Illustrious names—people with vision that grew our industry

Since its inception in 1993, respected leaders in the industry have been inducted into the AEM Hall of Fame. Individually and collectively they represent some of the best, brightest and most influential minds in the history of the off-road equipment industry. (Note: These inductees are pictured on the website's home page. All inductee titles current at the time entry into the Hall of Fame.)

The tradition continues – AEM Hall of Fame inductees

AEM has continued the tradition of the Hall of Fame, starting in 2008. See below for inductees recognized since that time.

• Sir Anthony Bamford, Chairman, JCB Inc.
• Jerome Increase Case, Founder, J.I. Case Machinery Co.
• Ronald M. DeFeo, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Terex Corp.
• Donald V. Fites, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (former), Caterpillar Inc.
• Jim Gorman, Chairman of the Board, The Gorman-Rupp Co.
• LeRoy G. Hagenbuch, Co-founder & President, Philippi-Hagenbuch Inc.
• Dr. Hans Liebherr, Founder, Liebherr Co.

Read more about the newest inductees, recognized in 2011.

• Don Landoll, Chairman, Landoll Corp.
• Elton Long, Vice President Construction Equipment Engineering Worldwide, Case Construction Equipment

About the 2011 inductees

Don Landoll
Don Landoll was born an inventor and has designed and manufactured innovative machinery. In 1963 he opened a welding, blacksmith, and radiator repair shop. In 1967 the production of agricultural products with the Landoll brand began. By 1970, Don had designed and patented a unique, innovative trailer which eventually changed the way many transport companies conducted their business. This trailer was capable of ground loading and off-loading equipment, and was known as the traveling axle.

Under Don's leadership, the company continues to improve and expand its product lines. Landoll offers products for many segments – construction, agriculture, towing, forklift and military.

Landoll is the largest employer in its community, and Don and his employees have a culture of service, participating in many charitable organizations. Don actively supports industry and business interests to help ensure the strength of manufacturing in his state.

Don's company follows as many sustainable practices as possible – it uses state-of-the-art powder paint systems, and participates in programs to recycle oil, mercury such as in light bulbs, and batteries, for their lead. The company is active in waste and storm water programs and electricity conservation, and it has a paperless invoicing system.

In 2007 Landoll Corporation was among five companies receiving a Regional Governor's Award of Excellence from the State of Kansas. Landoll has also received the U.S. Department of Defense's highest award presented to civilian contractors, the Pro Patria, for his support of the National Guard and Reserves.

Elton Long
Elton Long, who lived 1912 to 2003, has been called the "Father of the Backhoe." He earned 46 patents during his career for designing and improving equipment, but he is best known for designing and producing the first integrated tractor loader/backhoe for Case Construction Equipment. The machine provided improved quality and operating efficiencies, taking on tasks once done by hand, and manufacturing efficiencies, since machines did not need to be retrofitted.

Long built an enduring legacy of innovation and success that continues influencing the construction equipment industry today. His leadership and career are well illustrated by Case's production, between 1957 and 1960, of 11 different models totaling almost 11,000 loader/backhoes. No other previous three-year period in Case's history had seen the release of so many units, and this is credited largely to Long and his impeccable leadership of the engineering department.

As the company's vice president of engineering, Long's contributions included the hydraulic Extendahoe, an extendible dipper stick that added 2.5 feet to the backhoe's dig depth. There was also the first hydraulic system for a construction machine that could be controlled from the operator's seat, the first dozer blade controlled from the operator's seat, the over-center backhoe, load stabilizers and swing mechanisms.

Long was also a decorated pilot in World War II, earning 16 Air Medals, a Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross after flying 100 missions over Europe.