My name is Randal L. Hoyt (Randy). I grew up on a family farm in the 1960s and ’70s as the eldest of four siblings. From a young age, I helped with farm work, learning valuable skills from my father, who could build and repair almost anything. By 17, I was already rebuilding cars, including transforming a 1969 Camaro SS into a street racer.
I graduated High School in 1977 and earned my Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1981. I participated in a co-op program at John Deere Harvester Works (JDHW). After joining JDHW full-time, I spent over 20 years leading robotic programming, manufacturing, and department supervision projects. I helped install John Deere’s first production-ready “Concave Robot,” which was featured in their 1984 annual report.
In 2006, I transferred to John Deere Ottumwa Works but had to retire early due to severe spinal and hip issues. After several surgeries and years of recovery, I regained mobility, although I continue to manage chronic spinal pain.
I’m a proud father of two adult children and two grandsons.