New owner of B & J Power Equipment shop

For the past three months we, as a community, have worried about the future of B & J Power Equipment, one of Du Quoin's signature businesses as owners Bill Hamburger and Jess Coffel contemplated retirement.

That worry ends today.

Joel Vancil--farmer, agribusinessman, pastor, high school FFA alumni director and most recently a parts department staff member at H & R Agripower in Vergennes--today announced his purchase of this historic an indispensable shop in downtown Du Quoin.

"It's an honor for me," said Vancil, showing great respect and reverence for Hamburger and Coffel, who will continue to own and operate the business through the end of the year.

Vancil brings to the business youth, technology and growth plans for the business that will change its name to Du Quoin Small Tractor and Power Equipment, LLC.

Franchise and licensing agreements with equipment companies like Snapper and Stihl have already been transferred. Financing and a contract have been signed with the goal of continuing to give Du Quoin a high quality equipment sales and repair shop well into the future.

Vancil, who owns and operates a farm east of Tamaroa, said he will computerize the shop's inventory, partner with new vendors and bring to Du Quoin a new line of compact diesel tractors. "A lot of people grew up with this shop," he said.

Vancil is a major advocate of the high school FFA programs and pastors the Sunfield Baptist Church. Coffel, Hamburger and the shop's mechanics say they will help in any way to make the coming transition seamless in service to the shop's hundreds of loyal customers.