Torrence's Farm Implements Inc

Claude and Jewel Torrence came to the Valley in the first
wave of settlers, moving from Pomona ,Ca. to Holtville, Ca.,"
they established a home place and ranch near Heber, Ca. .
The Torrence's were originally from Colorado, where they
were farmers.

Claude and Jewel Torrence started “Torrence's Farm Implements”
in 1939. Prior to that time Claude ran an automotive service/gas
station in Heber, Ca.
During the late 1930's farming in the Imperial Valley was
rapidly growing due to the now abundant Supply of water from
the Colorado river thru the all American canal, farmers growing
crops in the area needed somewhere and someone to service their
equipment; Claude Torrence and his service station became that
place. From that day Claude saw the opportunity to not only
provide his customers quality service but also quality equipment
thus “TORRENCE'S FARM IMPLEMENTS” was born.

Luther Hester, a Heber local; who had married Claude's daughter
Helen, became Claude's chief sales representative and effectively
directed the growth and future of “Torrence's Farm Implements”.
After Claude's death, Luther became President of the growing company-
Jewel Torrence (Claude's wife), Helen and Luther managed the business
and employed a few service men. Luther sold the equipment and managed
the store while Jewel and Helen handled all of the finances.
The company that was started as a service station, had branched out
into farm machinery sales and became synonymous with the local hay
industry.

Torrence's Farm Implements has diversified its offerings over the
years, today the tractor side of the business accounts for nearly
two-thirds of it’s annual sales.

In 1973 Scott Hester, Luther's oldest son went to work for the company.
Scott gave up his teaching career to help his family further expand the
business, Scott worked in every aspect of the business , from parts and service
to sales and ultimatly he lead the company as President and General Manager
from 1990 until his untimely death Nov 28 2005.
Scott's focus was allways on the customer and the community.
He taught that taking care of the customer was job one and that supporting local
schools ,charities and businesses ran a close second.
His presence and leadership are deeply missed.

Currently Kirk Hester Luther’s second son manages the Thermal branch and
Matthew Hester Scott's oldest son manages the Heber location and oversees
the Brawley branch ,Kim Hester Wake joined the company soon after her fathers death.
Nathan Hester another of Scott's sons also works at the Heber store in the rental department
and in Precision Guidance, a rapidly growing GPS technology in agriculture.
Kreig Hester one of Kirks sons assits him in the service department at the Thermal Branch.

To Date four generations of family have worked for and helped to expand
Torrence's Farm Implements.

Many things have changed during the last 60 years, brands have come and
gone, locations have changed and employees have changed but through it all
Torrence's Farm Implements has held true to the core philosophy that gave
birth to this company "Provide Quality