV gate, then drove the restored tractor into the back yard for the big reveal. It was every bit as emotional as the Bill of Sale had been at Christmas.

Part of Our Logo, Forever

The tractor is now the centerpiece of the Rock Spreaders logo, and forever will be. The three children in silhouette beside it represent Rob and Mandi’s three boys — and part of Mike’s dream to one day pass Rock Spreaders on to his grandkids, if they so choose.