Richard Broders and his Legacy
Nestled in the rugged beauty of Colorado’s San Luis Valley at 8,500 feet, Richard Broders has built a life and a legacy shaped by hard work, determination, and a deep-rooted relationship with 4Rivers Equipment. For over five decades, Richard has been a loyal customer, relying on John Deere machines and the unwavering support of the 4Rivers team to power his business and livelihood.
It all began in August of 1971. Richard, then working for a paving outfit, made a bold decision. “I quit and came home with one paycheck in my pocket and told the wife, ‘We’re going into business,’” he recalls. His first purchase? A John Deere 310 backhoe with a three-cylinder engine. There wasn’t even a cab on the machine; Richard just had grit and determination.
That decision marked the beginning of a 54-year journey with 4Rivers Equipment. Over the years, Richard added a 772 blade, a 490 excavator, and a 410 backhoe he bought new in 1983. “John Deere always ran well for me. I could always get parts when I needed them. So, I stayed with it,” he says. His loyalty wasn’t just to the machines, it was also to the people behind them.
The Connection
Richard’s connection to his equipment runs deep. “My old 410—if it sneezes, I know where to wipe its nose,” he jokes. “I take care of it, and it takes care of me.” He appreciates the feel and feedback of older machines, the kind of intuitive connection that comes from decades of hands-on experience. “These new machines are more comfortable, but you don’t have the bubble in your butt to know where the grade is,” he laughs.
One memory that stands out is a cold winter job digging electrical ditches for the City of Colorado Springs. “It got down below zero and stayed there for two weeks. We were digging through four feet of frost for $0.50 a foot, and making money,” he says. When he finally added a cab to his 310, the 4Rivers team treated the installation like it was their own machine. “They just jumped on it and got everything hooked up and working.”
That kind of service has defined Richard’s experience with 4Rivers. When a control valve on his 490 excavator cracked and parts were scarce, 4Rivers tracked one down at a great price. “That made a big difference,” he says. “They’ve always been great to work with.”
The Centennial
As 4Rivers Equipment celebrates its 100th anniversary, Richard reflects on the milestone with admiration. “I knew they’d been around a while, but I didn’t realize it was that long. I’ve been a customer for 54 years, so I’m really impressed.”
What’s the secret to a century of success? According to Richard, it’s simple: “Service, availability of equipment, and their people. I’ve never gotten crosswise with any of them.”
Though he’s mostly worked solo, with a brief stint in a family-run partnership, Richard’s story is one of independence, resilience, and trust. Through it all, 4Rivers Equipment has been right there with him—every mile, every machine, and every memory.
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