When J.P. joined Tennessee Tractor after a decade in the automotive industry, he was looking for a new challenge. Over the past three years, he's continued to grow professionally while building strong relationships with both customers and coworkers. Today, we're excited to congratulate J.P. Williams on his promotion to Service Manager at our Ripley location.
Beat the Heat
Working in the summer heat can be dangerous. Stay hydrated, take breaks, and watch for signs of heatrelated illness to help keep yourself and your coworkers safe.
Stay Safe
�� Drink water often.
�� Take breaks in the shade.
�� Wear light-colored clothing and a hat.
�� Watch out for your coworkers.
⚠ Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
EmployeeCHRIS PUTT
Growing Through Tennessee Tractor
Every career starts with a decision. For Chris Putt, that decision came in high school when he enrolled in the John Deere TECH Program—despite having no background in agriculture or farm equipment. More than 13 years later, that decision has taken him from intern to technician, Shop Foreman, and now into a role supporting service departments across Tennessee Tractor.
Throughout that journey, Chris has discovered that growth isn't about having all the answers. It's about embracing challenges, learning from experienced mentors, trusting your teammates, and never being afraid to ask for help. Those lessons continue to shape the way he works today and the way he helps others grow across the company.
A Chance Worth Taking
The Beginning
Chris's journey with Tennessee Tractor began in high school when he was introduced to the John Deere TECH Program. Although he had never grown up around farm equipment and had no technical experience, Chris saw an opportunity to build a career doing what he enjoyed most working with his hands and helping others.
The TECH Program gave Chris the foundation to begin that journey. Through classroom instruction and hands-on training, he learned to diagnose electrical, hydraulic, engine, and powertrain systems while gaining the skills needed to work on agricultural equipment.
That training led him to Tennessee Tractor, where he began as an intern at the Brownsville location more than 13 years ago. After graduating from the TECH Program two years later, he accepted a full-time position at the Jackson store.
Moving to Jackson exposed Chris to a different service department and allowed him to learn from experienced technicians including Charles Morris, Sam Henderson, and Willie Acred. Each mentor brought a different perspective, helping him develop both his technical abilities and confidence as a young technician.
As his confidence grew, Chris eventually became a lawn mower technician, a role he now considers one of the most valuable experiences of his early career. It strengthened his understanding of electrical systems, wiring schematics, and troubleshooting skills that would continue to serve him throughout the rest of his career.
Learning Through Challenge
Returning to Brownsville as a Large Ag Technician marked the next chapter in Chris Putt's career. With the store shorthanded, Chris felt ready to take the next step and continue expanding his experience on larger equipment.
During that time, Brownsville Shop Foreman Tommy Tyus became one of Chris's biggest influences. Beyond teaching technical skills, Tommy emphasized the importance of communication. Mistakes were inevitable, but learning from them, communicating openly, and continuing to move forward were lessons that stayed with Chris throughout his career.
As the years passed, the service department changed. Experienced leadership moved on, and Chris found himself in what he describes as a "sink-or-swim" environment. Working alongside Tristin McGee and JD Ward, the three technicians relied on one another to solve problems, share ideas, and keep customers running.
Looking back, Chris says those years taught him one of the most valuable lessons of his career: the challenges that seem the hardest in the moment often become the experiences that teach you the most.
"It's okay to struggle. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Always communicate with someone when you need help."
LEventually, Chris was presented with the opportunity to become Shop Foreman at the Brownsville location. It was a major step forward, but one he felt prepared for after years of growing as a technician. For the next three and a half years, he balanced leading the shop while continuing to answer service calls, troubleshoot equipment, and help keep customers running.
Beyond managing the shop, Chris wanted to understand every aspect of the service department. He learned warranty administration, invoicing, parts coordination, and day-to-day operations so he could step in wherever he was needed. That commitment helped him become a stronger leader while better supporting both the team and Tennessee Tractor's customers.
"I wanted to become the best version of myself and better support both the team and our customers."
Growing Together
Fast forward to last November, and Chris began noticing a shift across many Tennessee Tractor locations. As work volume changed, another opportunity presented itself. Already familiar with the company's systems and service operations, he believed he could help improve efficiency and support service departments across multiple stores.
Since taking on that role, Chris has worked alongside interns, technicians, Shop Foremen, and Service Managers throughout nearly every Tennessee Tractor location. Together, they have developed new game plans, implemented new strategies, and found better ways to operate service departments while helping keep customers running.
Looking back, Chris says the most important lesson he has learned is that communication is the key to success. He also believes growth requires embracing change. While change can be uncomfortable, he has learned that it creates opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
For Chris, what makes Tennessee Tractor special is that nobody has to go through change alone. Employees grow together, learn together, and support one another through every challenge. Whether someone is an intern, technician, Shop Foreman, Service Manager, or part of leadership, everyone works toward the same goal.
"I believe that tells you everything you need to know about Tennessee Tractor. It is a company built on teamwork, growth, communication, and a commitment to helping one another succeed."
Celebrations
July Birthdays Work Anniversaries JuneBirthdays
TuckerStevens 07/02
CodyBlitchington 07/04
BillyTimberlake 07/04
RobertWorley 07/05
IngridHernandez 07/06
EmmaLowe 07/07
BryonRichardson 07/07
TylerSmith 07/07
DonTyus 07/07
TristinMcGee 07/08
MatthewHenderson 07/11
BaileyHutchison 07/12
JoshMcNabb 07/12
PaulWyatt 07/13
GaryFowler 07/14
JustinBaker 07/15
ChrisCox 07/17
RogerPerry 07/17
MasonPoston 07/18
JacobSmelser 07/22
MattCowan 07/25
JPWilliams 07/28
JasonCross 07/30
RonnieRoss 07/30
MollyJoyner 07/31
John Deere TECH
Orientation
Tennessee Tractor's John Deere TECH interns recently gathered in Alamo for orientation before returning to school. Following training sessions, the group wrapped up the day with teambuilding activities at Battlezone Park, including Orbeez battles and axe throwing.
